A feel-good parade celebrating the tireless work of the north-east’s third sector has been hailed a success.
More than 130 charities, social enterprises and volunteers marched down Union Street for the annual Celebrate Aberdeen parade.
The city’s main thoroughfare was awash with colour as volunteers in their bright T-shirts and flags made their way towards Broad Street led by Newtonhill Pipe Band, Lord Provost Barney Crockett and this year’s flag bearer, dedicated volunteer and charity ambassador Emily Findlay.
The warm weather brought supporters of all ages out, with younger members of the crowd excitedly waving to the various mascots.
As well as charities such as Befriend a Child, Clan, Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs, Future Choices, Logan’s Fund, Guide Dogs and Aberdeen FC Community Trust, there were also an array of voluntary groups who bring happiness to the city – such as sport, dance and music.
Young cheerleaders from Aberdeen Vixens Cheerleading Squad and the Aberdeen Academy of Dance were among those showing off their talents, while the Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines and Guarana Street Band provided some music along the way.
The celebrations continued throughout the day and yesterday, with live music performances to suit all tastes at venues across the city centre.
The Rock Choir brought in one of the biggest crowds on Saturday afternoon, while the ever-popular Silver City Soul Revue bringing the event on the main stage on Broad Street to a close yesterday.
Morven Mackenzie, who launched Celebrate Aberdeen in 2011, said there had been a “brilliant atmosphere” throughout the weekend and that ending the parade outside Marischal College – where younger supporters could enjoy the water fountain and giant beanbags laid out – had added to the community spirit.
She said: “Thanks to everyone who helped make this a fantastic Celebrate Aberdeen weekend. That includes the Union Street mile runners, the 4,000 paraders representing more than 130 organisations, everyone who came along to support the various events and of course the team of volunteers who made it all happen.
“This is the first time we took the parade to a finish in Broad Street and it worked really well, as the end of the parade signalled the beginning of the weekend’s programme of live entertainment.
“The feedback we got from the various venues was terrific, with big crowds enjoying first-class entertainment.
“We hope this will continue to raise awareness of the contribution our third sector makes to everyone’s lives in the city and shire.”
