The University of Aberdeen's May Festival kicks off today (Friday, May 9) with a fantastic range of events showcasing a variety of themes.
From science to music, and environment to literature, the May Festival will showcase a diverse range of events, with a programme jam packed with big names that are sure to keep revellers entertained.
Headline acts at the May Festival include intrepid war reporter Kate Adie, Charlatans front-man Tim Burgess and best-selling author, Tony Parsons.
The festival has something on offer for every member of the family, with a dedicated children’s programme taking place on May, 10 and 11, with a great selection of events taking place from Diddi Dance, Tales by Torchlight and a Viking tea party.
WATCH: VIDEO OF MAY FESTIVAL 2014 OPENING DAY
Music will come from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers at the Festival Finale concert and there will be special performances in the Cruickshank Gardens, and at the Chapel with the ‘musicians in the trenches’.
In the film strand, influential journalist David Gritten will discuss what it is like to interview the leading lights from the big screen and political debate will take place through a panel discussion on ‘The Battle for Britain’, a look at Scottish identity and deliberation on the place of Gaelic in the Referendum.
Back for a second year, a Natural Produce Market will be in Elphinstone Hall on Saturday, with a variety of local suppliers showcasing and selling their produce. On Sunday the popular Hack N Make Faire will give members of the public the opportunity to see some incredible projects featuring arts and crafts, music, fire and water. These are both drop-in events.
University of Aberdeen Principal, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, said: “Last year’s May Festival was a huge success and I am sure that the 2014 event will prove even more popular.
“This festival delivers an extremely varied and exciting programme and there really is something for everyone.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from the city, shire and beyond to our campus and hope everyone enjoys the weekend’s festivities.”
The May Festival is sponsored by sponsored by global petroleum and chemicals enterprise, Saudi Aramco.
Fahad Al-Abdulkareem, Managing Director of Aramco Overseas Company, an affiliate of Saudi Aramco in Europe, added: “Saudi Aramco is delighted to partner the May Festival for the second year running and is a keen advocate of the cultural enrichment it offers. This partnership also highlights our continued support of the communities we operate in, such as Aberdeen, home to our Aberdeen Technology Office, a centre focused on research and development.”
The University of Aberdeen’s May Festival will run until Sunday, May 11.
Tickets are available from the May Festival Box Office on the University Campus.
For further information please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival