Illuminating the colourful events shaping Aberdeen in February

Hey folks, welcome to the February issue of the POST Newsletter. If this is the first issue we've sent you, welcome. If you've been with us for a while, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription for just £3 per month or £30 per year. Join the small band of heroes helping spread our costs and ensure it's accessible to ALL, regardless of income or circumstances. We're self-funded with the help of our generous Supporter Crew.

January started slowly, but things quickly got busier with a raft of unmissable stories on the website. First, we were chuffed to launch our new, expanded What's On Aberdeen page. This page is your go-to guide for all things cultural, including live music, theatre, art exhibitions, and festivals. It's the one feature we missed from the old version of the website, and we're very pleased it's back. This is also backed up by our expanded coverage of of events including comedy and theatre.

Just before sending this month’s newsletter, we learned that Creative Scotland has received a significant funding boost from the Scottish Government, meaning that £4.2 million is heading to Aberdeen-based organisations. This supports the artists, performers, and groups that enrich our communities. Key recipients include Belmont Community Cinema, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Citymoves Dance Agency, Grampian Hospitals Art Trust, Peacock & The Worm, and the WORD Centre for Creative Writing. This funding will help these vital organisations continue to grow, create, and inspire Aberdeen’s cultural scene for years to come.

The Belmont Cinema took another big step in its comeback this month by announcing Matt Buchanan's appointment as CEO. His hard work at the Montrose Playhouse transformed an abandoned swimming pool into a brilliant community cinema and thriving community hub. The appointment promises an exciting future for Belmont.

Spectra announced the full lineup for its 2025 festival. In its 11th year, Spectra promises to bring a splash of light and colour to Aberdeen's cold nights and always draws big crowds. This year, Council Baby will present Fit D’You Know About the Bon Accord? at the Art Gallery Sculpture Court while Johanna Basford brings a giant interactive colouring wall to Union Terrace Gardens. Also featured are Studio Vertigo's End Over End and ENESS’s inflatable Sky Castle, adding to the festival's creative flair. Your complete guide to Scotland's Festival of Light is now live on POST.

Hera's towering mural at Union Point at Aberdeen Harbour is in the running to be the best UK mural of 2024. It is a special accolade to even be in the running. It was amazing to see Hera work on her 12-floor art during Nuart Aberdeen last year but to find she was also funny and entertaining during her talk at The Lemon Tree was a treat.

One of our most popular stories on the website during January was Aberdeen Arts Centre's launch of a new photography competition. Light in the Dark encourages photographers at all levels to submit images that find a warm glow in cold but familiar corners of the city. You have until 2nd February to submit your entries. The Arts Centre also announced Scratch That, a showcase of new innovative theatre work by four brilliant local artists.

Outer Spaces announced a new exhibition this month. In Our Spaces is the culmination of three months of hard work by Kirsty Russel, Maria Muruagu and Lauren McLaughlin. They've been exploring the theme of In/Visible. You can see the exhibition for yourself at the end of February. Details later in this newsletter.

WayWORD has invited people aged 16-25 to help organise and produce this year’s festival. The festival has celebrated literature, poetry, visual arts, and theatre for five years, benefitting from the guidance of an experienced core team. An information session will be held on February 4th for those interested in contributing to its future success.

If you are a freelance creative, you may want to check out FINE's new residency programme, supported by Culture Aberdeen and Look Again. This project brings together like-minded creatives to collaborate and explore their professional development. The idea is to identify and push past the challenges faced by freelance creatives as a team.

Always a firm favourite in the city, Aberdeen Restaurant Week has announced the line-up for its next foodie festival. Over 60 local venues will offer special menus starting at £5, covering everything from hearty Scottish fare to spicy Latin-inspired dishes. From set menus and tasting sessions to unique dining experiences like Sundae School at Mackie’s 19.2. It kicks off at the end of February.

Drawing this section to a close, we made a couple of trips to HMT this month. Kevin was impressed by Hairspray's dazzling mix of humour, heart, and show-stopping 60s rock. And Chris took his delighted daughter to experience the magic of The Nutcracker.

For now, who’s ready to shake off January and start looking ahead to February?

Chris & Kevin xx

What's on in February

Dictator: Live

1 Feb - Drummonds

Dictator, a four-piece from West Lothian, blend atmospheric rock with electronica, psychedelic guitar riffs, and groove-heavy beats. Their sound is a dynamic mix of texture and rhythm that keeps you enthralled.

Taking inspiration from Primal Scream, Gorillaz, and The xx, they craft indie-pop anthems brimming with emotion and energy. Expect unforgettable hooks and a fresh, genre-crossing style that’s uniquely theirs.

The Ambient Arcade

1 Feb - Music Hall Big Sky Studio

The Ambient Arcade presents accessible audio-visual sculptures inspired by retro video games and vintage computer terminals. Each piece lets you explore sound and moving images in an intuitive, hands-on way.

