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BBC News
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tall Ships Aberdeen: Four-day event making city 'proud'
Hosting the Tall Ships Races is making Aberdeen "proud", organisers have four-day event - described as Scotland's biggest tourist event this year - began on Saturday, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to see the dozens of majestic vessels from around the is the last full day, before Tuesday sees the Parade of Sail as the vessels leave port, heading for Greig, chairman of the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, said: "It has been inspiring to see the passion and fun shared by residents and visitors. This event lifts the spirits and makes you proud of what we can achieve together." Deacon Blue kicked off the event on Friday night with a harbourside gig. The main Tall Ships event then opened to the public on Saturday morning, followed a classical concert in the evening. Sunday saw the Tall Ships Races crews parade through city streets. On Monday, local chef Kevin Dalgleish was on board one of the ships, teaching young cadets how to cook. They used local shellfish to put together a lunch at sea. "I'm hugely passionate about nurturing young talent and helping to bring up the next generation of world-class chefs," he said. "So to be able to teach these young cadets some cooking skills aboard the TS Royalist feels like the perfect fit."He added: "Tall Ships has been a hugely anticipated event for the city and the region, and is really helping to establish Aberdeenshire as a top travel destination." Rock band Kaiser Chiefs will play a gig on Monday Ships Aberdeen is billed as Europe's largest free family event, with almost 50 ships taking 2,000 international crew members are attending from as far afield as Uruguay and Oman. The races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of ships are berthed in Waterloo Quay, Regent Quay, Trinity Quay, Upper Quay, Jamieson's Quay and Blaikies Quay. Full details of where each ship is can be found here. You can keep up to date with the latest BBC weather forecast here.
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Former Record reporter Bev Lyons turns tables by launching pop career
The Glasgow-born writer has interviewed the world's top stars. Showbiz journalist Bev Lyons has spent decades writing about everyone from Bieber to Beyonce and now she's about to release her own single. Bev, who was invited to sing at Glasgow's Pride in the Barrowland Ballroom over the weekend, can't wait to show off her self-penned song I'm Leaving You when it is released on Wednesday. The Glasgow-born writer and broadcaster, who has interviewed stars for the Record for over 20 years, began singing properly during the pandemic to entertain friends. She said: 'I've always loved performing and I used to sing at family parties when I was wee but I couldn't look at my audience 'cause I was too scared. "In more recent years I messed around in my bedroom, writing music on GarageBand.' Although Bev has always championed other stars, she did once perform with one of the UK's biggest pop names. She said: 'I won a karaoke competition to be one of Boy George's backing singers at Abbey Road for a rerelease of Karma Chameleon. It was an amazing experience and I thought that was my 15 minutes of fame.' Being a showbiz writer soon took over and Bev put her singing dreams on hold until lockdown when red carpet events came to an abrupt stop. With time on her hands she returned to her singing, taking virtual lessons from renowned vocal coach Robert Wishart. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. She said: 'I'd been thinking about adding songs to my hosting work and had contacted Robert about that – and over lockdown, I sang on Facebook and tried to entertain my then-bored neighbours with some balcony tunes.' Her performances got a thumbs-up and after Covid she was asked to appear at live gigs. She said: 'I love being able to sing tobigger audiences. 'My debut single is a pop song about life after love, inspired by songs by Cher, Miley Cyrus and Gloria Gaynor. It's a real upbeat anthem about hope, strength and survival.' Bev posted a clip of her song on social media and it's received acclaim from celeb followers including Deacon Blue's Lorraine McIntosh, Bay City Roller Stuart 'Woody' Wood, TV host Ross King, River City's Tom Urie, singers May Miller and Jesse Rae, and St Phoenix stars Alan and Stevie Jukes. Bev said: 'I'm absolutely loving the buzz and excitement just now and to be able to perform it at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom was a dream come true. 'I have been told I'll get radio play from some stations but I don't believe anything until it happens. As Oasis once said, I'll just roll with it.'
