Volunteers Step Up to Power Tall Ships Festival
Aberdeen prepares to welcome the world with hundreds of volunteers ready to get involved.
With just over 70 days until the Tall Ships arrive in Aberdeen, more than 300 volunteers have stepped up to play their part in the city’s biggest event in a generation. The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 will take place from 19 to 22 July, transforming the harbour into a massive nautical festival site.
The excitement was clear at a welcome event held at Pittodrie Stadium on Tuesday, where many of the volunteers gathered for the first time. They met fellow crew members and learned more about the roles they’ll take on when the ships dock this summer.
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This summer, Aberdeen Arts Centre becomes a creative clubhouse for 5-11s to explore big ideas, get making, and try something new.
From 7-18 July, we’ll jump between sea monsters and skylines, imaginary cities and prepare for the Tall Ships' arrival through drama, craft, stories and play. Book for one day or the whole run – there’s plenty to discover. Discounts available.
A Surge of Community Spirit
More than 1,400 people applied to volunteer, with 300 chosen to fill roles ranging from ship liaison to visitor hosts and sustainability rangers. Roughly 60% of volunteers live in Aberdeen, while the rest are from across the region. A quarter are under 40, while the oldest volunteers are in their 80s.
Emma Wadee, Tall Ships Project Manager, said the response exceeded all expectations: “We had hoped for a couple of hundred applications, but to receive nearly 1,400 is a remarkable show of community spirit. It is a privilege to welcome such a passionate group to represent the city.”
Volunteers at the Heart of the Festival
The most popular role is Ship Liaison Officer, which pairs volunteers with visiting vessels as the main point of contact between crews and shoreside organisers. Other roles include visitor hosts, transport guides, hospitality support, and media assistants. Volunteers will also help in the crew centre, coordinate operations, and support the event’s sustainability goals.
The Tall Ships Races will return to Aberdeen this July for the first time in nearly 30 years. The event is expected to attract nearly 50 vessels from around the world and up to 400,000 visitors to the city. Volunteers will be at the heart of it all, welcoming international crews, guiding visitors, and helping Aberdeen shine on the world stage.
Aberdeen’s cultural calendar is packed, and POST’s What’s On page gives you a snapshot of it all. From gigs and theatre to exhibitions and creative meet-ups, there’s loads to discover, whatever your taste.
Bold performances, thoughtful shows, unusual venues, and events that bring people together. It’s all going on, and we’re here to help you find what’s next.
