A free day of family fun is set to take over Aberdeen’s city centre on Sunday, June 7 with an exciting line up of activities and performances taking place across Union Terrace Gardens and His Majesty’s Theatre.
Family Arts Day is part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ festival by and for young people, Light the Blue, taking place from June 2-14.
Perfect for children aged 0-12 and their families, Family Arts Day will feature pop-up and interactive performances, arts activities, live music, sports, food, backstage tours and inspirational experiences for all the family. Over 200 young and professional performers will be entertaining throughout the day, with family-friendly backstage tours of the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre on offer as well as arts and crafts, drop-in sports activities and more.
Light the Blue Creative Producer, Jordan Blackwood said: “Family Arts Day is all about sharing the joy of the arts with everyone, with a packed programme of amazing activities and performances where you can drop in whenever you like.
“We want everyone coming along to leave feeling uplifted and maybe even with a new skill or interest – there’s lots to discover and enjoy so come along, join the fun and enjoy a creative day on us!”
Aberdeen Performing Arts Head of Creative Engagement, Susan Whyte, said: “Family Arts Day is such a fantastic chance to come and enjoy all the amazing performances and activities on offer, spend quality time together and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s got a lovely relaxed, festival vibe and lots going on the whole day.
“It’s a brilliant snapshot of what Light the Blue brings to the city across the entire two weeks of the festival, celebrating the joy of telling stories and creating space for everyone to be involved.”
There will be walkabout performances from musical band of idiots Windbags and comedy duo Tufts!, with pop up performances at various times throughout the day at Union Terrace Gardens including dance duet King of the Birds, imaginative visual theatre from Bruno Gallagher, thrilling dance from Vince Virr Dance Company and the regency-esque Wig Waltz.
Young artists involved in the day include Citymoves Dance Agency’s Strive, Skene Square and Quarryhill Glee Clubs, Hip Hop School’s PRIME and Juniors and Gilcomstoun School Gaelic Choir.
Mobile Art School’s Become the Artwork will offer families the chance to get creative in colourful boilersuits, while Ray Downie’s Play Space installation will pop up in the Gardens inviting attendees to spin, bounce and drum on interactive artworks. Children can also take home mini puppets made in Jenny Hood’s Build a Beastie workshops.
Food and drink will be taken care of with Project Pizza, Giddy Cup for donuts and coffee and a pop-up from His Majesty’s Theatre cafe bar, The Terrace serving ice cream and snacks.
Other outdoor events include parkour sessions and an interactive soundwalk while free bite-sized tours of His Majesty’s Theatre will take place throughout the day on a first-come first-serve basis.
In Case You Missed it:
Family Arts Day will culminate with over 100 dancers from Citymoves Dance Agency performing across Union Terrace Gardens before Aberdeenshire Instrumental Music Service’s Firesnake band play a rocking gig to close the event.
All events will go ahead regardless of the weather, with activity moved indoors to His Majesty’s Theatre in the case of rain.
There is no booking required for any Family Arts Day events. More information and a full schedule for the day is available at https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/family-arts-day-light-the-blue-2026/
