Family fun spills into the city centre
Explore arts, play and performance across Aberdeen’s favourite cultural spaces
Union Terrace Gardens will take on a livelier rhythm this Sunday as Family Arts Day unfolds across Aberdeen city centre. Aimed at families with children aged 0 to 12, the day blends playful performances, hands-on activities and a big puppet parade to round things off. It’s a chance for local families to explore art, movement and music in some unexpected ways.
The afternoon is part of Light the Blue, a festival shaped by and for young people, and it brings together youth theatre groups, bands, dance collectives and artists in a setting that feels far from formal. You can dip into whatever suits you: football panna, puppet-making, parkour, live gigs or backstage theatre tours. No packed schedule or packed wallet required.
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Open Road presents a screening of Meet the Buchanans, an off-beat documentary about the first Clan Buchanan Chief in over 300 years. With missing historical records, much of the inauguration ceremony is improvised, offering a fresh take on the role of Clans today.
Join director Barbara Orton and Professor Alison Lumsden for a post-screening Q&A. Catch it at Fittie Community Hall on Friday 6 June at 7pm, doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets are £5, pay by card or cash.
Art you can touch
Some of the most interesting work is being made with the youngest audiences in mind. ‘A Dispute with a Butterfly’, a soft, sensory show for under-fives, plays out in both the HMT foyer and the Gardens. With puppetry and play at its centre, it explores what makes the butterfly unique and how we can learn from the generations before us.
Crafting sessions nearby offer a creative twist. Kids are encouraged to explore British Sign Language while meeting characters from Scottish folktales. Just Us, Clare Adam and Lesley Howard will guide the journey.
Local talent takes the stage
Performances run throughout the day, with groups including Redmyre School Choir, Citymoves dancers and the Riverbank Wind Band sharing the outdoor stage. Aberdeen Performing Arts Youth Theatre and Aberdeen Arts Centre Youth Theatre will also take part, alongside the Academy of Expressive Arts and Fiddle Futures Juniors.
In the HMT Studio, shows include Doon the Watter at 11.30am, The Truth About Trees at 1.30pm and A Wee Dance With Us! at 3.45pm. Free backstage tours of the theatre run at 12.45pm and 1.30pm on a first-come basis.
End on a high
The finale features a free outdoor gig by Sprog Rock, followed by a community parade through the Gardens. Anyone can join in. No rehearsal needed. Meet at the Union Terrace Gardens grass area at 4pm if you want to take part.
Jordan Blackwood, Creative Producer of Light the Blue, said they’re aiming for an open and relaxed day: “Whether you want to try crafting, play sports or just sit back and enjoy, everyone is welcome.”
Events begin from 12pm across Union Terrace Gardens, His Majesty’s Theatre and Aberdeen Art Gallery. Most are free, and none require a ticket. Just turn up and see what unfolds.
