A CALL HAS gone out for local producers to be part of Aberdeen’s popular Christmas market which is set to create a sparkling festive atmosphere in Marischal College’s Quadrangle.
Curated in the Quad will transform the historic space into a bustling, magical market in the six weekends leading up to Christmas Day with a unique line-up of businesses and creatives, while raising vital funds for local children’s charity, Charlie House.
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Organised by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, the market will run from Friday, November 17 to Saturday, December 23. It will be a key part of the Aberdeen Christmas Village on and around Broad Street, which attracts thousands of people into the city centre.
Last year, Curated in the Quad raised more than £22,000 for the charity, which aims to improve 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.
Organisers are now calling on local producers of food, drink, art, crafts, clothing, homeware, gifts and jewellery to sign up to the event and set out their stalls in festive wooden cabins in the stunning setting of Marischal College Quad.
John Brebner, chief executive of Charlie House, said: “It is just fantastic that Charlie House is once again the chosen charity for Curated in the Quad at Marischal College. It is such a special Christmas market, somewhere people can pick up truly unique gifts made by talented local producers.
“That spirit of giving will last long after December 25, thanks to the funds raised allowing us to support families across the North-east of Scotland throughout the year. We can’t thank enough the thousands of people who choose to support Curated in the Quad and Charlie House.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said, “Curated in the Quad would yet again be a highlight of Aberdeen’s festive celebrations, along with the Christmas Village and its many attractions.
“The bustling market of Curated in the Quad creates a very special festive atmosphere and last year it – along with the Christmas Village – attracted thousands of visitors and shoppers into the heart of Aberdeen,” said Adrian.
“It is a real joy to see small, independent, local producers showcase their first-class goods and their remarkable skills and talents. I have no doubt Curated in The Quad will once again attract people in their droves looking for those special Christmas presents, but also to enjoy the unique festive feel it creates.
“Over and above that, Curated in the Quad raises valuable funds for Charlie House and its vital work which makes a huge difference to so many lives.
“Christmas is a magical time in Aberdeen, making our city even more special than it already is. Both Curated in the Quad and the Christmas Village will add real sparkle, encouraging visitors into the city centre, boosting the wider retail and leisure economy.”
Aberdeen City Council Depute Provost, Councillor Steve Delaney, said: “We are looking forward to this year’s Christmas in Aberdeen programme, including the return of the popular Curated in the Quad.
“It is wonderful to see the city sparkle with festive joy each year and the Curated in the Quad market continues to impress each year with a fantastic selection of local stallholders raising money for a fantastic cause.
“Since 2011 Charlie House has supported over 1,800 babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families in Aberdeen and the North-east. They have also raised more than £4 million towards the building of their own custom-built premises here in Aberdeen. I’m delighted they are once again the nominated charity for Curated in the Quad.”
Curated in the Quad will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each weekend from Friday November 17 until Saturday December 23 (it will not run on the Christmas Eve Sunday). Applications for the market stalls, priced at £180 including VAT for the weekend, are now open. Interested traders should apply by October 15, 2023.
Demand is expected to be high, so don’t delay to apply for a stall by emailing[email protected]
As the city centre Business Improvement District (BID), Aberdeen Inspired is supporting the planned festive events in the city centre.
