Team behind Celebrate Aberdeen prepare for biggest weekend yet

The final countdown has started for Celebrate Aberdeen 2019.

On Saturday, up to 4,000 walkers representing more than 130 organisations will come together for the annual Celebrate Aberdeen parade down the city’s Union Street.

The parade, which first took place in 2011, recognises and celebrates the enormous contribution which third sector organisations, voluntary groups and social enterprises make to the lives of thousands of people in Aberdeen and the North-east. Joining them on the day will be representatives of sports clubs, musicians and dance groups who all contribute to and enrich the region’s culture.

Kicking off the 2019 programme of activities will be the highly popular Union Street Mile race, which will see runners from Primary 6 right up to seniors and veterans enjoy the rare chance to run a full mile through a city centre. The race begins at 10.30 from its starting point at the Music Hall, continues up to Holburn Junction and then down Union Street to the finishing point beside Brewdog where the medal giving ceremony will take place.

The parade itself, which starts at 11, will begin and end on a musical note with the Newtonhill Pipe Band leading the way and the Rock Choir bringing it to a close on Queen Street.

“After eight months of hard work and planning by Celebrate Aberdeen’s team of volunteers, it’s exciting to think that the big day is almost here,” said founder Morven Mackenzie. “Our fantastic Third Sector and all of the organisations taking part do so much for us all every day of the year, so this day is all about saying thank you to them.

“We always get great support from the members of the public who turn out to support the event and I’d urge anyone who’s not seen the Celebrate Aberdeen parade before to come along and enjoy the spectacle.”

The conclusion of the parade marks the beginning of a weekend of live entertainment taking place at five venues across the city centre – Bon Accord, Bon Accord Roof Garden, Union Square, Trinity Centre and Broad Street. All events are completely free of charge.

The Celebrate Aberdeen activities, which also includes the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards on September 14 are planned and organised entirely by volunteers and funded thanks to generosity of Aberdeen’s business community