An exciting line-up of free to attend or low-cost family activities, performances and more are set to take over Aberdeen city centre on Sunday, June 8.
The Family Arts Day is part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ festival by and for young people, Light the Blue, with events taking place from June 1-15.
Taking place across Union Terrace Gardens, His Majesty’s Theatre and Aberdeen Art Gallery, Family Arts Day invites those aged 0 – 12 and their families to spend the day enjoying pop-up, studio and interactive performances, arts activities, live music, sports, food, backstage tours and more from 12pm onwards.
A free gig for all the family from Sprog Rock in Union Terrace Gardens at 4pm will provide a fun and lively finale to the afternoon.
Jordan Blackwood, Light the Blue Creative Producer for Aberdeen Performing Arts, said: “We’re hoping to have as many people as possible coming along to Union Terrace Gardens, His Majesty’s Theatre and the Art Gallery throughout the day and we have so much in store.
“There’s lots going on throughout the day, so whether you have always wanted to try your hand at parkour, would love to join in with a crafting activity, play sports or sit back and enjoy some of the fantastic performances, there will be something for everyone and everyone is welcome.
“It’s sure to be a fun, festival atmosphere culminating in our finale event with a celebratory parade through Union Terrace Gardens at 4pm!”
Young artists involved in the day include Aberdeen Performing Arts Youth Theatre, Aberdeen Arts Centre Youth Theatre, Citymoves Dance Agency, the Academy of Expressive Arts, Riverbank School Wind Band, Bucksburn Training Band, Fiddle Futures Juniors and Redmyre School Choir, with performances taking place throughout the day.
Drop in events include A Dispute with a Butterfly, a soft, sensory storytelling experience perfect for 0-5 year-olds, following the incredible journey of the Painted Lady Butterfly, taking place in the HMT foyer and Union Terrace Gardens throughout the afternoon. Through puppetry, participation and play, find out what makes this butterfly special, how important it is
to learn from past generations, and how we can all work together to make the world a better place.
StreetSport Denis Law Legacy Trust will be on the grass at Union Terrace Gardens from 12-4pm, where you can pick up and play football panna, pickleball, basketball and more throughout the day.
Other outdoor events include crafting activities from Just Us. Clare Adam and Lesley Howard invite young explorers and their families on an exciting journey around Scotland. Meet fascinating friends like jellyfish, dragon, and exciting explorers. An opportunity to dive into a new creative activity, while learning British Sign Language.
Family shows in the His Majesty’s Theatre Studio include Doon the Watter at 11.30am, The Truth About Trees work in progress at 1.30pm and A Wee Dance With Us! At 3.45pm.
There will be a chance to peek behind the scenes of the famous theatre with free 30-minute family-friendly backstage tours of His Majesty’s Theatre at 12.45pm and 1.30pm (limited spaces, arrive early to secure a spot)!
Rounding off Family Arts Day will be a fun, lively gig for the whole family by Sprog Rock and an exciting parade of puppets, masks, crafts and more. Interested in participating in the parade? Meet at UTG Grass Area at 4pm and join in, celebrating the end to a fantastic day.
More information is available at https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/light-the-blue-2025-family-arts-day/