A huge parade celebrating the north-east’s unsung heroes returned to Aberdeen today.
Union Street was awash with colours as more than 120 charities, voluntary groups and third sector organisations took part in the Celebrate Aberdeen parade.
About 4,000 people took part in the fun, with the street lined up with supporters clapping, cheering and waving as they went by.
As well as charities like Guide Dogs Aberdeen, Clan, Abernecessities, Friends of the Neuro Ward and Future Choices, sports clubs, dance groups and musicians also took part.
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Before the parade began at 11am, the annual Union Street Mile – renamed this year Mel’s Union Street Mile – took place, raising awareness of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation.
Newtonhill Pipe Band led the Celebrate Aberdeen procession, followed by Aberdeen’s Lord Provost David Cameron. The city’s Rock Choir also provided some musical entertainment for the walkers at the back.
Walkers waved flags and inflatables and blew whistles as they made their way down to Castlegate, happily posing for pictures as they went by.
A variety of groups took to the streets, including Charlie House, Clan, Maggie’s, Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home, Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs and Friends of the Neuro Ward.
There were even some Disney princesses, much to the delight of not only the young spectators but the younger participants from the Scouts and dance groups.
‘Shows Aberdeen in a good light’
Tommie Fowler, from Aberdeen, attended the parade with his wife, he said: “It certainly brings people together and certainly shows Aberdeen in a good light to its own citizens.
“We can we can shout from the high rooftops how good we are to the world, but it’s important for the people that live here to know exactly what’s happening round about them.”
‘Great representation of all the different groups’
Sarah Thompson, whose two sons took part in the event representing the Scouts added: “It was fantastic to see that all the kids were having a great time. I thought there was great representation of all the different groups.
“It was wonderful to see so many disabled people out having a good time, I thought it was brilliant, and the ethnic groups as well, the dance groups, the Chinese dragons.”
Next month, the Celebrate Aberdeen awards will return to the P&J Live.
The shortlist of nominees – ranging from fundraiser and volunteer of the year to campaign of the year, was announced last month and the winners will be announced on September 17.
Conversation