This is July: Aberdeen Culture Sails into View
Sponsored by Open Road - The Tall Ships are docking in Aberdeen and bringing with them a whole 'raft' of cultural events.
Hey you,
The Tall Ships are sailing in to Aberdeen for the first time since 1997, and there’s a real sense of excitement in the city. You can feel it building already. Crews from across Europe, towering masts in the harbour, music on stage and hundreds of thousands of people expected to pour into the centre.
It’s a big moment for Aberdeen. Folk will be out exploring the city, sampling our culture, our cafes and restaurants, and meeting the people who make this place what it is. Plenty of what’s on is tied to the ships, but not everything, so we’ve pulled together a bumper issue. There’s lots to enjoy, whether you’re here for the sailing or not.
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The Festival of the Sea is back for its second year, and Open Road’s community programme brings it home to Fittie. The harbourside village hosts a week of gentle activity, stories and shared space.
There’ll be film screenings, workshops and chances to slow down and connect. It’s an exciting, diverse programme of events with something for everyone.
A bumper month of cultural events
The whole of July is a festival of heritage, culture and community. From boosting the economy and showcasing youth development to reviving maritime pride and bringing global recognition, the Tall Ships Races 2025 is set to leave a lasting mark on Aberdeen. But it’s not just about the ships.
The next few weeks are packed with exhibitions, gigs, workshops and performances. Some take the sea as their starting point. Others just happen to be sailing alongside. You’ll find painting sessions and pirate dances, archive photos and hard rock, musicals about boybands and folk songs about whales. There’s quiet stuff too, like mapmaking, writing workshops and seaweed printing on tote bags.
From Monsters of the Deep to maritime model boats, Aberdeen’s seafaring history is getting the spotlight, but there’s plenty of room for new stories too. Afro Indie 3.0 brings together Nigerian rap and local voices. A 24 Hour Musical supports the Save the Arts Centre campaign. And across the weekend itself, the city centre fills with music from Randolph’s Leap to The Lorelei, The Deadly Winters and late-night DJ sets.
Some events are ticketed, others are free. Some are for kids, some are definitely not. But there’s a feeling running through all of it that this is a moment Aberdeen is sharing with the world. Ships from Oman, Uruguay, Peru and beyond will dock in the harbour. Visitors will explore our streets, try our food, meet the folk who live here. And those of us who live here might get to see the place a little differently too.
We’ve pulled together a huge guide to help you navigate it all. Whether you’re after a quiet hour with a sketchbook or a night of noise and dancing, there’s something happening nearby. You just have to leave the house to find it.
Looking back on a busy June
But first, let's take a look at what we've been writing about over the past few weeks, just in case you've missed it. POST’s Tall Ships guide is a walk through what the festival might actually feel like. It covers everything from major concerts to low-key community events, with tips on avoiding crowds or catching the best views. It’s written for locals, with curiosity and care, making space for the quiet moments as well as the spectacle.
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Aberdeen’s parks and paths aren’t just for walking the dog or eating a sandwich in the sun. They hold memories, offer breathing space, and knit the city together. This is one of those articles where feelings took over in the writing process. Green spaces are vital for movement, protest and reflection. We also ask what happens when these spaces are threatened. It’s a wee love letter to our shared, green commons.
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This year’s degree show at Gray’s School of Art felt grounded in real life. Many students explored personal stories while experimenting with material and form. There was humour too, and plenty of curiosity. It’s not all polished, but it is thoughtful and gutsy. It was great to spend some time in the company of people enjoying fresh, bold work.
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A new ceramics display at Aberdeen Art Gallery is asking us to rethink how we experience art. Unlike the usual hands-off approach, this one lets you touch the work. There’s a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, with textured surfaces and unexpected forms. It’s playful, serious, and designed to be inclusive, particularly for those who engage with art through feel, not just sight.
POST
What's on in July
Monsters of the Deep
Monsters of the Deep dives into the murky waters of ocean myth and science. From ancient legends to modern expeditions, it explores why sea creature stories persist and what’s really down there.
