ONE OF the most famous faces in British television has been added to the line-up for Aberdeen’s Ultimate Masterclass Festival.
Presenter and health campaigner Davina McCall MBE will headline the Music Hall in April as part of the year-long series, organised by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) alongside series partner TotalEnergies.
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She will join documentary maker Louis Theroux and artificial intelligence expert Nina Schick in a line-up designed to draw thousands of people to the city’s Union Street.
More than 700 tickets for Davina’s masterclass – which are on sale now at umf.events – were sold in the first 24-hour of them being on sale.
The host of Big Brother for over a decade, Davina’s talents as a presenter, fitness guru, health campaigner and author have made her one of the UK’s most loved personalities.
However, behind her charismatic and energising personality – and trademark smile – lies a story of triumph over adversity.
From a heartbreaking childhood that saw her take drugs with her mother, and her own battle with addiction, to hosting one of the biggest shows in the world, she’s come a long way.
Ryan Crighton, Policy & Marketing Director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Ultimate Masterclass Festival exists for two reasons – to inspire our business community with new thinking, and to support the recovery of our city centre with exciting events.
“We were blown away by the reaction to our evening with Louis Theroux and have been overwhelmed by the public support for our efforts to bring people back to Union Street.
“As we gather momentum, we are delighted to have secured Davina McCall – a true British television icon – for the festival this year.
“Not only is Davina a national treasure, she has also become one of the world’s most sought-after speaker on women’s health, passionately fighting raise awareness of the menopause.
“This event is going to be a fascinating night exploring the life and career of one of television’s most endearing characters – and learning what it takes to build the resilience required to overcome adversity over and over again.”
Davina, Louis and Nina are among six acts who will headline events scheduled throughout 2024 to boost footfall in Aberdeen City Centre.
More than 4,000 people attended the UMF series in 2023, which was headlined by ‘Diary of a CEO’ star Steven Bartlett and ‘How to Fail’ podcaster Elizabeth Day.
Over 5,000 tickets will be available for the expanded 2024 series, which is part of a £300,000 investment by the Chamber as a founding partner of the Our Union Street organisation.
Tickets for Davina McCall (sponsored by CALA) and Nina Schick (sponsored by Mearns & Gill and ZLX Business Solutions / Ascot Lloyd) – are on sale now at umf.events.
Mr Crighton added: “We will be announcing another high-profile act for the Music Hall next week.”
