Aerial dancers, new artwork, immersive sound experiences and live music are to pop up on the streets of Aberdeen this weekend, as a brand new festival launched on Thursday (September 8).

Wonderland is a four-day curated festival which aims to illuminate and celebrate Aberdeen, with free performances and events taking place across the city centre.

A total of 22 new performances, installations, displays and workshops have been created exclusively for the festival, taking inspiration from Aberdeen’s own unique environment including ships, seagulls, nature and history.

Wonderland promises surprises in store round every street corner, highlighting Aberdeen’s cultural scene in a fresh way.

Wonderland will run throughout the weekend from today until Sunday (September 11), in locations including Union Street, Marischal Square, St Nicholas Kirk, Duthie Park, Bon Accord Centre and the Rooftop Garden and Broad Street, with the additional use of vacant shops as pop up venues.

Featuring both established and emerging artists from across the North-east, Wonderland will bring our city centre to life with a vibrant programme which shows the Granite City and its amazing architecture, green spaces and quirky locations in a new light.

Wonderland is being delivered by Aberdeen Performing Arts on behalf of Culture Aberdeen, which has been awarded funding from the UK Government Community Renewal Fund and Aberdeen City Council.

Ben Torrie, Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Director of Programming and Creative Projects, said: “We are proud to be launching Wonderland today and we’re looking forward to a busy and exciting weekend with a packed programme of things to see, do and experience.

“Together with our partners at Culture Aberdeen, we have curated a diverse, eclectic, dynamic mix of artwork, such as visual art installations, dance, sound and music, and it’s all free of charge. Wonderland is open to everyone and demonstrates the wealth of talent we have in the region.

“We are delighted to be working with so many established and emerging artists to explore our much-loved city in new ways and give visitors an unforgettable experience and a fun day out.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “There's so much for everyone to enjoy: from dance to film, live music to poetry, interactive installations and sensory experiences, you won't want to miss out on the Wonderland festival. Aberdeen is showing off its wealth of creativity, supported by the UK Government as part of more than £2 billion for levelling up across Scotland.”

Wonderland runs from September 8-11, at various times. Admission is free and open to everyone. For the full programme and to buy tickets for the Wonder Hoose events, visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/wonderland

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