An annual event celebrating the north-east’s unsung heroes will return this summer, with organisers promising it will be the best yet.
Celebrate Aberdeen was originally set up six years ago to raise the profile of charities, voluntary groups and the wider third sector, but has now grown to include musical performances and entertainment.
In past years, more than 4,000 have taken part in the weekend – which includes a huge parade down Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare.
The procession along Union Street will return this year, before music and comedy in venues across the city centre including Union Terrace Gardens, the Green, Central Library and the shopping centres.
Morven MacKenzie, director of events company 46 Degrees and the driving force behind the weekend, said that each year just gets better and better.
She said: “The intention of Celebrate Aberdeen initially was to raise the profile of the third sector, show how diverse it is and how important it is to the city.
“However, it has grown into much more than that. It is also there to provide a platform from which local musicians, singers, dancers and the like can promote themselves to the wider community.
“We appreciate that 2016 is proving to be a challenging time for many people in Aberdeen. However, we feel it is more important than ever that we give recognition and support to the huge amount of volunteers who work tirelessly to provide a wide range of incredibly valuable services across the city.”
Organisers of the showcase are also calling out to any volunteers, dance groups, performers, bands or comedians who would like to take part over the weekend of August 27 and 28.
The team is also looking for charity and other organisations to take part in the event, which is supported by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired.
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam urged people to get involved, and said: “The Celebrate Aberdeen parade is the ideal opportunity for local charities, organisations and clubs to be seen and to promote their work in a wonderful carnival atmosphere.”
Anyone who wishes to register for the event can visit www.celebrateaberdeen.org or can contact Ms Mackenzie on 01224 238419 or morven@46degrees.com