Blending folklore, historic equipment and scientific discoveries, the exhibition traces how our understanding of the sea has changed. It’s a journey from medieval minds to present-day mysteries, all hidden beneath the waves.
From the Archive: Aberdeen Harbour Exhibition
Timed with the return of the Tall Ships, this exhibition delves into a century of life at the quayside through the Port of Aberdeen’s photo archive. Cranes, cargo and personal moments all feature.
The images trace how the harbour has evolved, showing big changes alongside things that have stayed recognisably the same. A fascinating look at the past through the lens.
Tales of the Tall Ships
The Tall Ships Races return this July, and with them comes an exhibition celebrating Aberdeen’s long connection to these swift and striking vessels. Expect paintings, ship models and photography on display.
Curated by Madeline Nehring, the show explores the city’s shipbuilding past and its links to sailing, competition and seafaring craft. A fitting tribute to a tradition that still captures imaginations today.
Pedalo
Pedalo blend indie, dream-pop, and punk with catchy melodies and alternating vocals. They've been named Single of the Week on BBC Radio Scotland and Artist of the Week in The Scotsman.
Having played festivals like King Tut’s Summer Nights and Tenement Trail, they bring a dynamic live show supported by Aberdeen bands, Pitnamoon and The Sun Day.
Popstars! The 90s Musical
Bridge of Don Academy brings the 90s to life with a school-set musical packed with hits from Britney, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and more.
The show pits boyband against girlband, blending teen drama and pop dreams in a high-energy performance. It’s a nostalgic trip through big decisions and catchy tunes.
Our House
This award-winning musical follows Joe Casey, a teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn after one big choice.
Set to the music of Madness, featuring hits like Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love, the show is fast-paced and funny, brought to life by a talented local cast.
Afro Indie Series 3.0
PsychoYP delivers his unique style of Nigerian hip-hop, joined by Aberdeen artists Lore, Mova and FER4Z. Together, they bring a dynamic mix of rhythms and sharp lyricism that captures diverse stories.
Afro Indie Series 3.0 showcases this blend of African rap and local voices, creating a lively atmosphere full of energy and connection. A celebration of culture, music, and community spirit.
School of Rock
Harlequin Productions presents School of Rock, the hit musical inspired by the film. Dewey Finn, a wannabe rocker, pretends to be a teacher and turns his class into a band.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a talented young cast, the show is full of laughs, powerful songs, and plenty of attitude. A high-energy performance for all ages.
Aberdeen Metal Fest 2025
Aberdeen Metalfest returns with a heavy-hitting lineup, headlined by local hardcore favourites Bitterwood. It’s set to be a loud, high-energy celebration of the city’s thriving metal scene.
Joining them are Catalysis, Atlantic Rift, Hammer, Datura, Horenda, Hyperstasis, Gype, Goodhuman, Wyldkat, Permacrisis, and Earthcaster. A stacked bill for fans of all things loud, fast, and fierce.
Map Making Workshop
Join a collaborative mapping workshop and help create a sea filled with imagined islands, ships and all sorts of ocean wonders. Part of the Festival of the Sea, this workshop invites creativity of all kinds.
Drawing and collage materials will be provided, along with guides and support from the team. Whether you’re a confident doodler or just fancy a go, everyone’s welcome to add their vision to this shared cartographic adventure.
Place-Based Creative Writing
This creative writing workshop takes inspiration from Aberdeen Harbour, using its sights, sounds and stories as a springboard for reflection and imagination.
Through discussion, writing prompts and optional sharing, you’ll explore themes like movement, memory and future visions, building skills to express a sense of place in your work.
Explore the Zoology Museum
The University’s Zoology Museum holds a fascinating range of sea creatures from around the world. Sea turtles, puffer fish, penguins, and whale and dolphin skeletons, all carefully preserved and displayed.
