Anchors Aweigh: The Spectacular Tall Ships Races Aberdeen Set Sail July 2025

Welcome to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen

From 19th to 22nd July 2025, Aberdeen’s Port will transform into a maritime playground for the Tall Ships Races, Europe’s largest free family festival. The event is expected to draw around 400,000 visitors to the Granite City, with over 50 tall ships, international crew parades, concerts, Red Arrows display,, 60 market stalls, STEM Discovery Zones and a funfair.

As the UK’s sole host port, Aberdeen will showcase its maritime heritage for the first time since the 1990s. 

What’s Happening at The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen?

Fleet Arrival & Parade (19–22 July)

• Ship Tours: The majestic tall ships will be open for public tours daily from 9am to 8pm, offering a unique experience to explore these vessels up close.
• Opening Ceremony: Festivities begin on Saturday 19th July with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9am, followed by live performances and the official opening of the event.  
•  International Crew Parade: On Sunday 20th July, over 1,500 sailors will participate in a vibrant parade through Aberdeen’s city centre, showcasing international camaraderie and maritime tradition.  
• Parade of Sail: The event culminates on Tuesday 22nd July with a grand Parade of Sail along the beach esplanade, as the fleet departs for Kristiansand, Norway.

Quayside Concerts & Entertainment

• Friday 18 July: Deacon Blue, Brooke Combe, and The Little Kicks 

• Saturday 19 July: Ministry of Sound Classical, Paul Oakenfold, and Look Busy Collective 

• Sunday 20 July: Tide Lines and Calum Bowie 

• Monday 21 July: Kaiser Chiefs, Glasvegas, and The Capollos 

Each concert begins at 6:30pm, with gates opening earlier for food and drink.  

Family Fun Zones & Discovery Activities

• Funfair rides, including a Ferris wheel, operate daily across King St and Castlegate.

• Discovery Zone offers STEM-based exhibits: touch tanks from Macduff Marine Aquarium, boat-building challenges, circus performances, Zumba sessions, storytelling, and more. Open from 9am to 6pm on 19th–21st July and until 3:30pm on 22nd July.

• Military Village: Situated at Union Terrace Gardens, offering interactive exhibits and activities.

Red Arrows Finale

• Don’t miss the breathtaking Red Arrows aerial display scheduled for Monday 21st July at 5:30pm over he beach esplanade.

For more information, detailed schedules, and updates, visit the official Tall Ships Aberdeen website