An event which celebrates the community spirit that exists throughout Aberdeen has won the 2015 National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Scotland Award.
Delivered by a small team of volunteers, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, this year’s two-day Celebrate Aberdeen included a parade by different charities, social enterprises and volunteering organisations, united in a procession through the heart of the city on Saturday August 22, 2015.
The parade brought together around 3,000 people from more than 100 diverse third sector organisations.
Musical performances were also held at various sites throughout the city on 22 and 23 August, including Union Terrace Gardens, The Central Library and Bon Accord & St Nicholas, which provided an opportunity for people in Aberdeen to come together and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Morven Mackenzie, the founder of Celebrate Aberdeen, said: “This is a fantastic award to win and is down to the great community spirit demonstrated by the people who take part in and help organise the event.
“Celebrate Aberdeen started as a third sector parade four years ago and has grown since then, with music performances, sporting taster sessions and even local food produce being added on.
“However, the focus remains the same, namely that of community, positivity and volunteering. In light of this, we’re delighted to have won the NOEA award.”
Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said: "It is fantastic that Celebrate Aberdeen has won this award – the Celebrate Aberdeen team, Aberdeen City Council Events team and all the volunteers involved more than deserve it and it is testament to their hard work.
“The parade and the music performances over the weekend took a lot of organising and a huge amount of voluntary effort as many people gave their time for free to help make it a wonderful weekend. Celebrate Aberdeen deserves this national recognition.
“I, along with the thousands of participants of the parade and weekend, congratulate them on this fantastic accolade.”
The National Outdoor Events Association is the UK’s leading outdoor events trade association. Established in 1979, it is dedicated to enhancing professionalism in the outdoor events industry through education, networking, lobbying, advice and creating business opportunities.
The NOEA membership is comprised of event suppliers, event production professionals, event and festival organisers, entertainment agencies, local authority events departments, venues, universities and freelancers.