The line-up for one of the north-east’s premier festivals was launched yesterday to help celebrate Scotland’s year of innovation, architecture and design.
The May Festival, now in its fourth year will feature actor and comedienne Elaine C Smith, football pundit and broadcaster Pat Nevin and TV science guru Marty Jopson.
The event, which is hosted by Aberdeen University and supported by Total and VisitScotland along with other partners, will this year include shows dedicated to the history and heritage of the region.
It will also include concerts from the renowned Choir of King’s College and a mix of poetry and performance dedicated to Aberdeen-born poet, Charles Hamilton Sorley.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, principal and vice chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, believes there is something for everyone in the packed programme.
He said: “The May Festival has proved a huge success attracting audiences interested in our diverse selection of activities and events, spanning literature, music, science, sport, film and visual culture.
“The programme for 2016 is our broadest yet as we are celebrating Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design as well as introducing our new Heritage and History theme.
“The University is a major contributor to the cultural and intellectual life of the north-east and beyond, and we are proud that the May Festival is firmly established as a highlight in the region’s cultural calendar.
Brian Wilkie, from Total, said: “We are delighted to be associated with this major north-east festival that grows in popularity each year.
“As sponsors of the children’s festival, schools and environment programme, we encourage everyone to join in the vast array of creative and interactive activities, designed to encourage, inspire and promote learning aptly set within the historic grounds of King’s College.”
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland’s regional director for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, was equally upbeat.
She added: “Since its launch in 2013, the May Festival has grown from strength to strength, offering locals and visitors a chance to experience a wide-range of events spanning literature, music, film and sport.
“The diverse programme looks set to appeal to all ages from both a cultural and educational perspective.
“We are delighted that Scotland’s current themed year will be celebrated through a dedicated series of events.”