Light goes out on popular festival

Aberdeen’s popular Spectra “festival of light” will not be held this year – with the council “refreshing” plans for the event ahead of its return next year.

Iconic locations such as Union Terrace Gardens, His Majesty’s Theatre and St Nicholas Kirkyard were illuminated with dramatic projections, luminous sculptures and even musical colour-changing see-saws at the fourth event last year.

Some 91,000 people attended the spectacle – with the city’s culture spokeswoman, Marie Boulton, hailing the festival for getting “bigger and better” “year on year”.

Last April, council chiefs announced a new decadelong strategy to enhance culture in the city.

But last night it was confirmed the festival would not be returning this year due to the contract elapsing – though officials confirmed they hope to bring it back in 2020.

Last night, Ms Boulton said: “The three-year contract for Spectra ended in 2018 and Aberdeen City Council has taken the opportunity to consider how we might develop the event in a sustainable manner and increase its international stature in the years ahead. The next Spectra festival is expected to take place in 2020, dates are to be confirmed.”

But representatives from across the city expressed disappointment.

George Street and Harbour councillor Dell Hendrickson said: “The Spectra festival was a real asset to the city centre given its popularity.”

Lib Dem culture spokesman Martin Greig said: “This has been suddenly and quietly dropped and will be much regretted.

“There has been no forewarning or consultation with the public.”