One year countdown until Tall Ships arrive in Aberdeen
With one year to go until the Tall Ships Races come to Aberdeen, the event format and quayside map have been revealed.
As three historic ships anchor in Aberdeen harbour this weekend for Festival of the Sea, it also marks one year until the Tall Ships Races returns to the city in nearly 50 years.
The TS Royalist, Swan and Reaper will dock at Duthies Quay where people will be given the opportunity to board the spectacular ships.
They will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday before setting sail once again.
The visit provides a small taster for what is in store for the Tall Ships Races next summer.
Tall Ships Races 2025
From 19 to 22 July 2025, over 50 vessels from all across the globe are set to sail into the harbour which will be transformed into a 'world-class event space'.
With over 400,000 visitors expected to attend the event, a range of live music, theatre and dance will take over the city.
The official event format has now been published, with 1,500 sailors expected to take part in the international parade
A grand finale of fireworks on the seafront will take place on 21 July before the ships set sail for Kristiansand, Norway, the following day.
The quaysides will offer a variety of attractions including food, street performers, and craft stalls.
The four day event is expected to draw in millions for the local economy, with Aberdeen being the only UK host port for the Tall Ships Races next year.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council, said: “The Tall Ships visit in 2025 will bring a world-class event right into the heart of Aberdeen for everyone to enjoy. People of all ages can get excited about taking part in the fun of Europe's biggest free family festival.
"It will be a wonderful weekend. Hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors will create amazing memories to last a lifetime. The Tall Ships Races can only enhance Aberdeen’s reputation as a vibrant and forward-looking European city of culture."
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “With just 365 days to go this is the time for people to get ready, get excited and get involved.
“Get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of excited visitors and the major economic boost the Tall Ships will bring in their wake, not just for one weekend in July but well beyond that as Aberdeen is put in the spotlight on the international stage.”
Festival of the Sea
The Festival of the Sea has been ongoing since Monday 14 July, celebrating Aberdeen's past, present and future maritime heritage.
The three tall ships - Reaper, Swan and TS Royalist - will be berthed at Duthies Quay, Port of Aberdeen on 19 and 20 July.
People can hop aboard the historic ships on both days.
The event also offers a range of activities including exhibitions, harbour film nights and a family-fun event in Union Terrace Gardens.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.