Designed to encourage interaction and collaborative play, it’s an experience the whole family can enjoy. Especially loved by children aged 0–10, it’s playful, creative, and endlessly engaging.

& Juliet

4-8 Feb - HMT

What if Juliet chose a different path after Romeo? & JULIET reimagines Shakespeare’s classic, giving her a bold new chapter filled with second chances, self-discovery, and living life her own way.

Written by an Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer, this feel-good musical has wowed audiences with its humour and heart. A West End hit, it’s earned three Olivier Awards for good reason!

Queer Folks' Tales

5 Feb - Lemon Tree

Queer Folks’ Tales is back, bringing hilarious, heartfelt, and daring LGBTQ+ stories to life. Featuring stand-ups, writers, singers, and more, each show delivers a fresh and vibrant lineup.

After sell-out performances in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, this touring event shares true stories of queer lives across Scotland. Prepare for laughter, touching moments, and a few unexpected twists along the way.

Spectra Festival of Light

6-9 Feb - Aberdeen City Centre

Spectra returns, lighting up Aberdeen with dazzling installations, live performances, and hands-on creative activities. Now in its 11th year, Scotland’s Festival of Light continues to brighten the city’s winter nights.

This much-loved event celebrates incredible talent and brings a touch of magic to the season. A true winter highlight, it’s a fantastic way to experience art, light, and creativity together.

Reja Gildea: Dreamland

7 Feb - 7 Apr - Bonnymuir Gree Cafe

Reja Gildea’s captivating collage art is heading to the Bonnymuir Green Café! Following the success of her work at last year’s Open Art Exhibition, she’s created an entire show to explore her vision.

Titled Dreamland, the exhibition features a collection of imaginative and striking collages. It’s a chance to dive into Reja’s creative world and experience her art up close.

Royal Photographic Society Print Exhibition 2025

11-28 Feb - Arts Centre

Members of the Royal Photographic Society in Scotland present a stunning collection of prints, showcasing a range of photographic styles and the remarkable talent found across the country.

Free to visit, the exhibition offers something for everyone. Running throughout February, it’s a perfect chance to explore diverse perspectives through the lens.

Scratch That

12 Feb - Arts Centre

Four rising theatre creatives will premiere their new works at Aberdeen Arts Centre, offering an exciting look at the future of theatre in the north-east. It’s a night of fresh, creative talent.

A collaboration between Scottish Youth Theatre and Aberdeen Arts Centre, this project supports local artists as they showcase their work, connect with audiences, and develop their craft.

Rhythms of the Moon: A Lunar New Year Celebration

14 Feb - The Tivoli

Rhythms of the Moon features Duo Pertar, with acclaimed percussionist Lin Chen and guitarist Kristian Sievers. Their performance blends marimbas, vibraphones, and Chinese drums for an unforgettable musical experience.

Joined by local student performers, this event promises a night of rhythm, energy, and cultural fusion. It’s a powerful celebration of sound, collaboration, and the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

Inverted Wonderland

15 Feb - Arts Centre

Experience Alice’s classic tale like never before with a fun, family-friendly circus twist! Presented by Inverted Circus and Pole Fitness, it’s a playful reimagining packed with aerial wonders.

Look out for a caterpillar on silks, a Cheshire Cat on rope, and the Queen of Hearts on an aerial heart. Get ready for a magical, topsy-turvy adventure!

Bob Bain: Northern Enlightenment

15 Feb - 29 Mar - The Worm Gallery

Aberdeen artist and printmaker, Bob Bain, was a true romanticist, capturing the emotional essence of nature’s moods. His work beautifully weaves personal narrative with the expressive power of print.

For the first time, this exhibition gathers his collection, offering a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in his profound vision and reflect on the world he so uniquely portrayed.

Andrew Ryan: Let Me Know How You Get On

16 Feb - Lemon Tree

Andrew has finally made it to Belfast, living his dream life—well, almost. Now, he’s hitting the road, sharing his hilarious tales of woe and misadventures across the UK and Ireland this autumn.

From travel disasters and roadside mishaps to some truly questionable life choices, this show promises laughs, chaos, and Andrew at his absolute best. It’s his biggest tour yet—don’t miss it!

Light the Dark Celebration Event

16 Feb - Arts Centre

The Light in the Dark photography exhibition highlights breathtaking moments of joy and light in Aberdeen’s winter months. Each entry offers a fresh perspective on the Granite City’s beauty and charm.

This event celebrates the creativity of local photographers, with the competition winners set to be revealed. It’s a wonderful chance to see Aberdeen through artistic and inspiring lenses.

Speakin' Weird

17 Feb - The Blue Lamp

Bring your poems, stories, or comedy to the latest Speakin’ Weird night—a welcoming space to share your work or simply enjoy the creativity of others. It’s all about connection and expression.

With headliner Molly McLachlan and hosts Orla Shortall and Hannah Nicholson, this event celebrates Aberdeen’s thriving spoken-word scene. Head along for an inspiring, creative evening full of talent and energy.

