Review of 2022 and a glimpse into 2023 💌

Welcome to the January edition of the Your Aberdeen newsletter…a little early so we can take a break over the Christmas holidays. As we look back at 2022 and forward to the month ahead, there are plenty of exciting events happening in our community.

2022 had its highs and lows. Not only did we enjoy big events like Nuart, SPECTRA, True North, TEDx and Tour of Britain, but we were inspired by smaller events like HOURS, the Come Together show at The Anatomy Rooms, The Little Kicks playing their new album live in full, Mela, Rise Up! which celebrated black and POC artists in Aberdeen and beyond, and of course the fantastic SNUG project.

On the downside, we lost the Belmont Filmhouse. A truly devastating loss to Aberdeen’s cultural scene. Fingers crossed that the Save the Belmont campaign is successful in the early part of 2023.

Looking forward, we've gathered a list of some events happening in Aberdeen during January. Whether you're looking for a fun outing with the family or a night out with friends, we've got you covered.

Chris & Kevin 💌

P.S. We joined Mastodon…follow us into the fediverse.

This month

• 2022 in review
• What’s on in January?
• Your photos
• Until next month

2022 in review

The past was a challenging time for a lot of us, so it was especially important to have access to a variety of distractions and activities that could help keep our minds healthy and inspired. Whether it was enjoying street art, finding a new local band, exploring a gallery, or taking part in a workshop, these distractions helped to provide some much-needed relief and respite.

Temp Check: Interview with Steven Milne from The Little Kicks

The lead-up to this interview had been a very busy few days in Steven Milne’s life. We caught up with him ahead of the release of the new album, People Need Love, and fresh off a successful True North festival. We were delighted that he was able to take some time out to answer our questions. Steven is very open about his ambitions and challenges. This is well worth a read

We dreamed of a Green and Granite Mile

Union Street pedestrianisation feels like an endless battle. Some people think it is the only way forward for our city centre, while others think it would be the death knell of the Granite Mile. The team here at POST would love to see a green and granite mile. So why do we think it needs to happen? Read on…

Greyhope Bay Centre opened its doors

The Greyhope Bay Centre at Torry Battery opened its doors this year. This wonderful café space offers stunning views of Aberdeen city, the coast and the harbour. Because of this, it's one of the best places to see bottlenose dolphins in the world from land…and you can get a great coffee while you watch. Read the full story

Rise Up! celebrated black and POC creatives

This year, Rise Up! exploded on the Aberdeen event scene. Black and POC creatives from Aberdeen and throughout Scotland were highlighted and amplified throughout the weekend. The event was curated by We Are Here Scotland in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts. It was an invaluable opportunity to spotlight a variety of Black and PoC artists and performers from the North East and beyond. Find out more

Nuart Aberdeen

“RECONNECT” was the theme of Nuart in 2022. It was a response to the disconnection and uncertainty that have characterised the past two years. Director and curator Martyn Reed hoped Nuart Aberdeen 2022 would help to alleviate the stress that had become a part of our everyday lives. The new murals were stunning and crowds continued to enjoy them throughout the year. More

Meet the WayWORD Festival team

The WayWORD Festival returned for its third outing in September, hosted by the University of Aberdeen. And for the first time, most events were held in person as WayWORD had only ever been held since the pandemic started. We spoke to team members, Kirsty, Elisa and Stacey about the festival and their event highlights. See what they said

The return of SPECTRA

SPECTRA was back for 2022 with a luminescent line-up that lit up Aberdeen’s dark winter nights. This year artists, exploring Scotland’s Year of Stories, featured stunning new commissions, collaborations and Scottish premieres. It was amazing (and, if we’re honest, a little scary) to see so many people out on the street looking up in wonder at the stunning installations. Read more

Gray’s Degree Show burst with colour

Three years have passed since the last Gray’s Degree Show. Like many of us, this year’s graduates have spent a good deal of their studies working from home. They’ve had to self-motivate and have missed out on social interaction and mutual inspiration. The artwork on display is some of the most spectacular, fully realised in the show’s stellar history. Find out more

What’s on in January?

January, as always, is a little bit quiet as people tighten their belts after Christmas. Like last month, we’ve selected a handful of events that will get you out of the house, without busting the bank. Keep an eye on the Aberdeen Events calendar throughout the month for updates.

Every Friday - SNUG

SNUG is a fantastic project taking place at The Anatomy Rooms, Marischal College. Offering a warm and friendly environment where you can relax and be creative. You can also enjoy free hot drinks and access to art materials, resources, and activities. Studio doors are open to visitors on Fridays from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

7 Jan - Aberdeen Lynx vs Dundee Tigers

Aberdeen Lynx face their biggest rivals in a top-of-the-table clash at the Aberdeen Linx Arena. With both teams in strong positions at the top of the table, the stakes could not be higher. The biggest fixture of the season so far, this is going to be a lot of fun!

14 Jan - Greyhope Bay Guided Coastal Discovery

Greyhope Bay’s amazing beaches are fascinating places to explore and discover what the waves have washed up on the shore. You’ll also learn more about the creatures that live on our coast as you identify your finds.

27 Jan - Critical Mass Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s bike users congregate to pedal the streets of the city centre on the last Friday of every month for Critical Mass. Their aim is to raise their profile with other road users. Bicycle commuters, leisure riders, activists and fans of the sport join together to make cycling safe through the streets…safety in numbers.

All Month - Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open

The Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open at Aberdeen Art Gallery showcases the most exciting and innovative works by UK-based early-career artists and makers. Across five brand-new commissions, six artists work with materials ranging from glass, textiles, digital modelling, and silversmithing, to sculpture and installation.

All Month - New Aberdeen Bestiary: The Snake

As part of the evolving New Aberdeen Bestiary project, Peacock and The Worm present The Snake by Delaine Le Bas. In New Aberdeen Bestiary: The Snake Delaine Le Bas examines narratives of history to figure out what lies beneath, what stories and memories make up lived experience.

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Your Photos

Until next month

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! We hope the holiday season brings you love, peace, and security. We look forward to seeing you in the new year and continuing to be a part of your community.

See you in 2023 💛