While some specimens are currently on loan to Aberdeen Art Gallery’s Monsters of the Deep exhibition, plenty more can be explored in the museum itself. From taxidermy and skeletal displays to fluid-preserved specimens, it’s a treasure trove of marine life.
Talk: Sailing the Fully Rigged Sørlandet
John Corall shares stories from life aboard a Norwegian square-rigger, drawing on voyages that span from tropical seas to Arctic waters. From trainee to Banjer Sersjant, it’s a life shaped by salt, ropes and sails.
Tales from high in the rigging to deep below deck, full of the work, adventure and community that come with tall ship life.
Talk: The Ice Ships
Maritime historian David Henry shares stories of polar exploration through the centuries, from Cook to the Challenger and beyond. It’s a journey into the extremes, where science met survival.
Discover how the success of these missions often rested on the ships themselves. A look at the vessels, the vision, and the bravery it took to sail into the unknown.
Ben Ottewell
Known for his gravelly voice and work with Gomez, Ben Ottewell brings his solo acoustic sound to Aberdeen. Emotive songwriting and stripped-back arrangements highlight his distinctive style.
With over two decades of music behind him, Ottewell’s set blends new material with favourites from his solo albums. A night of powerful performances and introspective lyrics in an intimate setting.
Harbour Voices Community Choir
Join the Harbour Voices community choir for relaxed sessions singing maritime songs in good company. Open to all abilities, it’s a welcoming space whether you’re new to singing or well-practised.
Each session includes music, refreshments, and time to chat. It’s a friendly way to connect through song and enjoy stories of the sea in a warm, inclusive setting.
Seaweed Printing on Textiles
Join textile designer Helen for a fun workshop creating seaweed mono-prints on fabric using pigment inks. Materials are included, and you’ll get to print your own tote bag on the day.
Want to personalise something else? Bring along a light-coloured t-shirt to print on too. The session is suitable for adults and kids aged 5 and up, with no experience needed.
Talk: Viktor Wynd and the Museum of Curiosities
Artist and writer Viktor Wynd shares tales from his surreal world of wonders, drawing on the strange and fantastical collections in his West End museum. Think mermaids, mandrakes, monsters and more.
Alongside objects, he weaves stories from his travels in New Guinea and the Congo. Expect a mix of myth, magic and the macabre, told by a true collector of the curious.
Street Theatre Workshops
Surge are hosting free workshops for anyone interested in outdoor performance, whether you're new to it or already performing. Learn street theatre techniques in a relaxed, hands-on environment.
The sessions are open to all and focus on building skills through play and creativity. There’s also a chance to perform during the Tall Ships weekend.
Tall Ships Live: Randolph’s Leap + The Planet Hour
Randolph’s Leap head north with their unmistakable mix of indie-pop, quirky lyrics and bright brass flourishes. Known for their warm live shows, they bring a set full of wit and melody.
They’re joined by local favourites The Planet Hour, who weave alt-rock with folk influences and thoughtful lyrics. A free night of strong songs and laid-back fun in the Belmont Quarter.
Deep Wheel Orcadia
This spellbinding adaptation of Harry Josephine Giles’ verse novel blends music, image and performance. Set on a distant space station, it follows Astrid and Darling as they navigate love, survival and belonging.
Told in Orkney dialect with a live string quartet and direction by Susan Worsfold, it’s a poetic, otherworldly experience shaped by language, identity and imagination.
Tall Ships Races 2025
Tall ships from across the world will line the harbour, with crews from Oman, Uruguay, Peru and beyond. Around 50 vessels are expected, many offering free deck tours throughout the weekend.
The Malcolm Miller, built in Aberdeen, returns as the official Festival Ship. Alongside the ship visits, you’ll find live music, food stalls and family events spread across the harbour and city centre.
Small Ships
A new exhibition offers a closer look at maritime heritage, inspired by the return of the Tall Ships. It celebrates the craftsmanship and stories connected to the sea through detailed models and art.
