A
host of prominent organisations with Aberdeen roots and international reach
have signed up to support The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 as the
world-renowned, sailing extravaganza returns to the city for the first time in
28 years.
(In
alphabetical order) ASCO, Aspect: The Strategic Communications Experts,
Balmoral Group, Equinor, Global Maritime, John Lawrie, OPITO, Peterson Energy
Logistics, and Serica snapped key sponsorship packages to be part of Europe’s
largest free family event, which is expected to draw 400,000 visitors and 50
Tall Ships to Aberdeen from 19 to 22 July 2025.
Aberdeen
City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired worked together on the
successful bid to host the event.
Sir
Jim Milne CBE, Chairman and Managing Director, Balmoral Group, said: “We’re a
company deeply rooted in Aberdeen’s history and recognise the significance of
supporting this spectacular event.”
Sponsorship
packages are in high demand, with the headline Host Port Sponsor position among
the few remaining top-tier opportunities, and there are a wide range of
opportunities available for organisations of all sizes and budgets. Sponsorship
benefits range from branding and media coverage to exclusive onboard parties,
VIP access, and volunteering opportunities.
Matthew
Williams, Lead Officer for Tall Ships, Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are
delighted to announce our first sponsors and deeply appreciate their early
support. The enthusiasm from the business community has been incredible, and we
look forward to welcoming more sponsors soon.”
Business
support is essential to fund and support 100 young people from all backgrounds
to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience onboard a Tall Ship. Recruitment will
begin later this year for Sail Trainees targeting those aged 15 to 25 living in
an AB post code to sail from Dunkirk, France to Aberdeen, or from Aberdeen to
Kristiansand, Norway.
Bob
Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said: “The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen is a
unique event for businesses to align their brand with diverse groups across the
city including volunteers, youth organisations, schools, the third sector and
more.”
The
Tall Ships festival will transform quaysides at Port of Aberdeen’s North
Harbour and the North end of Union Street into a world-class events venue.
Beginning on Friday 19 July with the fleet’s arrival and opening ceremony, the
city centre will buzz with more than 1,500 sailors joining the international
crew parade the next day, featuring live music, dance, and theatre.
A
grand finale of fireworks on the seafront will dazzle visiting crowds on the 21
July before the ships set sail for Kristiansand, Norway, the following day.
This departure will be marked by a parade of sail along the beach esplanade,
offering a memorable farewell.
Adrian
Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It is fantastic to see the
first wave of sponsors giving such vital support to The Tall Ships Races
Aberdeen 2025. This is a once-in-a-generation chance for city businesses to put
themselves in the spotlight on an international platform while helping ensure
the Tall Ships even is a massive success both for themselves and for the city
and wider region. I would urge as many as possible to seize this opportunity.”
Businesses
can find out more about the sponsorship packages by contacting Leanne Sinclair,
Sales & Sponsorship Coordinator for Mearns & Gill, at leanne.sinclair@mearns-gill.com, calling 01224 646311 or
visiting The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
website.