The date has been set for the Celebrate Aberdeen parade 2025. The event, which will be held on Saturday, August 23, showcases the enormous contribution that charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises make to life in North-east Scotland.
Registration for organisations who’d like to participate is open until Wednesday, July 30. This year will see a change at the top as Celebrate Aberdeen founder Morven Mackenzie is stepping back from her leading role as organiser and passing the baton to long-time volunteer Emily Findlay.
The first parade took place in 2011, and since then it, and all other Celebrate Aberdeen activities including the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, have been organised and run entirely by a small team of volunteers led by Morven.
“When I thought about setting up the first Celebrate Aberdeen parade all those years ago, I had no idea it would end up being the huge city event it’s become,” said Morven. “Neither did I think that we’d launch and deliver a high-profile awards ceremony, while supporting other third sector events.
“It has been such an incredible experience from start to finish and I’ve loved working with the best people Aberdeen has to offer; whether that’s charity trustees, staff or volunteers, or our own small team of helpers.
“However, I feel that after 15 years it’s time to hand over to someone else to take the lead and I can’t think of anyone better than Emily to head up Celebrate Aberdeen going forward. She is incredibly passionate about the city, enthusiastic and energetic, and perhaps most importantly, cares deeply about the people we aim to thank.
“I will still be volunteering at our events and supporting the team wherever I can, but I’m looking forward to taking more of a back seat role and watching the next generation thrive.”
Emily has been one of the core group of volunteers for more than a decade.
“It is such an honour to take over Celebrate Aberdeen from the amazing Morven, whose dedication to the third sector has been truly inspiring,” she said. “Since moving to Aberdeen in 2014, I’ve been privileged to be part of this incredibly special event. To now step into this role feels like a true honour, and I’m excited to continue Morven’s legacy and contribute to the ongoing success of Celebrate Aberdeen.”
Organised with support from Aberdeen City Council the parade brings together an eclectic and inclusive group of third sector organisations, cultural organisations, youth groups, sports clubs, and music, dance, and entertainment groups.
Around 124 organisations across Aberdeen City and Shire took part in last year’s event, bringing together thousands of participants and spectators and a small army of additional volunteers who come along to help out on the day.
The route for this year’s event begins at Holburn Junction, down Union Street to Union Terrace and Upper Kirkgate to finish at Marischal Square.
The Union Street mile races, which immediately precede the parade also return for 2025. Organised in association with Celebrate Aberdeen by Myles Edwards and the Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) team, the race was renamed Mel’s Union Street Mile, in memory of Myles’ dad Mel.
Application for the races, which cover three age groups from primary school to adult, will open on the GEF website on Monday, 7th April 2025.
For more information and to register for the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade visit www.celebrate-aberdeen.org
To submit an application to be considered for the collection fund, contact Emily Findlay at emily.findlay12@gmail.com.
To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards please also contact Emily.
To enter the Mel’s Union Street Mile sponsored by Salus and part of the GEF Safari Series, visit https://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/safari-series