Daily Record
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tall Ships Races Aberdeen set sail as visitors 'wowed' after Deacon Blue opening
Thousands of visitors attended the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen this morning. The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 set sail today while wowing visitors to the once-in-a-generation event this morning. Huge crowds gathered as the gates opened at 9am to witness the 50 vessels berthed around the quayside. Around 7,000 music fans were also thrilled by Deacon Blue, who took the stage last night to open the Quayside Concert series. Visitors spoke about the rousing fanfare to start proceedings at an official ribbon cutting by Lord Provost David Cameron. Chloe Wright, 37, from Cults came to see the Tall Ships with her husband David, and her two children Benji, 10 months old, and Mack, 3. She said: 'We are loving it, there is just so much to see and not just the ships. And it is nice to see Aberdeen coming out and being in such fine fettle. And it's so good for the kids. 'When we first saw all the ships I just though ' wow '. I was really little when they were last here and my dad took me, so this is the first time I have seen them in years and years and I had forgotten what to expect. 'We are looking forward to going on the boats and the kids are really excited as well.' Mark Foster, 58, from Bridge of Don, who was also an early visitor at the Tall Ships with his wife, Pamela, continued: 'It is quite amazing. I was surprised by the size of them. The one on the other side of the port is absolutely huge. When I first saw it all I could say is 'wow'. Some of these Tall Ships are beautiful. 'That atmosphere here is busy, but it's not too crowded, so it's actually calming. There is a plethora of food bars, shops and craft shops as well, and I daresay a lot of them are from the Aberdeen community, so that's good to see as well.' Even as people were getting their first look at the range, scale and sheer excitement of the Tall Ships this morning, Deacon Blue fans were still buzzing about last night's gig. It saw the iconic Scottish band sing their extensive range of anthems from over the years to the delight of the thousands who filled the purpose-built open-air gig space at Peterson Seabase. And the crowd also gave the warmest of welcomes to local favourites, Little Kicks, as well as rising Scottish star Brooke Combe who played a blistering set. Callum Fitzwater, 47, from Fife, added: 'I came up just for this, I'm a massive Deacon Blue fun. The gig is amazing, it's a great venue and a great set-up, just brilliant. Watching them performing Dignity, one of their top songs, in this venue was so good, I love it. 'The Quayside Concerts as an idea is just brilliant, areas like Aberdeen and Dundee need to do this more often. Edinburgh and Glasgow have had everything but Aberdeen can hold their own.' Carran Legge, 52, from Aberdeen, noted: 'I just love Deacon Blue and the gig has been so good. When they sang Dignity it was just amazing in this venue, what an atmosphere. Aberdeen should definitely do more things like this.' Deacon Blue kicked off the Quayside Concert series of gigs that have created a mini-summer music festival at the heart of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen. Next up will be Ministry of Sound Classical playing at the venue tonight; Tide Lines and Calum Bowie playing special charity gig as a thank you to Aberdeen RNLI tomorrow Sunday, followed by the Kaiser Chiefs playing out the series – which sold out within days – on Monday evening. The enthusiasm for the Tall Ships Races was shared by Vanessa Mori, Deputy CEO and Commercial Director of Sail Training International which stages the world-famous Tall Ships Races and who is in Aberdeen for the event. She said: 'The whole team at Sail Training International is absolutely overwhelmed with the enthusiasm that Aberdeen has shown over the past two and a half years in the lead up to this event. To see the city come alive with 50 tall ships, international crews and local communities is just a delight. 'It's a pleasure working with the team, in what is and will be an amazing event for the city over the next four days. We look forward to the next one.' And Scottish Government Minister for Business and Employment, Richard Lochhead , also praised the vibrant event when he visited on the opening day. He said: ' The Tall Ships celebrate Scotland's proud maritime history and long tradition of international exchange. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Aberdeen Line, which built more than 100 ships from the Walter Hood Shipyard, in the very place the Tall Ships are berthed today. 'It's incredible to see Aberdeen hosting this spectacle which draws visitors from across the world. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring our country continues to be the perfect stage for events like this one, which connect communities and bring huge economic benefits.' Beyond the harbour area, there is a Discovery Zone with STEM activities for young and old at the Castlegate, a funfair on King Street, and a Military Village along with other stalls and activities at Union Terrace Gardens. Also, shops, pubs, restaurants and businesses across the city centre have also pushed the boat out, decked out in bunting and posters ready to welcome the 400,000 visits The Tall Ships Races is expected to generate over the four days. Tomorrow will see the carnival atmosphere of the crew parade, with crews, bands and musicians from the Tall Ships, along with the Band of HM Royal Marines, taking to the city streets in a riot of colourful costumes and fancy dress. Monday will have the Red Arrows performing amazing aerial acrobatics just off the coast with the Esplanade as an excellent grandstand for thousands of fans. Tuesday will see the spectacular Parade of Sail as the Tall Ships leave port to muster at sea ready to start their race to Kristiansand in Norway. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Tall Ships Aberdeen: 'Party city' event gets under sail
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen - labelled the biggest tourist event in Scotland this year - gets fully under sail on of thousands of people are expected to attend, to see dozens of impressive vessels from around the band Deacon Blue played a harbourside gig on Friday night as part of the warm-up for the four days before things get officially under way at the there is a Met Office Yellow warning for heavy rain in Aberdeen from Saturday afternoon until Sunday. The city council said it would issue updates if there was any impact on the event as a will be turned into a "party city", according to the runs until Tuesday, when the ships will then sail on to Norway. The Granite City previously hosted the tall ships in 1991 and and Lerwick are among other Scottish towns to have featured in the event's history, which dates back to the 1970s. The event is billed as Europe's largest free family 50 ships have been confirmed as taking part in will be about 2,000 international crew members taking part, from as far afield as Uruguay and of volunteers have been recruited to help at the event, which is expected to attract about "400,000 visits" - an estimate which includes repeat races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of sailing. What ships are taking part? The vessels are divided into four classes, ranging from large sailing ships to smaller single-masted Mlodziezy, from Poland, is the tallest at 62.5m (205ft) in 1982, she made her Tall Ships debut in the same name means "the gift of youth". The BAP Union is the furthest travelled, having come to Aberdeen from Union's sailing distance from Callao to Aberdeen is about 7,500 nautical miles (13,890km). The skipper of Norwegian vessel Sorlandet, Captain Tore Skjelbred-Knudsen, is looking forward to the event."It's a gathering of these ships, it's a beautiful sight, it's maritime history, we can show that to the people of Aberdeen," he told BBC Scotland News."But most of all it's for the young people joining the ships, it's changing their lives."He added: "As a former student at the University of Aberdeen, I have been truly looking forward to visiting again. "Even if it is a couple of decades ago, I vividly remember the charm, the friendly people, the vast culture, and all the friends I made during my time there." Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council's Tall Ships Project Manager, said: "We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer at The Tall Ships Races and help turn the Granite City into party city from morning to night. "We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party - we saw that during the Dons' Scottish Cup victory parade." Where is the best place to view Tall Ships Aberdeen? The ships will be berthed in Waterloo Quay, Regent Quay, Trinity Quay, Upper Quay, Jamieson's Quay and Blaikies Quay. Full details of where each ship will be can be found here. The main entrance to the harbour area will be via Marischal Street. Many of the ships will be open to visitors during their time in Aberdeen. What other entertainment is there at Tall Ships Aberdeen? Following on from Deacon Blue on Friday night, other gigs will include Kaiser attractions will include free live music, and street food from the main names, other acts include Tide Lines, Calum Bowie, Glasvegas, Brooke Combe, Little Kicks, Capollos and Look Busy Collective. The event organisers say there will also be a "vibrant" line-up of live music, including Scottish trad, jazz, Afrobeat, hip hop, and Latin line-up also features local choirs as well as youth children will be catered for with attractions at a family zone at Blaikie's Quay, including a giant can also get their picture taken with Tall Ships Aberdeen mascot, Dorry the Dolphin, during the festival. What will Tall Ships Aberdeen travel be like? Aberdeen city centre is expected to be very busy with tens of thousands of spectators each day. The organisers are recommending that people use public transport or car share if coming into Aberdeen, and that those staying locally could walk or regular Park and Ride services will be in operation from Bridge of Don, Craibstone, P&J Live, and closures and parking restrictions will be place on streets around Aberdeen harbour during the course of the event. Castle Street, King Street, Marischal Street, Regent Quay, Blaikies Quay and Regent Road are among those affected. Pocra Quay and New Pier Road in Footdee are open to business and resident access only. You can keep up to date with the latest BBC weather forecast here.
