
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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The National
a day ago
- The National
Tall Ships celebration attracts 400,000 visitors to Aberdeen
Described as one of Scotland's biggest tourism events, this year the Tall Ship Races began on Saturday and saw thousands of people cheer on almost 50 vessels from around the world. The four-day event concluded on Tuesday with organisers hailing it as an outstanding success, along with boosting the economy and re-energising the Granite City with a 'renewed sense of pride and confidence' in the future. It was estimated that 400,000 visitors made the trip to Port of Aberdeen with tens of thousands more at the beach and around the bay during the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. READ MORE: Edinburgh gift shop accused of tax evasion following UK-wide probe In partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Inspired, the event boasted a packed programme ranging from Quayside Concerts featuring performances from Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs along with a display from the Red Arrows. First Minister John Swinney praised the success of the Tall Ships when he toured the Port of [[Aberdeen]]'s Marine Operation Centre on Tuesday and watched the Parade of Sail, which marked the end of the four-day extravaganza. He also met Tall Ships sail trainees who had been sailing from Dunkirk to Aberdeen along with volunteers who made sure the event was smooth sailing for all to enjoy. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Swinney said: 'It has made me extremely proud to witness first-hand the success of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 and meet some of the people involved. 'The young crew members who have sailed from Dunkirk to Aberdeen are a true inspiration. And the four-day programme, pulled together so expertly by organisers and volunteers, has been an incredible spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. 'Aberdeen has built a strong reputation as a globally recognised event hub that boosts local economy, community pride, and international connections. 'The Scottish Government is committed to supporting world-class events like The Tall Ships Races that raise Scotland's profile, attract tourism and investment, and grow our economy.' The Tall Ships Races was the biggest event staged in the Granite City in a generation, and organisers of the event said the full impact it has had on the economy now and into the future will be closely assessed. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Highlights of the event included the chance to explore the ships themselves, while budding sailors were also able to enjoy the bustling market of Curated On The Quayside along with pop-up bars and food stalls as well as free music and entertainment all day long. Councillor Martin Greig, chair of the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, said the whole experience was 'rewarding' for young people. He said: 'I'm pleased that the event turned out to be so popular. The huge number of more than 400,000 visits is a massive boost for our area. The crowds of people show this has been a truly inclusive event for all ages and abilities. 'The Tall Ships visit has been a marvellous, uplifting experience for everyone involved. It's been great to welcome so many visitors from far and wide to our harbour and to our city. The festival has given enormous pleasure to so many thousands of people. 'It has been a really splendid time for sharing fun, learning and friendship. Aberdeen opened itself up to the world and has confirmed our identity as a good-natured, kind community. 'Young people are at the heart of the Tall Ships and it has been especially rewarding to see them benefit from the opportunities of taking part in so many different ways. Hopefully our city can build on the amazing experiences of Tall Ships 2025 so that we can continue to grow together as a cosmopolitan, outward-looking place.' Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'Wow, what a party that was! It created such a fantastic sense of vibrancy and excitement in the city that everyone who enjoyed it will never forget it. And 400,000 visits is an astonishing achievement. 'As well as the fun, the Tall Ships brought with them a major economic lift for the city with a huge jump in footfall for all the city centre businesses, who made the most of this opportunity, dressing their shops in bunting and posters, welcoming visitors through the door. It also underlines just how much there is to see and enjoy in our city centre.'


BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Tall Ships Aberdeen: Crews say fond farewell to Granite City
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BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Tall Ships Aberdeen: Four-day event making city 'proud'
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