The magic of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen has been captured on a special highlights video – online from today - so people can relive the unforgettable atmosphere of the spectacular event.
All the key moments are in the spotlight, from the arrival of the magnificent vessels and the hundreds of thousands of people flocking to see them at the Port of Aberdeen, through to the rousing Quayside Concerts - with top bands like Kaiser Chiefs and Deacon Blue - and the carnival atmosphere of the crew parade.
The video has gone online just days after it was revealed Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Inspired – host partners behind last month’s event - are in talks with Sail Training International on options for bringing the Tall Ships back.
All three organisations welcomed the new short film as a tribute to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 – which generated 400,000 visits from July 19 to 22 - and a way of whetting the public’s appetite for their possible return.
Councillor Martin Greig, the chair of Aberdeen's Tall Ships organising committee and Aberdeen City Council's culture spokesperson, described the video - created by Signal, the Aberdeen-based production company who were the official video partner for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 – as high-quality, vibrant and comprehensive.
He added:"The Tall Ships festival was an enormous success for everyone involved. The level of participation and enthusiasm shown by locals and visitors was amazing. The carnival atmosphere put a smile on everyone's faces. There was a real community spirit demonstrating that Aberdeen is a friendly, caring city.
“It was great to see what we can do in welcoming visitors and hosting large-scale events. Tall Ships has made an immense cultural and economic impact for the good, so I am delighted that we plan to bring them back.
“Our excellent relationship with Sail Training International gives the city and region immense benefits and so many happy memories. By building on the success of Tall Ships 2025, we can make the city and region an even more attractive and desirable place to live and visit."
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Watching the highlights video from The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 was an absolute joy. It perfectly captured the sheer excitement, vibrancy and unique atmosphere this event brought to our city, from the magnificent spectacle of the beautiful vessels berthed in the harbour to the electrifying performances of the Quayside Concerts.
“The memories created last month are still fresh in people’s memories and this fantastic video will be a lasting reminder of one of the biggest events in Aberdeen in a generation.
“That said, we don’t want to wait another generation for the Tall Ships to return to Aberdeen. I’m sure everyone in the city hopes that current talks to bring the Tall Ships back will result in this wonderful fleet setting sail for the Granite City again, sooner rather than later.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “The return of The Tall Ships Races was a seminal moment for Aberdeen. Visitors from far and wide converged on the quayside and filled the city’s bars, restaurants and shops during four days of unforgettable ships, celebrations and international friendship.
“The partnership between the port, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, and many valued stakeholders, showed just what this city, with its rich maritime heritage, can deliver on the global stage.
“Looking ahead, we’re open to exploring if we can host events of a more modest scale on a regular basis, while continuing to offer our customers world-class infrastructure and high-quality services. If the opportunity to host The Tall Ships Races appears over the horizon, it will be given our full and enthusiastic consideration.”
You can see the highlights video here at The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 website.