Spectra: Aberdeen's light festival returns to the city centre

The biggest light festival of its kind in Scotland returns to Aberdeen after attracting over 100,000 visitors last year.

The free spectacle, now in its 11th year, draws massive crowds, and this year, a 50 metre-long sensory walkway, the heartbeats of Aberdonians, and a light-up wall will be just some of the highlights.

Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, will begin on Friday evening, and thousands of eventgoers from across Scotland, Aberdeen, and further afield are expected to descend on the Granite City.

A 50m-long multi-sensory walkway is designed to distort reality. Ian Georgeson

It features 15 artworks by leading artists from across the UK and Australia, including giant projections and interactive light installations, as well as entertainment from street performers, dancers, and musicians.

Among them is Northern Lights, a virtual exhibition by Craig Barrowman and other local artists.

“It’s a group exhibition, five artists from the north east, and it’s a mix of physical and digital artwork using augmented reality,” Craig explained.

“The five artists responded to the theme of journeys, and each created a unique and different piece.”

Sky Castle features a cluster of inflatable arches that span in colourful symphony. Ian Georgeson

Another piece, the Matter of the Heart, features a collection of local hearts—flashing light boxes symbolising the real-time heartbeats of over 60 Aberdonians.

“I’m a huge fan of light festivals when the evenings are so dark, you want to come out and see some light; you want to see your streets lit up,” said Anna West, a creative director at idontloveyouanymore.

“And the fact that you could do it as well, people can take part in this and use their own heartbeat to light up their streets, is just gorgeous.”

Beside the Union Terrace Gardens, visitors will be able to admire light spectacles at the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Marischal College.

Fit D’You Know About the Bon Accord? is a large-scale video installation, which incorporates animation and sound. Ian Georgeson

Fit D’You Know About the Bon Accord?, an art piece by Scottish artist Council Baby, is located in the Gallery’s Sculpture Court area and captures different aspects of Aberdeen’s rich history via a large-scale video installation projection comprising four stained-glass designs.

Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said, “Spectra is finally here, and we cannot wait for visitors from the city and beyond to revel in the magic that this year’s festival offers.

“The planning for this year’s festival has been underway for months. There has been excellent collaboration with artists and local groups.

“All the preparation and hard work is going to create wonderful experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

Spectra light festival runs until Sunday, February 9, 5.30pm to 10pm each day.