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Press and Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Nuart OFF this year - with Aberdeen arts spectacular to return next April
Aberdeen's renowned art festival Nuart has been postponed until next April. The event has been a staple in the city's summer calendar for years, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe. It is usually held in June, with artists from all over the world descending upon the Granite City to transform its grey walls into colourful works of art. However, the next instalment of the popular festival has been pushed to next spring as organisers focus on preparations for the Tall Ships. Aberdeen Inspired have been running Nuart for nearly a decade. Normally, they would begin planning the mural extravaganza months in advance. But unlike previous times, this year they decided to pause putting everything together until they received the needed funding from Aberdeen City Council. This essentially cut their time for preparations shorter. And with the huge spectacle planned for the arrival of the Tall Ships in July, they decided it was best to leave Nuart for next spring. Aberdeen Inspired chief executive, Adrian Watson, said they have already started working on some fresh ideas on how to make the festival even better. He added: 'Given that Nuart is all about transformation and bringing life and colour to the city, we felt there could be no better time for its return than in spring. 'Nuart isn't just for one weekend – it leaves a lasting legacy imprinted on the fabric of Aberdeen itself.' The four-day festival will take place from April 23 to April 26 next year. Aberdeen Inspired hopes the next edition of Nuart will be as successful as previous years, drawing thousands of visitors into the city centre. The council's culture spokesman, Martin Greig, said events such as Nuart, Spectra and the upcoming Tall Ships help make Aberdeen a 'high-quality destination'. He added: 'Once again we can look forward to the city being transformed into a canvas for imaginative street art.'
Press and Journal
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
When will Belmont Street welcome back its fun-filled family festival?
Belmont Street will be put in the spotlight at the end of the month as it welcomes back the Big Belmont Bash. After a successful debut year, the street festival will return to Aberdeen city centre on May 31 for the first of two 2025 events. The free family-friendly festival was launched by Collective on the Cobbles last year to celebrate the history and community of the Belmont Street area. Chairman John Wigglesworth, of Books and Beans, said it was clear they had to bring it back after more than 8,000 turned out in September last year. He said: 'It is great to be collaborating across organisations all giving our time and efforts to make the Big Belmont Bash happen. 'The formula is simple – create great fun, free activities for all.' This year, the Big Belmont Bash will be a double bill to bookend the summer – with a second festival to be held on Saturday September 6. First up is May's event. Cafes, bars, restaurants, salons and shops on Belmont Street, Back Wynd, Gaelic Lane and Little Belmont Street will all come together on the last Saturday of the month. The Big Belmont Bash will run from midday until 8pm. Although the full schedule is yet to be released, organisers have promised 'a few surprises' on top of the family fun they provided at the first festival. They have already confirmed a variety of games and activities for the whole family to enjoy – with an array of prizes to be won. A number of local businesses will host workshops on the day, including coffee-making at Books and Beans and the opportunity to make your own sauce at Nando's. DJs from Drummonds will 'bring the party out onto the streets'. A number of other performers are also expected on stage to entertain crowds. Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'This event isn't just about having fun – important though that is. 'It is also about putting this historic quarter in the spotlight, along with its many outstanding businesses and attractions. 'They work so hard to make the heart of the Granite City a vibrant and attractive 'must-visit' destination.' For the May edition of the Big Belmont Bash, Citymoves has been chosen as the supported charity. The dance agency has been part of the Belmont Quarter community since 1992. 'It will receive all of the funds raised through a tombola on the day. Chief executive Hayley Durward said: 'The Big Belmont Bash has been a welcome addition to our calendar. 'We look forward to being part of the festivities.' The Big Belmont Bash will return on Saturday May 31 at 12pm and is free for all to attend.
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Taxi firm director says Aberdeen has 'no unmet demand'
A prominent figure in the Aberdeen taxi trade has insisted there is "no unmet demand" for cabs in the on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland, Chris Douglas - who is the director of Aberdeen Taxis - said a recent survey suggested only 12% of people waited more than seven minutes for a taxi at peak said that if there was more on offer to attract people to the area then demand might rise but at present there were enough cabs Adrian Watson from Aberdeen Inspired - which tries to encourage investment in the city centre - said the number of taxis was a "real issue". He said he had concerns about the number of vehicles available for the public to use."There's a safety element to this and reputational one for the city," he City Council said its licensing committee agreed with Mr Douglas' view that there was currently no evidence of significant unmet demand for the services of concluded that there was therefore no need to increase the limit on the number of added that there was also no evidence of any overprovision of private hire cars in Aberdeen and therefore no need to introduce a cap on year, private hire firm Uber was granted a licence by the council to operate in the were also concerns voiced shortly after the Covid pandemic about a shortage of taxi drivers.
