True North Music Festival came to a close on Sunday with a stunning celebration of the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin from soul sensation Mica Paris, Aberdeen’s own international singing superstar Emeli Sandé and celebrated jazz singer Georgia Cécile at the Music Hall, followed by a rousing set from African Groove Machine at the Lemon Tree.

Other headliners included Travis, Nitin Sawhney, and Los Bitchos as audiences filled the Lemon Tree and Music Hall for four nights of amazing music from September 22-25.

Aberdeen Performing Arts Director of Programming and Creative Projects, Ben Torrie said: “True North has been exceptional this year, it’s been an amazing few days and brilliant to see so many people out enjoying great music across the city with attendance of over 4,000 across the weekend.

“Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us and enjoy the festival, and helped to make it a huge success.”

The festival saw 80 artists and musicians perform across five different venues with further highlights from art rockers Django Django, African Groove Machine, and Retro Video Club as well as a packed Fringe programme at the Music Hall’s Coda Café, Waterstones and Siberia throughout the weekend.

Spectacular pop-up venue Wonder Hoose, which has has been running throughout September in the stunning surrounds of the Quadrangle at Marischal College, featured performances from local up-and-coming talent, AiiTee, as well as further shows from Emma Pollock, and Stina Marie Claire with Michael Timmons playing the last show to be held at the venue on Sunday night.

Aberdeen Performing Arts Director of Programming and Creative Projects, Ben Torrie said: “The Wonder Hoose has brightened up the early Autumn evenings throughout September and it has been great to see so many talented artists filling it with laughter, stories and music night after night.

“It’s been a joy to bring the colourful, vibrant fun of Wonder Hoose to Aberdeen, we set out to bring something for everyone to enjoy and it truly has been a palace of variety that seemed to be loved by everyone who set foot in it.”

True North is now in its eighth year, with previous headliners including Mogwai, Twilight Sad and John Grant. The Sunday evening traditionally features an homage to a legendary artist, with previous years seeing Stevie Wonder, David Bowie and Kate Bush among others all getting the True North treatment led by the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Camille O’Sullivan and Emma Pollock.

Ben added: “Everything was superb across the whole weekend, but I have to pick out the Mica Paris celebration of Aretha Franklin at the Music Hall which was one of the best things I’ve ever seen on stage – truly world class, and something that Aberdeen should be hugely proud of.”

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