What to expect for Aberdeen Tall Ships 2025

Where and When?

The Race will begin in Le Havre, France on the 4th of July making their way to Dunkirk, France for the 10th of July.  The ships will then race to Aberdeen for the first time since 1997 - landing on the 19th of July and staying until the 22nd.

Celebrations will be held at Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour and the North end of Union Street. The race will then continue on to Kristiansand, Norway on the 30th of July and make their last stop in Esbjerg, Denmark on the 6th of August.

History of the Tall Ships Races

Bernard Morgan – a retired London solicitor - proposed the Tall Ships Races in the hopes of honouring what he thought was the end of Tall Ship sailing. The event aimed to connect young sailors from over the world and in 1953 twenty vessels sailed from Torbay to Lisbon, Portugal.

The event became internationally recognised and what was supposed to be a one-time race became a biennial event which is celebrated across the world.

Over the last 70 years the event has grown hugely with more companies sponsoring the races and more vessels participating in the race. The Ships will dock for a couple of days in specially selected ports to celebrate culture, community and sailing.

 
 
 
 

Quayside Concerts

Each night the Tall Ships are docked in Aberdeen recognised artists will be headlining the newly built stage at Peterson Seabase, Regent Quay. Tickets for Deacon Blue, Ministry of Sound and Kaiser Chiefs are currently on sale so get them while you can!

Tide Lines and Calum Bowie will also be playing in a free event on Sunday 20th on the same stage but make sure to get there early to catch a good spot! First act begins at 7pm.

For tickets and further information please see https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/

 
 

Family Fun

The Tall Ships Races will include day and evening entertainment for all the family.

There will be a fun fair on King Street open from the 19th to the 22nd, 9am to 11pm where visitors can enjoy rides and games. The Discovery zone will be available to explore in Castle Gate from the 19th to the 22nd 9am to 6pm. The Zone will host a multitude of STEM activities and ‘Come and Try’ stands A perfect space for families to enjoy the event and engage in maritime themed activities.

Throughout the day many of the vessels will open their doors for visitors to come and discover all that is Tall Ships. Street food and bars will be found on Regency Quay where you can indulge in new and flavoursome food and drink!   

The city centre can get quite busy, and many roads will be shut so see https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/event-information/community-and-resident-information/  for updates on closures and travel options.

Please refer to the site rules for any information on what you can bring into the event! https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/assets/Documents/Quayside-Concerts-site-rules_03.03.pdf

For those of you who would love to explore the event but also would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre come stay at Saplinbrae! We still have some availability so call us on 01771 623585 or book through our website to make sure you can grab a room while you can!

 
 
Joanna Gall