Giant inflatables and illuminated slinky among artworks lighting up Aberdeen

A giant inflatable castle and a huge illuminated slinky spring are among the works awaiting visitors at this year’s Spectra festival in Aberdeen, which opens on Thursday evening.

The 2025 edition of the annual light festival, now in its 11th year, will feature 15 artworks at various locations around the Granite City, along with entertainment from street performers, dancers and musicians.

Last year the event drew crowds of more than 100,000 and was estimated to have contributed £2.6 million to the local economy.

Visitors will also be able to experience a 50-metre multi-sensory walkway designed by Kent-based Lucid Creates, which uses “the mediums of sound, light, dark, shadows, depth linearity and illusion” to create a distinctive sonic and visual experience, as well as an illuminated slinky spring and giant moon moored to a boat by Newcastle-based Studio Vertigo.

Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesman for Aberdeen City Council, which owns and commissions the festival, said: ”Spectra is finally here and we cannot wait for visitors from the city and beyond to revel in the magic that this year’s festival offers.

“The planning for this year’s festival has been under way for months. A great deal of people have been working with the council to make this event a success.

“All the preparation and hard work is going to create wonderful experiences for everyone to enjoy. The opening night is a very happy celebration of all the collective artistic activity.”

Spectra is free to attend and runs at various locations in Aberdeen from 5.30pm to 10pm each night.

More information can be found at www.spectrafestival.com.