Featuring 30 handcrafted boats by Edward Smith, the show also includes nautical-themed works by Joyce Cairns, Frances Walker, and others. It’s a thoughtful tribute to seafaring history and creativity, and a cool alternative to the big boats in the harbour.
Tall Ships Live: The Lorelei + The Killing Tide
The Lorelei are back, bringing their no-holds-barred blend of folk, punk and rock to the stage. Known for their uncompromising sound and decades of gigging, they’re still as bold and loud as ever.
Opening the night are The Killing Tide, a newer alt-rock outfit whose songs are shaped by life on the North East coast. Strong melodies, big feelings and sea air in the sound.
Fittie Arts and Crafts Fair
Browse a lovely mix of handmade arts and crafts from local makers, with stalls featuring sea-inspired jewellery, hand-poured candles and homeware with a rustic touch.
You’ll also find Fittie-themed gifts and a fundraising stall for the RNLI, all adding to the charm of this community celebration.
Pirates!
Scottish Dance Theatre brings high-seas mayhem to Aberdeen with Pirates, a playful dance-theatre adventure for all the family. Tom and Daisy are swept into the world of Captain Sandy Rogers and her curious crew, meeting zombies, sea creatures and one very greedy villain along the way.
It’s a tale of identity, friendship and surprises, with bold designs and a full company of dancers bringing the action to life.
Watercolour Seascapes Workshop
Join artist Mhairi McBeath for a relaxed watercolour workshop, where you’ll learn how to create abstract landscapes and seascapes using views of the coast as your starting point.
You’ll explore how to control paint and water, experiment with texture and brushwork, and sketch out compositions in pencil. All materials are provided, and the session is suitable for beginners looking to try something creative in a stunning setting.
Tall Ships Live: The Deadly Winters
The Deadly Winters bring a mix of grit and warmth to their story-driven folk rock. Known for rich melodies and tight harmonies, their live shows balance intimate moments with big, joyful energy.
Their latest release, Ever Onwards, captures a band in motion. Reflective and raw, but never standing still. Expect a set that draws you in and keeps you there.
Power of the Sea: Stories from Pushing Out the Boat
Soak up an evening of local talent as writers from Pushing Out the Boat share sea-themed stories and poems. It’s a live showcase from the North East creative writing magazine.
Blending thoughtful writing with a relaxed atmosphere, this event offers a gentle break from the buzz of Tall Ships weekend. Expect readings, reflection, and maybe a drink in hand.
Citymoves: My Friend Selkie
My Friend Selkie is a gentle dance-theatre show about courage, friendship and the sea. With two dancers and live music from Quee, it’s a warm, interactive story aimed at young audiences.
Children can help find Selkie’s coat, join the Crab Disco and try out sea creature moves as they follow Jo and Selkie’s journey. One wants to swim, the other to navigate by starlight. Together, they learn to be brave.
Tall Ships Live: Leisure Club Special + After Party
The Tall Ships Live weekend wraps up with a late-night bash at Drummonds, hosted by Leisure Club. It’s the unofficial Kaiser Chiefs afterparty, with free entry and a party atmosphere to match.
Expect DJs spinning indie, pop and party tunes into the early hours. A proper send-off for a packed weekend in the city.
DAS Workshop Weekender
A long weekend of hands-on workshops led by creative residents at DAS. From pottery and jewellery to weaving and screen printing, it’s a great chance to try something new.
Whether you're a beginner or just keen to explore, there's a relaxed session for you. Book your spot, make something, and meet the artists behind the studios.
Ma Name Is Isabelle
Lucy Beth’s powerful one-woman show retells Bogie’s Bonnie Belle from Isabelle’s perspective, performed in Doric. It offers a fresh, heartfelt take on the bothy ballad.
Through spoken word, the piece explores resilience, motherhood, and survival, capturing deep local emotions. It’s a moving performance heading to the Edinburgh Fringe after this run.
Watercolours of Fittie and the Sea
Join artist Emma Wilson for a laid-back watercolour workshop, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to unwind. You’ll explore a few simple techniques in a friendly, no-pressure setting.
