Festival of the Sea Sets Sail in Aberdeen This July
Get ready for maritime trails, arts, and crafts at Aberdeen's Festival of the Sea, promoting the city’s connection with the sea.
With anticipation growing that The Tall Ships Race will return to Aberdeen next year, people are interested in exploring the city’s relationship with the sea. With this in mind, the city is set to celebrate our rich maritime heritage and future with the debut of the Festival of the Sea this July.
The city-wide event, which will run from 15th to 28th July, promises a packed schedule of activities across multiple venues. These include Aberdeen Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, and local community hubs in Fittie and Torry.
The festival aims to deepen the connection between Aberdeen and its coastal environment, timed perfectly as a precursor to the city hosting the Tall Ships Race in July 2025. In anticipation of this major event, three tall ships will make a grand entrance at Aberdeen’s harbour, with one, the tall ship Swan, offering training sessions for young people to prepare for the upcoming races.
Community events in Fittie and Torry
Community engagement is at the heart of the Festival of the Sea. Creative producers from Open Road have organised events in Fittie and Torry. They will highlight the unique relationship these areas have with the sea. They include exhibitions, film showings, and hands-on activities like arts and crafts, nature walks, and rock pooling, all designed to bring maritime culture to life for residents and visitors alike.
A special festival highlight is the free family fun weekend scheduled for July 20th and 21st in Union Terrace Gardens. This weekend will feature sea-themed entertainment, including a life-size inflatable whale housing a storytelling centre, comedic performances by swashbuckling pirates, and even a desert island adventure.
Aberdeen is a maritime city so it's only right to mark our continuing relationship to the North Sea through this special programme of events.
Councillor Martin Greig - culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council
Moreover, the Aberdeen Art Gallery will host sea-themed activities and workshops, aligning with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to offer a cultural and educational experience for all ages.
With two weeks filled with interactive and educational events, the Festival of the Sea celebrates Aberdeen’s maritime history and looks forward to its future, enhancing community involvement and excitement as the city prepares to welcome the Tall Ships Race next year.
