Everything you need to know about Tall Ships Races 2025 as iconic event comes to Aberdeen
Aberdeen is preparing to welcome one of Scotland's biggest tourism spectacles of the year as the final countdown begins for the Tall Ships Races 2025.
Almost 50 majestic sailing vessels from across the globe will descend on the Granite City from this Friday, July 18, ahead of four days of festivities from Saturday, July 19, to Tuesday, July 22.
Organisers are expecting around 400,000 visitors to the city during the event, which is billed as Europe's largest free family festival. It is almost 20 years since Scotland's biggest port welcomed the prestigious international sailing event
The Tall Ships Races last came to Aberdeen in 1997, having also been there in 1991. The races are designed to promote international friendship and offer young people hands-on experience in the art of sailing.
The vessels are split across four classes ranging from grand tall ships to nimble single-masted boats. They will begin arriving on Friday following a race leg from France. They will remain docked in Aberdeen until Tuesday, when they set sail for Norway.
The ships will be berthed across several quaysides: Waterloo, Regent, Trinity, Upper, Jamieson's and Blaikies. The main entrance to the viewing areas will be via Marischal Street, and many of the ships will be open to visitors keen to step aboard.
Among the fleet is Dar Mlodziezy from Poland, the tallest ship taking part at an impressive 62.5 metres high. Her name means 'the gift of youth', and she made her Tall Ships debut in 1982.
The vessel that has travelled furthest to reach Aberdeen is BAP Union from Peru, covering a staggering 7,500 nautical miles (almost 14,000km) from Callao. Built in 2015, it is also the newest ship in the line-up. At the other end of the spectrum is Christiania, a 130-year-old beauty built in 1895.
Roughly 2,000 crew members from countries as far-flung as Uruguay and Oman will participate, supported by hundreds of local volunteers.
Music, food and family fun
Aberdeen is set to transform into what organisers are calling a 'party city'. Major headline gigs from Deacon Blue, Kaiser Chiefs, and Ministry of Sound Classical are already sold out, while an eclectic programme of free live music will fill the city.
The entertainment includes sets from Tide Lines, Calum Bowie, Glasvegas, Brooke Combe, The Little Kicks, Capollos, and Look Busy Collective. The festival will also showcase Scottish traditional music, jazz, hip hop, Afrobeat and Latin soul, along with performances from local choirs and youth ensembles.
Families can head to Blaikies Quay, where a dedicated kids' zone will feature a giant sandpit and a chance to meet Dorry the Dolphin, the official Tall Ships Aberdeen mascot.
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Travel advice and road closures
With thousands expected each day, the city centre will be extremely busy. Organisers are urging people to walk, cycle, car share or use public transport where possible. Four regular Park and Ride sites will operate from Bridge of Don, Craibstone, P&J Live, and Kingswells.
A number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around the harbour area, including Castle Street, King Street, Marischal Street, Regent Quay, Blaikies Quay, and Regent Road.
Footdee's Pocra Quay and New Pier Road will remain accessible for residents and businesses only.
For full maps, transport guidance and ship details, visitors are advised to check the official Tall Ships Aberdeen website.
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