As official video partners for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, Signal were commissioned to revisit this award-winning project, collaborating with VisitScotland to produce three case study videos, shining a spotlight on the meticulous planning and people who brought the event to life.
The case studies reveal the scale of the undertaking, from recruiting and managing the core event team to working with contractors and suppliers and enlisting volunteers. These elements were essential to delivering a festival of such ambition and scale. The videos highlight the vibrant atmosphere in Aberdeen and explore the logistics, teamwork, and electric energy that defined the event.
With an estimated 500,000 visits to the Aberdeen quayside and city events, the festival’s success showcased the skill and teamwork of all involved. By capturing partners’ voices, the case study series celebrates the human stories behind this landmark event. Signal, experienced in large-scale productions, felt this event stood out for its pride in place and shared experience.
Signal spoke with Event Operations Lead Stephen O' Neill and Project Manager Emma Wadee, gaining insights into their strategies, challenges, and proud moments. Pre-event planning was central, as the team mapped out strategies, engaged stakeholders, and laid the groundwork for a seamless experience. Collaboration between event leads, contractors and volunteers was crucial, demonstrating adaptability and dedication.
Jordan Harkins, Head of Communications at Port of Aberdeen, praised Signal’s video content for telling the story of the event and supporting the city’s biggest celebration in a generation.
Signal’s team is no stranger to large-scale productions, but this event was something special. It was about pride in place, in a shared experience, and a city coming alive with colour and sound.
You can watch all three case studies here: