Members of the public have been encouraged to get behind a new festival in Aberdeen this spring which will highlight the best food and drink the city has to offer.
Following the success of the inaugural Aberdeen Restaurant Week earlier this year, business organisation Aberdeen Inspired launched the ‘Inspired Nights’ festival which will take place in the city centre from Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 27.
More than 30 business have already signed up as participants and festival wristbands are now on sale for the ten-day event which aims to re-ignite Aberdeen’s nightlife by boosting footfall and celebrate the extensive offering across the night time economy.
Participating businesses include The Tippling House, Orchid, Yatai, Café 52, Musa, Nox, Soul and Siberia.
Festival wristbands are available to purchase online and can be collected in person from the Inspired Nights Hub at Rye & Soda in the Academy at the start of May. They are currently available at an early bird price of £4. The general sale price from Tuesday, May 1 will be £6. Both will include a booking fee.
The wristbands will give festival-goers access to the exclusive Inspired Nights £5 cocktail and signature drink menus, along with discounts on food, events, talks and masterclasses across the city centre.
Festival-goers will also explore the city’s bars, restaurants and nightclubs to enjoy an exclusive and inclusive Inspired Nights signature drink list which will include discounts on mocktails and soft drinks.
They will also have VIP access to masterclasses, tastings and brand ambassador talks, as well as the chance to discover Nuart Aberdeen after dark, browse new night street food markets on The Green, with a pop-up bar, and attend other pop-up events across the city centre.
Nicola Marie Johnston, Evening and Night Time economy manager for Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The Inspired Nights festival is an exciting opportunity for people to explore outstanding food and drink businesses in the city centre.
“We’re delighted to offer the festival wristbands which are on sale now and I would encourage the public to get involved in what will be a fantastic event for the city.
“We’ve had a very positive response from local businesses since we launched the festival and we want to see as many bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs to get involved.
The inaugural Aberdeen Restaurant Week was very successful earlier this year and we want to build on this momentum to create a vibrant night time economy which showcases everything Aberdeen city centre has to offer.
“The Inspired Nights festival will mean the city and traders will benefit from a healthy increase in footfall and customer spending.
“Aberdeen city centre was recently awarded Purple Flag status for the fifth consecutive year, which means the city has been recognised for its commitment to promoting a safe and secure night-time economy whilst also promoting a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.”
The Carmelite Hotel has developed a range of offers for festival wristband holders which cover food, drink and events.
The hotel’s romantic ‘Picnic Night’ accommodation offer will allow patrons to choose one of its bespoke suites and receive a picnic hamper full of food for two people, plus a bottle of wine for only £10 (hamper value £45).
Award-winning Aberdeen based hair and beauty salon Linton and Mac has signed up for the festival and are offering a ‘get-ready’ package for wristband holders.
Creative directors Joanna “Jaye” MacDonald and Jennifer Linton, said: "The getting-ready part of your night out is just as important as the night out itself. Looking good and feeling good gives you the confidence to enjoy your night.
“We are excited to be part of the Inspired Nights festival and will offer wristband holders a special 'get-ready' package with express hair and beauty services."
During the festival, Musa will host an open mic night and whisky tasting evening. Ninety-Nine Bar & Kitchen will hold an OVD, Reyka and Monkey Shoulder Tiki Takeover.
The Tippling House will host a Campari Negroni Masterclass as well as a Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon ‘Break-Even Bottle’ tasting with Moonfish hosting a natural wine pairing dinner. Café Drummonds and the Tunnels will also run a number of live music nights throughout the week.
For more information and to sign up for Inspired Nights please email: info@aberdeeninspirednights.com or click here.
