Aberdeen’s streets are about to get a serious glow-up as SPECTRA—The Scottish Festival of Light returns from 6th to 9th February 2025. With this year’s theme, Journeys, the festival will take visitors on a visual and sensory adventure, blending cutting-edge light art with the city’s rich history. There’s also a nod to The Tall Ships Races, which will sail into Aberdeen next summer—so expect some nautical-inspired magic woven into the lineup.
If you’re looking for things to do in Aberdeen this February, this free, non-ticketed festival is the perfect winter pick-me-up. First launched in 2014, SPECTRA is now in its 10th year, growing into one of Scotland’s most anticipated arts festivals. Aberdeen City Council and partners are once again behind the event, making it one of the city’s biggest cultural moments of the year.
Across four nights, the city will be transformed with 15 jaw-dropping light installations, interactive exhibits, live performances, and immersive storytelling. Whether you’re wandering through glowing arches, stepping inside a dreamlike stained-glass projection, or dancing under the stars to live music, SPECTRA is set to be one of the most unforgettable events in Aberdeen this year.
Must-see exhibits
Award-winning Scottish artist Council Baby honours Aberdeen’s rich history in her piece, Fit D’You Know About the Bon Accord?. The title, a nod to the Doric dialect, asks: how much do you really know about the Bon Accord? This large-scale video projection transports audiences from medieval castles to the modern oil city, all through the striking traditional medium of stained glass.
You’ll find yourself towered by the dreamy Sky Castle at Union Terrace Gardens. Created by Australian art studio ENESS, this interactive installation features glowing inflatable arches that change colour and sound as people walk through. Movement triggers a melodic xylophone soundscape and shifting rainbow hues, making each night’s experience unique and immersive.
For a fun, larger-than-life experience, visit End Over End at Marischal Square. This giant glowing slinky—created by Newcastle-based Studio Vertigo—lights up as it mimics the tumbling motion of a real slinky. The shifting lights create a mesmerising illusion, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into Alice’s Wonderland.
For a truly immersive moment, step into Matter of the Heart, a powerful artwork featuring the real-time heartbeats of 60 Aberdonians. As you move through flashing lights pulsing in perfect sync with each individual, artist idontloveyouanymore offers a poignant reminder of our shared human connection—described as ‘a graveyard of the living’.
Meanwhile, Newcastle-based Studio Vertigo also brings Ursula Lassos the Moon, a breathtaking 3D projection of the moon tethered to a boat. The glowing white orb has been central to mythology and folklore for centuries, and here, the artists play on its traditionally feminine associations—suggesting Ursula has captured it from its distant orbit.
Whether delving into imaginative realities or medieval histories, these five installations—and many more—are guaranteed to transport you to another world.
Beyond the lights
Looking for what’s on in Aberdeen in February beyond the glowing installations? Expect a vibrant lineup of entertainment throughout the city. Fire performers and dancers will keep the energy high, while St Nicholas Roof Garden transforms into a performance hub for Scottish singer-songwriters from the North East. Meanwhile, storytellers will take over the Aberdeen Art Gallery’s Cowdry Hall, weaving rich Scottish folk tales for those keen on a mythological deep-dive.
For an interactive twist, download the Northern Lights AR app, created by Craig Barrowman and five other Scottish artists. Using your smartphone, you’ll unlock hidden digital artworks across Rosemount Viaduct, revealing an alternate dimension through a series of interactive ‘doorways’.
Aberdeen shines bright
For those seeking a little light in the dark winter months, SPECTRA Festival is the perfect event. Last year, over 100,000 people visited the festival, and in its 11th year, Aberdeen City Council promises an even more spectacular programme for 2025.
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, says of this year’s event, “We are always looking for ways to make it feel even more spectacular for visitors. It’s safe to say that this year, we have a hugely diverse programme in place that will offer a memorable event for young and old alike.”
For more information about SPECTRA 2025 visit spectrafestival.com.
