Aberdeen’s festival of light will return next week – with an array of displays expected to attract thousands to the city centre.
Spectra will run from February 8 until February 11, with preparations already under way.
More than 14,000 people flocked to it last year and this year’s is tipped to be even bigger.
And a number of streets around Union Terrace Gardens and the surrounding area will close next week.
The confirmation of the closures comes as excitement for the event builds, with Union Terrace Gardens sealed off as efforts to transform it begin.
Our guide offers a glimpse at the work already under way, a detailed list of closures, where to park and some alternative routes to take…
Which Aberdeen roads will be closed for Spectra 2024?
The first batch of road closures will come into force from February 4 as displays are installed.
There will be unique artworks at Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Marischal College and Broad Street.
The following streets will then be closed for Spectra 2024 between 4pm and 11.30pm from February 8 until February 11:
- Gallowgate, from Broad Street to Littlejohn Street
- Upperkirkgate, from Gallowgate to Schoolhill
- Schoolhill, entire length
- Back Wynd, from Schoolhill to Little Belmont Street
- Harriet Street, from Schoolhill to Loch Street
- Union Terrace, from Union Street to Rosemount Viaduct
- Rosemount Viaduct, from Schoolhill to Skene Street
- Broad Street, from Union Street to Upperkirkgate
- Blackfriars Street and St Andrews Street,
from Rosemount Viaduct to Crooked Lane - Queen Street, from Broad Street to Shoe Lane
- Netherkirkgate, from Broad Street to St Cathrine Wynd
Broad Street will also be closed from 11.50pm on February 4 until 11.50pm on Fenruary 13.
However, this isn’t expected to affect drivers too much given that the road is usually only open to buses.
To ease traffic in the area, Flourmill Lane – just behind the Esslemont Bar and Restaurant – will be open two-ways from 4pm to 11.30pm, February 8-11.
Where can I park during Spectra festival?
Naturally, nobody will be allowed to park on the streets that will be shut for the duration of the festival.
The only exception will be Littlejohn Street and Queen Street, which will still be accessible to blue badge holders.
Other drivers, however, will need to find a parking space somewhere else.
Visitors would still be able to drive into town for the festival – but they trip will also include a short walk to the installations.
There are several designated parking lots for drivers – the closest being the Denburn car park, as well as the ones at Trinity Centre and Bon Accord Centre.
Other options will be parking at Union Square or at the car park on Shiprow, and on Loch Street.
What are the alternative routes you can take?
For those traveling from south of the city, your best bet to get across the centre quickly and stress-free would be via College Street and Denburn Road.
Drivers coming down Union Street from west end should turn right onto Crown Street and then take the same route via College Street.
The situation is pretty much the same for visitors from north of the city.
The alternative route would be taking Skene Street (or any other street leading to Woolmanhill Roundbout) to get to Denburn Road and then College Street.
Giant light-up Aberdeen letters to be put into storage as Spectra takes over Union Terrace Gardens
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