A slimmed-down version of Aberdeen’s historic Torcher Parade will take place this year, the Press and Journal can reveal.
Last month, organisers of the event said they feared the lights had gone out on the event for the last time, after they were refused a licence by Aberdeen City Council.
The authority’s licensing board declined to approve Aberdeen University Students Association’s (AUSA) application because there would not be enough council staff available to carry out traffic management.
In the weeks since the board’s decision, the association has called for the city council and the community to step in and help to revive the 127-year-old torchlit parade.
While talks have been ongoing between students, the council and local people, organisers have now confirmed a smaller version of the parade will go ahead next month.
The event will take place on the King’s Pavilion playing fields, at the university campus, near King Street, on May 15.
A family fun day will be held during the afternoon, involving traditional aspects of the parade, such as float building.
This will be followed by an event for alumni and locals, featuring live music, a bar, and the familiar torchlit parade later that night.
Councillor Ross Grant said AUSA’s announcement showed the students’ commitment to preserving an important piece of the area’s past.
He said: “I think we can all agree the parade is not what it once was 20-years-ago or so, so what we’re keen to do is create a broader base of support for the event to give the students a proper backing.
“Underlying of all this enthusiasm from the students and a determination to keep this tradition alive.
“I’d be confident in saying that all members of the council would love to see the parade continue, and will support the association to move forward with it, albeit a smaller version, until these issues can be resolved.”
A AUSA spokeswoman said: “Both events aims to reignite community spirit, reaffirm what the Torcher Parade was once all about as well as closing and opening a new chapter.”
