The programme for a festival set to attract thousands of visitors to the Granite City will be officially launched today (Thursday March 27).
The May Festival, organised by the University of Aberdeen and sponsored by global petroleum and chemicals enterprise, Saudi Aramco, will run from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11, and is set to be a spectacular weekend with a programme that is guaranteed to have something for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition to the big names already announced – intrepid war reporter Kate Adie, Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, and journalist and broadcaster Tony Parsons, the festival will encompass a host of different themes, including the return of Word, as well as strands exploring health and wellbeing, music, film, sport, environment, science, Gaelic and an aptly named Discover strand, showcasing the topical research-led projects the University is currently undertaking. This year's festival will also include a series of World War 1 related events.
Other big names in the frame include Great British Bake Off star James Morton, musician and broadcaster Mary Anne Kennedy, and paralympian Neil Fachie.
A Festival feel will be created with a campfire party in the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens and outdoor performers at King's College. The weekend will come to a spectacular close with a Homecoming Festival Finale featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Today (March 27) the University will also launch the Marathon Oil Schools' and Children's Programme, which features plenty of activities to keep youngsters amused all weekend.
Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal for External Affairs, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the University of Aberdeen is once again hosting a high quality event which brings so much vibrancy to Aberdeen.
“The programme for the May Festival is outstanding with over 120 excellent events and really does have something for everyone. The inaugural Festival last year attracted around 7,500 members of the public and I am sure that this year’s event with its packed programme will prove to be even more popular.”
Fahad Al-AbdulKareem, Managing Director of Aramco Overseas Company, an affiliate of Saudi Aramco in Europe, added: “Saudi Aramco is delighted to once again partner the May Festival and the cultural enrichment it offers.
“This partnership underlines our ongoing commitment to the communities we operate in, such as Aberdeen, home to our Aberdeen Technology Office, a centre dedicated to research and development.”
Tickets are available at the Aberdeen Box Office and bookings can be made in person or by calling 01224 641122.
For further information about the May Festival, booking tickets and to view the programme, visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival