Special event gives first taste of Tall Ships 2025
Aberdeen has had its first taste today (Wednesday 17 January) of what to expect at the much anticipated Tall Ships Races event which returns to the city next year for the first time in over a quarter of a century.
An invited audience of national public bodies, tourism and third sector organisations attended the Tall Ships 2025 inception event hosted by Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, Councillor Martin Greig.
Councillor Greig said: “It was great to welcome guests and continue to plan for the visit of the Tall Ships to Aberdeen next year. We are working together to create a wide range of opportunities and activities for everyone to enjoy up to and during the event.
“The harbour and city centre area will be transformed into an exciting environment to celebrate the spectacle of the tall ships. We want to ensure that the visit in July 2025 will create wonderful memories for all involved."
Attendees were given an overview of the aspirations, plans and opportunities for the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 along with a review of community participation, volunteering and youth sail training for the 2023 event which was hosted in the UK by Lerwick and Hartlepool.
Organisers from Sail Training International outlined what staging a successful leg of the races will mean for the city and region and the event concluded with guests taking part in roundtable discussions to share their thoughts on their areas of interest.
“The Tall Ships Races hold a special place in the hearts of many Aberdonians and play an important part of the city’s rich maritime history.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “The Tall Ships Races hold a special place in the hearts of many Aberdonians and play an important part of the city’s rich maritime history. We are delighted to be a host port again and planning is already well underway.
“The enthusiasm of everyone at the inception event was clear to see and the port, along with its partners, will be giving it our all to ensure that The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 is a great success that’s remembered fondly for decades to come.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired said: “There is a saying that ‘all boats rise with the tide’ and that was never truer than with the arrival of the Tall Ships in Aberdeen next year. It offers a fantastic opportunity, not just for the Granite City but the whole of the North East.
“The return of the Tall Ships will attract thousands of people to a spectacular event they will remember for a lifetime – and at the same time provide a major and welcome boost for local businesses, restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and other attractions as visitors enjoy the fantastic things the city centre has to offer."
An audience of 400,000 people from near and far is expected when the ships dock in the harbour. They can look forward to seeing around 50 magnificent sailing vessels, visit a temporary nautical themed village, a crew parade in the city centre, live performance, light show and departure celebrations.
