Aberdeen will bid to host the Tall Ships Races again as early as 2030 in consultation with the Port of Aberdeen and Sail Training International after the huge success of the event earlier in July which was the most attended free event in Scotland this year.
The event, which saw 496,000 visits over its four days and brought in an unprecedented £2.08million of revenue for the city, also led to an increase in hotel occupancy and room rates, positive business impacts for stall holders, and a majority of city businesses reporting that the event was good for their business with 44% seeing increased turnover.
An evaluation report and an intention to bid for the Tall Ships to Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources was agreed today (6 November).
Chairperson of the Tall Ships Event Organising Committee Councillor Martin Greig said: “It was such a joy to see so many people enjoying the spectacle of the ships in the harbour as well as the concerts, food, and stalls surrounding the event.
“There was such a feel-good atmosphere at the Tall Ships Races and it would be great to bring that back to Aberdeen so we are delighted that we will be putting a formal bid in again.”
Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen were even more of a success than was envisioned with over 496,000 visits across the weekend providing a massive boost to the economy and to local businesses.
“Aberdeen City Council, working with the Port of Aberdeen, are committed to securing the return of the Tall Ships from 2030 to build on the success of the event.”
The Committee agreed to bid for the Tall Ships Races in consultation with Port of Aberdeen and Sail Training International for as early as 2030, and to provisionally cover costs of 10 sail trainees from Aberdeen participating in the Tall Ships Races each year.
The report to committee said the direct income after any taxes or associated costs was £293,000 for combined hospitality and bar, £19,000 for combined retail sales, £21,000 for park and ride, £158,000 for the concert programme, £266,000 for sponsorship in cash, and £241,000 for sponsorship in kind valuation, and £1.08m of grant support.
The goals of the event, which were all achieved or exceeded, were:-
- Stage a world-class event at the heart of the city – it was the the largest event ever held in Aberdeen;
- Recruit 100+ Aberdonian youth sail trainees to join the Tall Ships Races – 673 applications were received;
- Recruit 400+ volunteers to help run the event – there were more than 1,400 applicants;
- Deliver a Tall Ships education programme in our schools – an extensive education programme was created including all primary schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire;
- Create a Discovery Zone on the Castlegate – it included three days of STEM activities for children;
- Create high quality sport, culture and entertainment programmes – this included the Festival of the Sea 2025 programme, the Stage Programme, and official events;
- Drive Aberdeen’s economic growth – gross value added was £32.2m compared to the between £12.5m and £20m expected.
The event also included that 20% of visitors walked or cycled to the event, the full time equivalent jobs created was 703, and 86% of people felt increased pride in Aberdeen.
The committee agreed to build on the legacy of the event by continuing to develop the Festival of the Sea 2026 and to ensure there opportunities for young people from Aberdeen to take part in the Tall Ships Races 2026 on a fully-funded basis.
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Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Aberdeen Inspired – like everyone else in the city – welcomes and is fully behind the drive and ambition to have the Tall Ships Races return to Aberdeen.
“The huge success of the event in July and the extraordinary extent of the economic boost and lasting legacy it brought the city and wider region shows what can be achieved when key stakeholders, business leaders and organisations work in full partnership.
“Team Aberdeen achieved great things by bringing the Tall Ships here and we can do so again.”