Nina Conti Whose Face is it Anyway

17 Feb - The Tivoli

Nina Conti, the master of ventriloquism comedy, is back on tour with a brand-new show. With sharp wit and quick improvisation, she turns audience members into unexpected stars of the night.

From London’s West End to Sydney’s Opera House, Nina (and Monkey) never fail to entertain. Expect an unscripted, hilarious ride that guarantees laughter and surprises at every turn.

Speakin' Weird

17 Feb - The Blue Lamp

Bring your poems, stories, or comedy to the latest Speakin’ Weird night—a friendly, open space to share your work or simply enjoy the creativity of others. Everyone’s welcome, whether performing or listening.

With headliner Molly McLachlan and hosts Orla Shortall and Hannah Nicholson, this lively event is a great way to connect with Aberdeen’s thriving spoken-word scene. Expect a night full of talent, laughter, and storytelling.

Birdsong

18-22 Feb - HMT

Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong returns to the stage in 2024, marking 30 years since the novel’s release. This gripping adaptation brings its sweeping romance and haunting wartime story back to audiences.

Following Stephen Wraysford, a young Englishman whose love affair with Isabelle Azaire is shattered by the First World War, it’s a powerful tale of passion, loss, and survival.

Raise You Up!

19-22 Feb - Arts Centre

Class Act Drama marks 15 years with Raise You Up, a whole-school musical theatre show packed with songs from beloved musicals and films. Expect an evening full of energy, fresh talent, and celebration.

With performances from enthusiastic pupils, this uplifting show will have you clapping, dancing, and singing along. Don’t miss this special anniversary event!

Granite Noir Crime Writing Festival

20-23 Feb - Venues Across Aberdeen

Granite Noir returns for its ninth edition from 20–23 February, bringing another thrilling lineup of crime writers and unique literary experiences to Aberdeen. It’s a must for fans of mystery and suspense.

The 2025 festival cements Aberdeen’s status as a hub for crime fiction, mixing classic Scottish storytelling with fresh, modern voices. Expect gripping tales, fascinating discussions, and plenty of intrigue.

Workshop Weekender 2025

21-23 Feb - Deemouth Artist Studios

Deemouth Artists Studio’s 2025 Workshop Weekender is coming up, and you’re invited! Led by resident artists, these sessions offer a chance to explore new skills or develop your creative practice.

With options ranging from quick two-hour tasters to full-day deep dives, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at what’s on and book your spot!

Aberdeen Restaurant Week

24 Feb - 5 Mar - Venues Across Aberdeen

Aberdeen Restaurant Week is back, shining a spotlight on the city’s diverse food scene. With over 60 restaurants, cafés, and bars offering special menus from £5, it’s a great excuse to dine out.

Whether you’re craving hearty Scottish classics or bold international flavours, there’s plenty to explore. It’s the perfect chance to try something new or return to an old favourite—without stretching your budget.

Jenny Eclair: Jokes Jokes Jokes Live!

25 Feb - The Tivoli

Jenny Eclair is heading to Aberdeen with her latest show, Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live! Inspired by her memoir, it’s a no-filter look at her colourful life and four decades in comedy.

From cider-fuelled drama school days to winning the Perrier Award, Eclair shares the chaos, triumphs, and laughs along the way. Expect an evening packed with sharp wit and brilliant storytelling.

Maisie Adam: Appraisal

26 Feb - Lemon Tree

Fresh from Live at the Apollo, A League of Their Own, and Have I Got News for You, Maisie Adam is back on tour with Appraisal, a sharp and self-reflective new show.

Five years into comedy, it’s time for a performance review—will she prove she’s award-winning or face “organisational restructure”? Join her for a night of quick wit and big laughs!

Fiona Soe Paing: Sand, Silt, Flint

28 Feb - Lemon Tree

Fiona Soe Paing’s electro alt-folk blends her Scottish-Burmese heritage with electronic roots and North-East Scotland’s ballad traditions, creating a rich, atmospheric soundscape. Haunting vocals, silvery electronics, and natural sounds bring her music to life.

With evocative visuals by Isla Goldie, this immersive performance reimagines ancient stories in a bold, modern way. Praised as “sublimely powerful,” it offers a fresh take on familiar landscapes.

In Our Spaces

From 28 Feb - Outer Spaces

Outer Spaces presents In Our Spaces, an exhibition that explores mental health through creativity and collaboration. Featuring work by local artists Kirsty Russel, Maria Muruaga, and Lauren McLaughlin, it’s a deeply personal and thought-provoking showcase.

The exhibition grew from workshops where participants shared stories and expressed their experiences through art. It’s an invitation to reflect, connect, and see mental health from new perspectives.

That’s it for this edition of the POST Newsletter! As always, if you’re planning a cultural event in the coming months, let us know—we’d love to help spread the word through our networks and social channels.

A huge thank you to our brilliant Supporter Crew. Your generosity and enthusiasm keep this going, and we truly couldn’t do it without you!

Until next month...

C&K 💛