Spectra: Scotland's largest urban light festival to return to Aberdeen next year

Scotland’s largest urban light festival is set to return to Aberdeen in the new year to illuminate the Granite City.

Spectra will bring vibrant illuminations to the city from February 6 to February 9, 2025.

Visitors travel from across Scotland and afar to see the festival transform sites across the city into a canvas of colour with a number of free events and artworks on offer.

The upcoming festival marks the 11th year the celebration will take place, having grown from an initial audience of 10,000 at a single site to attracting over 100,000 visits over four days in 2024.

Last year’s festival contributed £2.6m in visitor spending to the local economy.

Spectra 2025 will feature large-scale art installations, light projections, and some surprises across locations, including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Union Terrace Gardens, and Marischal College.

Spectra will bring vibrant illuminations to Aberdeen. Ian Georgeson

The full lineup for the 2025 festival is set to be revealed in January.

Spectra is owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and produced by Live Event Management.

Councillor Martin Greig, the cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said the festival has brought “magical, artistic experiences” to the city at no cost since its launch.

“Thousands of visitors of all ages have been moved and thrilled by the amazing, shimmering designs and installations. It’s great that this imaginative event returns next February to add some extraordinary sparkle and vitality to brighten up those darker evenings,” he said.

“I am pleased that Aberdeen City Council is able to offer Scotland’s largest urban light festival. The fantastic event brings more folk into the area and helps to create a sense of community that all can share.”