Whether you enjoy live music, indulging in local cuisine or spending some quality time with the family, each evening of the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen will create lasting memories.
Aberdeen will transform into a vibrant hub of maritime celebrations this summer as the city hosts the international maritime spectacle, the Tall Ships Races.
The 50 majestic vessels from all across the world will be a sight to behold during the day, with visitors invited to board and explore the spectacular tall ships.
The excitement continues into the evenings as Aberdeen comes alive with a range of events that are sure to make your experience unforgettable.
Here’s a guide to the evening events you will not want to miss during the Tall Ships Races festival from Saturday July 19 until Tuesday July 22.
Quayside Concerts
To celebrate the Tall Ships Races visiting the city a dockside freight yard at Port of Aberdeen will be transformed into one of Scotland’s biggest outdoor music venues.
Peterson Seabase on Regent Quay will become a 7,000-capacity venue for one weekend only, hosting music acts like Ministry of Sound Classical. You’ll be dancing the night away as the group performs your favourite dance tracks like you’ve never heard them before – with a full orchestra and sensational vocalists. Buy your tickets online or in person at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.
Individual tickets for Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs as well as ticket bundles to three Quayside Concerts are currently sold out. But you can sign up to the waitlists to be among the first to find out if more tickets become available.
Free Tide Lines and Calum Bowie gig
Given the buzz over the Quayside Concerts, organisers said they were thrilled to be able to offer a special free and unticketed concert featuring the talents of Tide Lines and local star Calum Bowie.
They will take to the stage at Peterson Seabase on Sunday July 20, following a crew prize giving event and a massive crew parade through city streets.
The prize-giving at Peterson will start at 5pm. The evening gig will follow, with Calum due to take to the stage at around 7.40pm, followed by Tide Lines.
Access to the site will be available at any time throughout the day, and with the concert being “first-come-first-served” those wishing to attend are strongly advised to come early to avoid disappointment.
Tide Lines’ singer Robert Robertson said: “We can’t wait to play for the Tall Ships in Aberdeen. We’ve had some brilliant gigs in the city over the years and loved playing for the Tall Ships up in Lerwick a couple of summers ago – so this has all the makings of a great night.
“It also falls just after the release of our new album, Glasgow Love Story, making it an especially exciting time for us!”
Banchory-born singer-songwriter Calum is a surefire hit with his home crowd after taking Tiktok by storm and playing Glastonbury, TRNSMT and Belladrum last year.
Calum said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to play my first ever festival in Aberdeen! Also super excited to be supporting Tide Lines, such a big inspiration. Should be a class day!”
Be there early on Sunday July 20 to secure your place! Admission will be on a ‘first come’ basis.
Late night food, bars and music at the Transit Sheds
Foodies will be in for a treat as Regent Quay hosts a street food market and bars until 11pm on Saturday July 19 and Monday July 21.
The market will showcase a wide array of culinary delights like local seafood and artisanal cheeses. Pair your meal with local whiskies, craft beers or specialty cocktails highlighting the region’s produce.
Live music will also be on hand from exciting local talent, with Ross T Graham playing on the Saturday night and David Angus and Elphen playing on Monday.
The festival ambiance will invite you to mingle with fellow food enthusiasts and share in the joyous celebration of flavours.
Funfair after dark
For something a little different after dark, head to Codona’s pop-up funfair on King Street, running from West North Street to Castle Street.
Open late until 11pm from Saturday July 19 to Monday July 21, the fair brings an energetic atmosphere to the city centre with illuminated rides, live street performances, and a selection of market stalls, perfect for adding a playful twist to your night out.
