Featuring 15 artworks including giant projections and huge interactive light installations, as well as entertainment from street performers, to dancers, and musicians, the free-to-attend festival, owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, and produced by Live Event Management, is now in its 11th year and saw over 100,000 people attend last year.
Running from 6th – 9th February and helping to light up the city are a range of leading artists and installations from across the UK and Australia, including a giant inflatable castle called Sky Castle by Australian artists ENESS, a huge neon colouring wall by Scottish illustrator, Johanna Basford OBE, and two installations by Newcastle-based Studio Vertigo which include a huge illuminated slinky and a giant moon apparently removed from its orbit and lassoed to a boat.
A 50m long multi-sensory walkway by Kent-based Lucid Creates, is designed to distort reality, creating shifts in time and space, exploring the contrast between light and dark using strobes of light.
The heartbeats of over 65 Aberdonians, a sprawling illuminated fungal network and a virtual exhibition by artist Craig Barrowman and local artists that transforms public space into an immersive experience using a smartphone and the Northern Lights AR app can also be enjoyed.
A specially commissioned art piece by Aberdeen Art Gallery and Scottish artist, Council Baby, will take pride of place in the Gallery’s magnificent Sculpture Court area which will see a large-scale video installation projection comprising of four striking stained-glass designs which have been inspired by works in the city’s collection and visits to the area, with each animated panel capturing different aspects of Aberdeen's rich history.
The iconic ABERDEEN letters by Aberdeen Inspired will feature a special design for the occasion at their new temporary residence outside of Marischal College for the duration of the festival.
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, 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 underway for months. A great deal of people have been working with the Council to make this event a success. There has been excellent collaboration with artists and local groups. 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."