Then, create your own painting inspired by sheds or sea views. It’s a gentle, creative way to spend the day, with time to experiment, relax, and enjoy the process.
Ministry of Science Live
Ministry of Science Live bursts onto the Tivoli stage with bangs, sparks, and flying facts. This interactive show blends education and entertainment, making science loud, fun, and exciting.
Designed for curious minds of all ages, it’s a lively celebration of invention and discovery that keeps everyone engaged and amazed.
Wolf by Circa
Part of the International Season, Wolf by Circa is a jaw-dropping blend of acrobatics, dance and live music. Ten world-class performers tear through primal rhythms with wild, relentless energy.
Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, the show explores the wolf as a symbol of freedom and chaos. It’s visceral, charged and utterly captivating. Circus stripped to its most feral form.
Atomic Mother Single Launch
Atomic Mother are a hard-hitting, riff-driven hard rock band from Aberdeen known for their powerful guitar sound. Since forming in 2018, they’ve delivered uncompromising vocals, pounding drums, and bass that hits hard.
Their high-energy shows have earned them a reputation as one of Aberdeen’s loudest bands. They’re joined by support acts History of Concrete and Vacants for a night of heavy rock.
Film Night - The Limit
The Limit is a powerful documentary exploring the fight to restore Scotland’s coastal seas. Made by Our Seas, it brings together voices from across the country working to protect marine life.
From overfishing to community action, it sheds light on the damage done and the possibilities for change. A moving watch that leaves space for both urgency and hope.
Memories Scotland: Tall Ships
With the Tall Ships returning to Aberdeen, it’s a great time to revisit memories of past races. This session at Torry Library looks back at the 1991 and 1997 events through photos and shared stories.
Open to everyone, these relaxed sessions are especially welcoming to those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or loneliness. A chance to connect, chat, and reflect on how the city once celebrated.
Family Sea Themed Storytelling Morning
Andy Cannon has been captivating young audiences for over 25 years with his warm, imaginative storytelling. For the Festival of the Sea, he brings a morning of maritime tales to spark curious minds.
Expect sea creatures, adventures and maybe a bit of magic, as Andy takes children and families on a storytelling journey full of wonder and waves.
Belmont Cinema: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
A ship sets out to investigate strange sinkings at sea, but what it finds is far from expected. Enter the Nautilus, a powerful submarine led by the elusive Captain Nemo.
Presented by Belmont Community Cinema, this classic tale takes audiences on a deep-sea adventure full of mystery, invention and underwater spectacle.
Rocks and Ripples in Watercolour Workshop
Start by exploring what’s in Phoebe’s field kit, then try out simple watercolour techniques to capture geological features in your sketchbook. Learn how to mix colours, control water, and build depth.
You’ll also use water-based pastels to bring texture and movement into your sketches. During the walk, Phoebe will guide you through the local landscape, pointing out metamorphic rocks, fault lines, folds, and signs of coastal erosion.
The Sea Salt Shore
Scots singer Joss Camerin leads a musical journey through sea songs and maritime tales, bringing traditional shanties to life with warmth and charm.
Blending music and storytelling, this engaging performance is rooted in heritage and suited for ages 8 and up. A gentle voyage into the sounds and stories of the sea.
24 Hour Musical
One musical, created in just one day with no sleep, is a full show built from scratch in 24 hours. This whirlwind show supports the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign.
With chaos, dedication, and plenty of heart, local talent come together to deliver something unique and unforgettable. It’s a celebration of community spirit and creativity.
Until next time...
A huge thanks to Open Road for once again supporting the POST Aberdeen newsletter. Their backing helps us keep shining a light on Aberdeen’s creative and cultural life, and we’re genuinely grateful for the continued encouragement. It means we can keep sharing the stories, events and people that make this city tick.
And a warm welcome to all our new Supporter Crew members these past few weeks. You’re brilliant, truly. We couldn’t keep this going without you.
See you next month.
C&K 💛
