Big Belmont Bash parking deal revealed in bid to boost Aberdeen

Live music, free yoga and cheap parking deals have all been lined up as the Big Belmont Bash aims to boost Aberdeen city centre this weekend.

The day-long street festival has been dreamed up by the new Collective on the Cobbles group in a bid to increase footfall in the historic quarter.

It comes after some high-profile closures, with one departing boss saying that not enough people were venturing onto the street.

Aberdeen’s Belmont Street. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Now, traders want to show off all the reasons to visit.

Roads will be sealed off as Belmont Street and the surrounding lanes become a hive of buzzing activity on Saturday, September 7.

Ahead of the event, we have compiled everything you need to know about the Big Belmont Bash.

When does it begin?

The action will get under way at 11am, and last until 8pm.

But it will be at noon when things really get going, with the RGU pipe band marching along Belmont Street.

The team behind the Big Belmont Bash. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

What will be at the Big Belmont Bash?

Organisers have assembled a packed line-up in their bid to “attract thousands” into the city centre.

Live music and DJ sets will take place on a purpose-built outdoor stage in the Academy courtyard.

Belmont will be awash with colour and activities when the Big Belmont Bash comes to town. Image: Fine Day Studio

There will also be the chance to show off your football skills, have a go at rugby and even have a shot at shuffleboard.

And free yoga sessions will be available too, along with dance and “singalong classes”.

You could even get your hands on a bargain, with a “pre-loved” clothes sale.

But if history and culture are more your thing…

Authors will give readings, while there will be a creative writing workshop for those keen to sharpen their skills.

Local historian Fiona-Jane Brown will run a special tour of the streets and lanes to discover its hidden past.

And the doors of the Belmont Cinema will open to the public for the first time in about two years – as efforts to revive it gather pace.

James Erwin, Jacob Campbell, Catriona Tanner, Dallas King and Murray Dawson are working to reopen the Belmont Cinema. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Do you think the Big Belmont Bash could help out the city centre? Let us know in our comments section below

What is the Big Belmont Bash parking deal?

In an added effort to encourage folk into the city centre, Big Belmont Bash masterminds have struck a deal with the nearby Q Park at the Trinity Centre.

And here’s how you can benefit from the cheap offer.

Anyone who enters the code BELMONT40 when pre-booking a space will get a 40% discount.

Robert Keane's Ardent Group has made progress in turning around the Trinity Centre - but the Aberdeen bus gates have caused talks to falter. Image: DC Thomson — Robert Keane’s Ardent Group has made progress in turning around the Trinity Centre, and the car park is now being used to help out the street festival. Image: DC Thomson

Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson hailed the Big Belmont Bash as “a day to drive home the message of how much there is to see and do in our city centre”.

He added: “It is also inspiring to see local businesses come together to work in this collaborative way to give Aberdeen a much-needed boost.”

It comes after a recent Press and Journal investigation found that Belmont is one of the top streets in Aberdeen for independent businesses.

The cobbled area has 18 units occupied by independent traders and five which are chains – meaning 78% of Belmont Street is locally operated.

Ahead of the Big Belmont Bash, we have spoken with several of the traders involved: