SCOTLAND'S "festival of light" has drawn to a close following four nights of projections, sculptures and magical installations – with Spectra's organisers hailing "record-breaking numbers" at the event featuring some of the world’s leading visual artists.
Attendees at the event in Aberdeen were able to enjoy a programme of new and visiting artworks inspired by the theme of "Home", including four world premieres and five Scottish premieres .
Highlights from the festival included the first appearance of Parer Studio’s Fantastic Planet, in which towering humanoid figures descended upon different city centre locations, including Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and Marischal College.
Spectra made a return to the city's Union Terrace Gardens, becoming the first major event to take place in the public space since its three-year, multi-million-pound regeneration.
Union Terrace Gardens became an illuminated urban garden with installations including the Lantern Company’s Nature Nocturnal, Sound Intervention’s Luminosi Trees, Limbic Cinema’s three-dimensional light sculpture Circa and Vincent James’s "whimsical" projected work Home Fronts.
As a result of the festival's support from local businesses, attendees were offered deals on accessibility, travel, and hospitality, and a special offer from First Bus meant people could travel to and from the festival for free.
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “This year’s Spectra has been a special, exciting experience. The displays have really helped to showcase our wonderful city.
"Thousands of visitors have come into the city centre to enjoy the amazing light installations and artwork across Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Broad Street.
"It has been a great family event with many people of all ages coming to enjoy our inclusive festival of light that is open to all.
"I am grateful to the many people who have made this celebration such a success. Scotland’s festival of light has gone from strength to strength while still reflecting its home here in Aberdeen.”
Spectra is owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and produced by Curated Place.
