Top local traders and creatives are being invited to be part of the biggest and best sparkling Curated in the Quad Christmas market this festive season.
The historic quadrangle at Marischal College will be transformed into a glittering wonderland with more attractive wooden chalets - and twinkling lights - than ever before as the market runs for six weekends from November 15 to December 22, all while raising vital funds for local charity, Charlie House.
With its unique emphasis on North-east traders, organisers have issued a call for local producers of the finest in food, drink, arts, crafts, clothing, homeware, gifts and jewellery to sign up to Curated in the Quad and showcase their business at this very special event.
Staged by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, Curated in the Quad will be a central attraction for the Aberdeen Christmas Village on and around Broad Street, which is expected to bring thousands of people into the city centre.
Image credit: Codona's
Last year, the event raised an astonishing £24,500 for the charity, which aims to improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and provide support to their families.
John Brebner, chief executive of Charlie House, said: “Curated in the Quad is returning this year, bigger and better than ever, increasing our stall-holder chalets up to 45 stalls, from 30 last year. This will provide more opportunities for local businesses to showcase their unique, handcrafted goods, giving busy holiday shoppers even more reason to visit the Christmas Market."
"Last year’s Curated in the Quad raised funds that were crucial in allowing us to provide vital support to families across the North-east of Scotland. This year’s expansion will help us extend this essential support throughout the holiday season, and beyond.
"Demand far exceeded supply for stall chalets last year, so we encourage local businesses to apply on our website as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We want to thank the local community for their continued support in making Curated in the Quad a success and eagerly anticipate seeing it return again this holiday season as part of the Christmas Market."
Image credit: Codona's
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Curated in the Quad is what makes Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations stand out from every other city in Scotland, showcasing as it does the best in local talent and producers.
“The market creates a very special atmosphere in this most historic part of Aberdeen, where people can find first-class goods – all created within the north-east – as special Christmas gifts and treats for friends and loved ones.
“Curated in the Quad at the heart of the Aberdeen Christmas Village will be a real Yuletide treat, attracting thousands of people, boosting the wider retail and leisure economy. It is a gift for everyone.”
Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Ian Yuill said: “The success of our market in the festive surroundings of the Marischal College Quad is what sets it apart from other Christmas markets across the country. I’m pleased to hear the market will be expanding for the 2024 event, allowing us to increase the number of business opportunities for local traders across the region."
Catherine Redgate, artist and illustrator. Image credit: Codona's
Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Christian Allard said: “Curated in the Quad alongside the entire Christmas in Aberdeen offering always provides a welcome boost to the city centre and will continue to highlight that the area is a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Ian Littlewood, operations director of Codona’s, said: “We are all really excited to once again be involved in the production of the Christmas Market. The additional revenue that will be generated for Charlie House by the extra stalls this year is fantastic.
“However, with 50% more stalls there is a heck of a lot more fairy lights and Christmas baubles to be installed but myself and the whole team are really looking forward to the challenge.
Curated in the Quad is not only popular with the public looking for a unique Christmas atmosphere and quality, locally-produced gifts, but also with north-east traders and creatives.
Artist and illustrator Catherine Redgate said: “Christmas in the Quad is one of my most successful markets of the year. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of this super shopping event for the past six years helping to showcase what Aberdeen City has to offer.
“Not only does the festive experience enhance the Christmas Village for all to enjoy, but it gives me, as a local maker and small business, the ideal ’shop front’ right in the heart of the city during this peak season. My illustrated products always seem to catch the eye of many a customer and provides great inspiration for their gift-giving season!”
Image credit: Codona's
Curated in the Quad will be open on Friday (noon to 7pm), Saturday (11am to 7pm) and Sunday (11am to 6pm, extended to 8pm on November 17 for the annual Aberdeen Christmas parade) each weekend.
It will run from from Friday, November 15, until Saturday, December 22.
Applications for the market stalls are now open and traders are urged to take a full six-week booking which offers a special discount of £15 per week.
Prices are:
- Full six weeks booking of £155 + VAT per chalet per weekend
- Each three-day weekend is priced at a minimum donation of £180 + VAT per chalet.
- Early Bird discounted cost of £170 + VAT per chalet per chosen weekends for stalls booked prior to September 30.
With demand expected to be high, traders are encouraged to submit their applications now by visiting the Curated in the Quad webpage at www.charliehouse.org.uk/quad