Big Belmont Bash 'huge success' as scores attend Aberdeen event

Belmont traders has been anxiously waiting for this day for weeks.

The Collective on the Cobbles, made up of 30 businesses in the area, have been plotting the Big Belmont Bash in a bid to bring the buzz – and much needed footfall – back to the historic quarter.

It came after some high-profile closures, with one restaurant boss bemoaning the barren streets as they pulled down the shutters for good.

They hoped to lure thousands into the centre with live music, literary events, street yoga and even a cheap parking deal nearby.

And thankfully, this one-off rejuvenation effort seems to have paid off.

The Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band brought the area to life. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson — The Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band brought the area to life with a march at noon. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

Kids queued up to take part in activities as the event got under way in rousing fashion with the Robert Gordon’s College pipe band marching down the street.

I popped down to see firsthand how the event was going.

‘People were queuing up at 10am’

My first stop is the iconic Belmont Cinema, which opened to the public for the first time since its closure two years ago.

By noon, the queue is just about out the door, with film buffs clamouring to get a look inside and hear all about the upcoming revamp.

Welcoming visitors is Timothy Baker, a trustee at the cinema, who tells me how he got involved with the organisation.

Timothy fell in love with the Belmont Cinema when he moved from the US 15 years ago. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

Timothy is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, in the US, and fell in love with the Belmont Cinema when he moved to Aberdeen 15 years ago.

“It’s been such a great turnout so far,” The cinema-lover beams.

“People were here queuing already at 10am, everything has been really positive.

“The huge turnout reinforces how much the cinema and area means to the city.

“It’s good to be reminded how important this part of the city is to people.”

‘It’s exactly what we had hoped for’

Down at the bottom of Belmont Street, Breathing Space Yoga Studio owner Laura Watt is out in full force drumming up interest for her kids yoga class.

Last month, she told us her story of moving her studio from the west end to the cobbles, and her slight trepidation about the change.

But any qualms appeared at ease as she watched Belmont come alive with hustle and bustle.

Laura was accompanied by her trademark companion Maggie. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

“It looks really busy so it must be going well!” the yoga teacher laughs.

“They’re all coming down to see us, kids and all.

“It’s absolutely buzzing, it’s great to see the area come alive.

“This is exactly what we all hoped for.”

MacBeans treasure hunt ‘pulling the parents in as well’

Another trader we heard from in the lead-up to the Big Belmont Bash was Brian Milne, owner of the MacBeans coffee roastery on Little Belmont Street.

Today, he organised a treasure hunt, tasking kids with finding clues hidden around the area.

MacBeans had some top-notch prizes up for grabs with their treasure hunt. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

“The treasure hunt was for the kids but it’s pulling in the parents as well,” the 47-year-old chuckled.

“But it’s been great today, there are lots of people going about.

“I’ve seen some new faces come into the store which is fantastic, it’s exactly what the event was planned to do for everyone.”

Kids find back of the net with sports fun

People of all ages were getting in on the excitement at the Big Belmont Bash.

Angus was welcoming fans of all ages to the Big Belmont Bash. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

Angus the Bull was on hand to greet young fans, and challenge them to win prizes with the Aberdeen FC Community Trust.

Cammy and Kai tried their hand at kicking the ball through the targets with Angus the Bull. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

Cammy Chisholm, eight, and his brother Kai, six, were two of the youngsters taking in the buzz, and the pair told me they really enjoyed their day so far.

RGU rugby players James Grant, Liam Dunion and Adam Reid helped raise more than £300 in just 90 minutes. Image: Isaac Buchan/ DC Thomson

There were also members of the RGU rugby team, who in just 90 minutes had raised £300 for Macmillan Cancer Charity, with their “score a conversion” game.

And these were just some of the events on offer.

Traders behind the festival now hope that those who attended will make Belmont Street a destination whenever they are in town.

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