What to expect
Adding to the exciting line-up, will be the iconic Aberdeen letters by Aberdeen Inspired, which will feature a special design for the occasion.
The letters will be temporarily moved to Broad Street, outside of Marischal College, for the event and provide a perfect picture-ready illuminated backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
This addition also sees Aberdeen Inspired join as a festival partner, collaborating with Aberdeen City Council to deliver a fantastic experience for visitors at the festival.
Award-winning artist, Council Baby, has created a new work for the festival, "Fit D’You Know About the Bon Accord?", commissioned by and presented at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Council Baby was the recipient of the 2022 Royal Scottish Academy Benno Schotz Prize for the most promising work by a Scottish artist under 35.
The work involves a large-scale video installation, projected against the backdrop of the Gallery’s magnificent Sculpture Court.
It comprises four striking stained-glass designs which have been inspired by works in the city’s collection and visits to the area.
Each animated panel of which captures different aspects of Aberdeen's rich history.
The title plays on the Aberdeen dialect of Doric and asks the viewer, aside from the oil and granite, what do you really know about the Bon Accord?
Artwork designed by Johanna Basford OBE, will come to life via a giant interactive colouring wall in Union Terrace Gardens.
It will enable those visiting the festival to colour in her recognisable designs that will light up under neon lights.
The festival’s full programme line-up is put together by Spectra producers Live Event Management
Additional light installations announced today include Manchester-based artists, idontloveyouanymore.
Their artwork in Union Terrace Gardens will feature the flashing heartbeats of participants from across Aberdeen.
An experimental audio-visual installation called FUTURES will explore the contrast between light and dark and its effect on the human perception of space.
FUTURES uses strobes of light along a 50 metre (164 feet) long walkway.
A giant moon apparently removed from its orbit and lassoed to a boat will be installed at Marischal Square.
St Nicholas Kirk will be brought to life with a giant projection light show on one side.
A fibre optic Mycelium network, an example of the hidden underground connections between mushrooms, plants, and trees, will be place on the other.
Festivalgoer enjoys a Spectra exhibition in 2024. Credit: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam