Undeterred by the weather, tens of thousands of city-goers and visitors turned out in Aberdeen this weekend to celebrate curiosity at Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light.
Across four nights, the festival brought the city to life with a garden transformed by fire, giant glowing blooms, suspended lanterns and architectural illusions as artists from across the UK and Europe brought their outstanding illuminated art to the granite city.
The free-to-attend festival hosted a programme of captivating installations under this year’s theme “Be Curious”, alongside an array of entertainment from street performers and dancers from the Fusion Youth Dance Company, which is part of the Citymoves Dance Agency.
Live music was also showcased from local and national musicians at the Cowdray Hall as part of Spectra’s Stage of Light. Artists included Dlù, an Indie Trad band from Glasgow, The Lorelei, a folk/rock band from Dyce and Norrie McIver, singer songwriter from the Isle of Lewis.
Winter flames were embraced with a newly introduced marshmallow toasting station proving a huge hit with visitors to Union Terrace Gardens which had been transformed by artists Walk the Plank into an immense Fire Garden.
Images credited to: Ian Georgeson Photography
Owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, produced by Live Event Management and sponsored by LNER, the festival took place across key city locations, including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Union Terrace Gardens, Marischal Square, and St Nicholas Kirkyard.
The festival also saw supporting sponsorship from Vattenfall and Shore Porters.
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said:
“Once again Spectra has brought a huge amount of fun and sparkle to our city centre. Through this current period of prolonged darkness, the shimmering images created by our amazing artists have inspired and delighted the thousands of visitors to Scotland's Festival of Light.
“Families, friends and visitors from near and far have experienced something truly unique and magical. The bright illuminations and installations produced by the artistic teams have impressed and thrilled.
“Sincere thanks go to our production partner, Live Event Management, and to all our colleagues throughout the council who worked so hard to make this local event a success. I am especially grateful to our sponsors LNER and Vattenfall for their generosity in supporting this important cultural event.
“Thank you to all who braved the weather, finding our city transformed and helping to create a fantastic friendly atmosphere every day."
Highlights from this year’s event included the artwork of 1,500 school children showcased as part of Spectra Inspired, with the artwork inspired by the festival’s programme, an installation called Solace, by UK-based artist Amelia Kosminsky, which featured in Aberdeen Art Gallery offering a contemplative sanctuary of handcrafted lanterns designed to inspire reflection and hope and Follow your Heart, produced by local artist Laura Curran and commissioned through the SPECTRA 2026 Micro-Commission Programme, at St Nicholas Kirkyard.
Eventgoers are being invited to share their thoughts and feedback on Spectra by completing the visitor survey: https://spectra2026.commonplace.is/