DEACON Blue and the Kaiser Chiefs are just some of the big names who will play at an outdoor festival in Aberdeen this summer.
Four open-air gigs which plan to provide an “epic soundtrack” to The Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen this July have been announced.
Ministry Of Sound Classical and Tide Lines will also take to the stage for the Quayside Concerts with the latter playing a free gig as a “thank you” from Tall Ships organisers to the people of Aberdeen.
All the acts will play in a purpose-built 7000 capacity venue created at Peterson Seabase on Regent Quay from July 19 to 22.
Ricky Ross, the frontman for the Scottish pop rock band Deacon Blue, said the band were thrilled to be playing at the festival this year.
He said: “We last played the Tall Ships festival back in 2011 (in Greenock) and loved it, we’re very happy to be asked back and really looking forward to another great night under the stars in Aberdeen later this year.”
The Tall Ships Races have been brought to the Granite City for the first time in 28 years by Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired.
Indie-folk stars Tide Lines will headline the free show at Peterson Seabase with Banchory-born singer-songwriter Calum Bowie in support.
Tide Lines’ lead singer Robert Robertson said the band have had some “brilliant” shows in Aberdeen over the years and the festival’s date also comes just after the release of their new album.
He said: "We can’t wait to play for the Tall Ships in Aberdeen on 20th July!
“We’ve had some brilliant gigs in Aberdeen over the years and loved playing for the Tall Ships up in Lerwick a couple of summers ago—so this has all the makings of a great night.
“It also falls just after the release of our new album, Glasgow Love Story, making it an especially exciting time for us!”
Meanwhile, Bowie, who last year played Glastonbury, TRNSMT and Belladrum and has been inspired by Tide Lines said he cannot wait to open for them to his home crowd.
“So excited to be coming back home to play Tall Ships,” he said.
“Being from Banchory, it's an honour to have been asked to play my first ever festival in Aberdeen!
“Also super excited to be supporting Tide Lines, such a big inspiration. Should be a class day!"
Tickets for the three paid-for gigs – Deacon Blue, Ministry Of Sound Classical and Kaiser Chiefs go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, March 5, and will cost £45 or a bundle of all three concerts for £110.
Organisers said more details about how to attend the free Sunday night gig with Tide Lines and Calum Bowie will be available soon.
