Aberdeen Gears Up for a Maritime Celebration Like No Other

Aberdeen is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the return of the Tall Ships Race, with organisers promising a four-day celebration packed with music, food, and global flair. From Saturday 19 July to Tuesday 22 July, the Granite City will welcome dozens of majestic sailing vessels from around the world, alongside a packed programme of events aimed at locals and visitors alike.

The festival is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the city, with organisers calling it Scotland’s biggest tourist event of the year.

International Tall Ships and Free Entertainment on the Waterfront

The star attractions, of course, are the Tall Ships themselves. Vessels from Oman, Uruguay, Peru and beyond will sail into Aberdeen Harbour, offering a rare chance to see these giants of the sea up close. It’s only the third time Aberdeen has hosted the event, having last done so in 1997.

Alongside the maritime spectacle, the city will be alive with free entertainment. Visitors can expect a sea of activity across the harbour area, including live music, pop-up street food, and family-friendly attractions. The central hub at Blaikie’s Quay will feature a giant sandpit and hands-on entertainment for children, plus an appearance from the event mascot, Dorry the Dolphin.

A Packed Line-up with Sold Out Shows and Scottish Stars

Big-name gigs are also helping to build the buzz. Deacon Blue, Kaiser Chiefs, and Ministry of Sound Classical have already sold out their headline shows, setting the tone for what promises to be a lively weekend.

The wider music line-up offers something for all tastes, from Scottish trad and jazz to Afrobeat, hip hop, and Latin soul. Acts on the bill include Tide Lines, Calum Bowie, Glasvegas, Brooke Combe, Little Kicks, Capollos, and Look Busy Collective. Local choirs and youth ensembles will also take to the stage, making the most of the city’s homegrown talent.

A City Ready to Celebrate

Speaking about the event, Aberdeen City Council’s Tall Ships Project Manager Emma Wadee said the city is more than ready for the celebration. “We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party. We saw that during the Dons’ Scottish Cup victory parade,” she said. “We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer and help turn the Granite City into a festival from morning to night.”

With a mix of maritime heritage, international flair, and modern entertainment, Aberdeen’s turn as host is set to make waves this summer.

Plan Your Visit
Dates: Saturday 19 July to Tuesday 22 July
Location: Aberdeen Harbour and surrounding areas
Highlights: Tall Ships fleet, live music, family activities, street food stalls
Admission: Many events are free. Some headline concerts require tickets.

For full programme details, visit the official Tall Ships Races Aberdeen website.