ABERDEEN Christmas Village is today (Tuesday, December 5) spreading the joy of Christmas to as many people as possible with a community Festive Fun Day.
More than 600 people from a range of community groups, north-east charities, schools and people with additional needs have been invited to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the sparkling attraction on and around Broad Street.
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The Festive Fun Day, supported by village organisers Aberdeen City Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, offers an informal and welcoming atmosphere to groups and individuals who might otherwise find it difficult to access the village to visit in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pupils from five schools and guests from eight charities and community groups will enjoy free rides and ice skating at this special day which aims to celebrate Aberdeen’s community.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Christmas is for everyone, and the Festive Fun Day helps to ensure no one misses out on the magic and excitement of Aberdeen Christmas Village.
“It is always a heart-warming day and a delight to see the joy on the faces of all the people who might otherwise find it difficult to enjoy all the glittering attractions of the village – as well as the lovely atmosphere of the Curated in the Quad festive market.
“Christmas is the time to remember and celebrate the sense of community that makes Aberdeen such a great place to live, work and play and this Festive Fun Day is the ideal way to do just that.
“Aberdeen Inspired is proud and delighted to be part of Festive Fun Day at Aberdeen Christmas Village and we can’t thank enough all the people who have given their time, talent and energy to make it happen.”
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “Christmas should be a magical time for all the children across our city, so I am delighted that Codona’s are once again hosting a festive fun day at the Aberdeen Christmas Village for both school groups and charities.
“The fun day will ensure that children and charity users can experience a little Christmas magic and enjoy spending time with friends and family members in the heart of our city.”
Gillian Gallan, general manager of Codona’s, said: “The Festive Fun Day is one of our favourite days at the Christmas Village and it’s always a pleasure to host this event. It is a real privilege to be able to work with different charities and schools from around the city and it emphasises the importance of community and partnership working.
“We couldn’t do this event alone and we would like to thank not only our event team and partners – Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Charlie House; but also, Phionna McInnes from We Too!, Mhairi Shewan from ACC and David MacDonald from LuxeScot for assisting us in organising this incredible day.”
The schools taking part in the Festive Fun Day are Bramble Brae, St Machar Academy Support for Learning, Quarryhill, Manor Park and Dyce Academy Support for Learning.
The charities and community groups enjoying the festivities are We Too!, Charlie House, Befriend a Child, Team Jak – Jak’s Den, Friends of Orchard Brae, Barnardo’s (Young Carers), Early Intervention, Fersands and Fountain SCIO.
Organised by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, the village will remain in place on Broad Street until 31 December.
Full details of all the events and activities taking place over the festive period, including road and traffic restrictions, can be found at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas