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Aberdeen Tall Ships 2025: What to know about Quayside Concerts, from headliners to stage times
Deacon Blue at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh | Jamie Carter With Deacon Blue, Ministry of Sound Classical, Tide Lines and Kaiser Chiefs headlining, here is everything you need to know about the Aberdeen Tall Ships concerts. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As vessels are being welcomed into Aberdeen Harbour, acts from Deacon Blue and the Kaiser Chiefs are gearing up to perform as part of the 2025 Tall Ships Races. Headlining the city's Quayside Concerts, the full line up includes Brooke Combe, Ministry of Sound Classical, and Tide Lines, with many more also set to perform. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jane Barlow/PA Wire With events kicking off this evening, here is everything you need to know about Aberdeen's Quayside Concerts - including key event timings. Friday, July 18: Deacon Blue From 6.30pm to 11pm at Peterson Seabase. One of several Quayside Concerts as part of the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races, Deacon Blue are set to headline a show at Aberdeen Harbour's Peterson Seabase with guests including Brooke Combe and The Little Kicks on Friday, July 18. | Cameron Brisbane Deacon Blue will open the Quayside Concerts on Friday, with support from Midlothian singer-songwriter Brooke Combe and Aberdeen indie group The Little Kicks. Located at Peterson Seabase, Friday's event will begin at 6.30pm with sets from Brooke Combe and The Little Kicks. After the audience has been warmed up, Deacon Blue's will take to the harbour stage for their headline slot, which will end around 11pm. Saturday, July 19: Ministry of Sound Classical From 6.30pm to 11pm at Peterson Seabase. The second Quayside Concert will see Ministry of Sound Classical bring dance anthems to Aberdeen Harbour for the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races on Saturday, July 19, with guests Paul Oakenfold and Look Busy Collective. | Contributed On Saturday, Ministry of Sound Classical will then take to the Peterson Seabase stage to entertain the crown with live orchestral renditions of the iconic Ministry of Sound's greatest hits. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In addition to the 30-strong orchestra, support will come from DJ Paul Oakenfold and the Aberdeen-based Look Busy Collective. On Saturday, the Quayside Concert will kick off at 6.30pm. Sets from Combe and The Little Kicks will get audiences ready for Ministry of Sound Classical's performance, which is expected to end around 11pm. Sunday, July 20: Tide Lines From 7pm to 10pm at Peterson Seabase. For the third – and only free – Quayside Concert at Aberdeen Harbour's Peterson Seabase on Sunday's July 20, Scottish acts Tide Lines and Calum Bowie will perform. | Contributed Headlined by Scottish indie-folk stars Tide Lines, Sunday's Quayside Concert is shorter than previous events. With just breakthrough Banchory-born singer Calum Bowie providing support, the show will kick off from 7pm. Following his performance, Tide Lines will take to the stage, and their set is expected to end around 10pm. Monday, July 21: Kaiser Chiefs From 6.30pm to 11pm at Peterson Seabase. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kaiser Chiefs will play a massive show at Alexandra Palace Park this week here are the stage timings fans can expect. | Getty Images The final Quayside Concert will take place on Monday, with English indie band Kaiser Chiefs headlining. Bringing their biggest hits including Ruby and I Predict A Riot to the final day of the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races, they will be joined by Scottish rockers Glasvegas and local band The Capollos. The event will begin at 6.30pm, with the Kaiser Chiefs bringing the Quayside Concerts to a close at 11pm. What's on at Peterson Seabase during the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races? In addition to the main Quayside Concerts, there will be a number of additional performances on the Main Stage at Peterson Seabase from Saturday to Tuesday. Here is the full Main Stage line-up at Peterson Seabase during the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races. Friday: Main Stage line-up ⭐ 6.30pm - 11pm — Quayside Concert Little Kicks Brooke Combe Deacon Blue Saturday: Main Stage line-up 9.30am — SC&T Youth Ensemble — SC&T Youth Ensemble 10.15am — Mearns Singers — Mearns Singers 11.20am — Abergaitas — Abergaitas 11.45am — Grand Opening for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 — Grand Opening for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 12.45pm — Laura Harrington & Friends — Laura Harrington & Friends 2.10pm — Frank Thomson Dance Band Trio — Frank Thomson Dance Band Trio 3.10pm — Ellie Beaton Trio — Ellie Beaton Trio 4pm - 6.30pm — Closed — Closed ⭐ 6.30pm - 11pm — Quayside Concert Look Busy Collective Paul Oakenfold Ministry of Sound Classical 11pm — Closed Sunday: Main Stage line-up 9.30am — Aberdeen City Council Music Service Ensemble — Aberdeen City Council Music Service Ensemble 11am — Polish-Scottish Song Group — Polish-Scottish Song Group 12.15pm — The Paddy Buchanan Band — The Paddy Buchanan Band 1.45pm —Tripple —Tripple 3.15pm — Fell Line — Fell Line 5pm — Crew Prizegiving — Crew Prizegiving ⭐ 7pm - 10pm — Quayside Concert Calum Bowie Tide Lines 11pm — Closed Monday: Main Stage line-up 9.30am — Albacappella — Albacappella 10.40am — Madam Tsunami — Madam Tsunami 12.10pm — ACE Voices — ACE Voices 1.40pm — Iona Fyfe — Iona Fyfe 3.10pm — Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell — Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell 4pm - 6.30pm — Closed — Closed ⭐ 6.30pm - 11pm — Quayside Concert The Capollos Glasvegas Kaiser Chiefs 11pm — Closed Monday: Main Stage line-up 9.30am — Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines — Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines 10.45am — The Country Quines — The Country Quines 12.10pm — Aberdeen Strathspey and Reel Society — Aberdeen Strathspey and Reel Society 12.45pm — Closed Where are the Quayside Concerts? All of the Quayside Concerts will be held at Peterson Seabase, with access from the West side of the city via Marischal Street or Commerce Street. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Can I bring food or drink to the Quayside Concerts? You are not allowed to bring your own food and drink into the Quayside Concerts, though there will be some available for purchase at the venue. That being said, food and drink will be permitted into the main Tall Ships event site. Can I take a camping chair? All of the Quayside Concerts are standing only events, and as such no camping chairs will be allowed. What items aren't allowed during the Quayside Concerts? In addition to outside food and drink being prohibited, there are a number of items banned from the Quayside Concerts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you are bringing a bag, it can be no bigger than a sheet of A3 paper, and it will be searched ahead of entry. Other prohibited items include: Alcoholic Beverages; Illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs; Opened Drink Containers; Cans/glass; Unauthorised temporary signage and promotional products; Flags/banners; Fireworks/flares/laser lights/smoke generators; Firearms, explosives, chemical, radioactive or biological substances; Chairs/stools; Rollerblades/skates, skateboards, scooters or bicycles; Animals (other than guide/assistance dogs); Professional cameras, audio recording equipment, video cameras or tripods; and/or Any other item that in the opinion of management could cause harm or public nuisance.
