The Aberdeen Christmas Tree festival is returning for its second year with a host of “creatively decorated” Christmas trees for shoppers to enjoy.
First held last year, the festival was launched by the Open Space Trust to offer an alternative festive celebration.
The idea is to offer a space providing visitors a place of “calm and reflection”, while being able to enjoy creatively decorated Christmas trees.
Sponsored by Aberdeen Inspired, the event will take place on Drums Aisle in the Kirk of St Nicholas over several Saturdays in the run up to Christmas.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are delighted once again to sponsor the festival, which will help attract visitors into the city centre, allowing them an alternative experience whilst in Christmas shopping supporting local businesses.”
Visitors will ‘receive a very warm welcome’
This year, primary schools and charities were provided with trees to decorate using the theme of a specific Christmas carol or song.
Expecting to see another “magical display” of trees, Arthur Winnfield from the Open Space Trust said it was another reason for people to visit.
He added: “The Open Space Trust is delighted to be working with Aberdeen Inspired to bring back the Christmas Trees Festival, which brings an added reason for people to come into the city centre and to showcase the beautiful Drums Aisle with the decorated Christmas trees.
“We would encourage visitors to come and see the trees, and assure them they will receive a very warm welcome.”
Councillor Marie Boulton, who has helped support the delivery of the festival, said many from the Aberdeen Ukrainian community were invited this year to show they are supported by people in the city.
She said: “The festival creates the opportunity to bring together different organisations from across the city to work together on the delivery of this magical project.
“This year we are delighted to extend the opportunity to members of the Ukrainian community as it is important that they know they have the love and support of the people of Aberdeen and are seen as part of the extended Aberdeen family”.
At the opening of the festival on Saturday, the RGC Choir will also be performing Christmas carols.
The festival will be running on December 3, 10 and 17 at 11am-2pm on Drums Aisle in the Kirk of St Nicholas.
Conversation