Organisers of a north-east celebration of youth, culture and performance have described this year’s event as one of the best in its 44-year history.
Hundreds of participants from all over the world performed on a variety of stages across the Granite City and surrounding area as part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.
And AIYF chief executive and artistic director, Stewart Aitken, said the festivities could not have gone any better.
Groups from 14 nations travelled to the north-east from as far afield as Africa and Asia.
There was no shortage of colour with the magnificent traditional costumes on show from Indonesia’s Tim Muhibah Angklung Orchestra, the Dance Africa Foundation, Jordan’s stunningly elegant Elbrus Circassian Dance Troupe and the Norwegian Girls Choir.
The dance contributions ranged from the small-scale Kpanlogo from the Dance African Foundation to the sorrowful Lament from Malta’s Seed Dance Company and the beautiful Pas De Deux from La Fille Mal Gardee, performed by America’s Julianne Ramsey and Joshua Bergner.
These were augmented by larger performances from the Elbrus Circassian Dance Troupe with their Hakulash and the National Dance Company of Wales Association’s vision of a French-style ballroom with an excerpt from Le Bal.
Mr Aitken declared it was one of the “best so far” and “could not have gone better.”
He added: “It was definitely one of the best and the performances were spectacular. It really showed off the wealth of talent that has come to AIYF this year.
“The diversity of the groups performing was great. One minute, it was traditional dance from the north-east of Scotland, the next it was a 70-strong youth choir from Wisconsin in America.
“We had people from 14 different countries here, including Africa, China, Norway, USA and the home countries.
“The international gala wrapped up a really fantastic week. It had a really good mix of difference genres and it finished with two great collaborations.
“All in all I don’t think it could have been better and we’ve already got people from a dozen countries interested in participating next year.”
