Spectra Festival of Light Announces Full Line-Up of Iconic Installations

Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, is back for its 11th year, bringing a spectacular mix of light installations, live performances, and creative activities to the streets of Aberdeen. From 6th to 9th February, the city will glow with exciting art that showcases Aberdeen’s local talent, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

A key highlight of this year’s festival will be Fit D’You Know About the Bon Accord?, a new video-installation from award-winning Scottish artist Council Baby. The piece, commissioned by Aberdeen Art Gallery, will be projected against the grand Sculpture Court. It brings four animated stained-glass panels to life, inspired by Aberdeen’s historical collections and the city’s deep connections to the River Dee and Don. Council Baby explained: “My work charts a story of where the city has been, from Picts to oil rigs, from standing stones to tower blocks. It’s about imagining where we might go.” The installation promises to offer viewers a reflective journey through Aberdeen’s past and its evolving future.

Alongside Council Baby’s piece, Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford OBE will present a giant interactive colouring wall in Union Terrace Gardens. Known for her intricate colouring book designs, Basford’s work will come to life in neon light. Festival-goers will colour in her signature patterns, creating a communal, dynamic piece of art in real time.

This year’s Spectra will also feature bold, thought-provoking works from many other artists. One such installation will be idontloveyouanymore, a project by Manchester-based artists, which will see flashing heartbeats projected across Union Terrace Gardens. The installation invites participation from the public, who can share the sound of their heartbeat through the festival’s online platform, creating a collective piece of art powered by the pulse of Aberdeen’s community.

In addition to these installations, the festival will introduce FUTURES, an experimental audio-visual journey that explores light and dark through a 50-meter illuminated walkway. A striking visual will be displayed at Marischal Square, where a moon seemingly displaced from its orbit will be tethered to a boat, symbolising the tension between the cosmos and Earth.

For those seeking to explore Aberdeen from a new perspective, the Northern Lights AR app will offer an augmented reality experience, unlocking interactive artworks across the city, including a series of ‘doorways’ on Rosemount Viaduct by local artist Craig Barrowman. Meanwhile, a Morse Code-powered light beam will be transmitted from Aberdeen Art Gallery, allowing event-goers to interact with the universe.

The festival’s artistic depth also includes a display of illuminated artwork produced by local schools and community groups, alongside projections of poetry and prose created by Scottish poet Simon Lamb and pupils from Muirfield Primary School. Visitors can also expect traditional Scottish tales and myths to come to life in Cowdray Hall, adding a storytelling element to the immersive light festival.

Alongside these new installations, Spectra will feature a stunning inflatable light castle, Sky Castle, created by Australian artists ENESS, and a giant illuminated slinky toy called End Over End by Newcastle-based Studio Vertigo. These larger-than-life installations will create unforgettable moments for all ages.

In 2024, Spectra attracted over 100,000 visitors, generating £2.6 million for the local economy and this year’s programme is set to bring even more attention to Aberdeen’s cultural landscape. With so many creative and interactive experiences, Spectra continues to be a shining light in the city’s cultural calendar, offering something for everyone, from awe-inspiring installations to community-driven projects.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Aberdeen’s Festival of Light from 6th to 9th February 2025. We’ll be covering the much loved festival throughout its run.