The magic of Curated In The Quad returns to Aberdeen’s heart today (Friday, November 15) as the one-of-a-kind Christmas market comes to life, showcasing the best producers and creative local businesses from the north-east.
This will be the biggest Curated In The Quad yet with 50% more Alpine chalet stalls – up
from 30 last year to 45 this Christmas – with a roster of 65 traders flocking to take part
across the six weekends the market will run.
Organised in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired and Charlie House, it stands alone among
festive markets in Scotland, in concentrating on locally-produced arts, crafts, clothing,
homeware alongside gourmet food and drink, to offer goods and gifts that can’t be found
anywhere else.
The popular attraction in the quad of Marischal College will not only attract thousands of
people into the city centre, but also be a major fundraiser for local charity Charlie House.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Curated In The Quad is now
a much-loved and cherished Christmas tradition in Aberdeen that we know thousands of
people look forward to visiting, then enjoying all the other attractions Aberdeen offers in the
festive season.
“The market is hugely popular as a showcase with the finest north-east creatives and
producers, too. Even though we are offering more stalls than ever before, places were
snapped up within days and there is now a waiting list of those clamouring to take part.
“What makes Curated In The Quad so special is the magical atmosphere, as the Quad is
transformed into a wonderland of twinkling lights, attractive wooden chalets and, of course, a
treasure trove of unique goods that make the best Christmas gifts. We are delighted to deliver
this Christmas treat for the Granite City along with our friends at Charlie House and know the
people of Aberdeen will support both the market and this vital local charity.”
Last year, Curated In The Quad raised a record-breaking £24,500 for the Charlie House’s
work in improving the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-East
of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and provide support to their
families.
Leigh Ryrie, Children & Family Support Manager at Charlie House, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to be part of Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations!
“Christmas is a magical time for families, but it can also be a challenging time for the
families Charlie House supports. Thanks to the funds raised through Curated In The Quad,
we can continue our work supporting north-east families when they need us most.
“Thanks to these vital funds, we can offer activities that create lasting memories for the entire
family, from cinema outings and art therapy to inclusive events like ice skating and
paddleboarding. Our team handles every detail to make these activities as accessible and
stress-free as possible, allowing families to focus on what matters most: spending quality
time together.
“It’s the kindness and generosity of our community that makes these moments possible,
giving families memories they’ll treasure for years to come.”
Curated In The Quad is part of the popular Aberdeen Christmas Village on Broad Street
which is brought to the city by Aberdeen City Council, Codona’s and Aberdeen Inspired.
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, welcomed the return of Curated In The Quad,
which sits in the heart of the council’s Marischal College headquarters.
“Curated in the Quad is a highlight on Aberdeen’s Christmas events programme and one that
is always well received,” he said.
“This is a fantastic way to showcase local producers and providers visitors and locals with the
opportunity to shop local this Christmas, and I am delighted that more traders are taking part
this year.”
Curated in the Quad will be open on Friday (noon to 7pm), Saturday (11am to 7pm) and
Sunday (11am to 6pm, extended to 8pm on November 17 for the annual Aberdeen Christmas
parade) each weekend, from Friday, November 15, until Saturday, December 22.
You can find out more about Curated In The Quad here
