On Saturday, 29th March, the vibrant community of Torry came alive in a truly magical way as Touch of Love Outreach hosted the Torry Spring Gathering at the Greyhope Community Hub.
Supported and funded by Creative Funding, Aberdeen City Council, the Torry Spring Gathering featured a lively lineup of performances and activities.
With over 200 attendees, Touch of Love Cultural Dance Group and the energetic Torry Dance Club lit up the room with their vibrant moves from traditional Highland steps to expressive African rhythms and a crowd-pleasing Zumba set.
Two standout moments had the crowd buzzing. First, a young achiever wowed everyone with a lively routine to a song by an African artiste, mixing traditional and modern dance moves with so much confidence and flair. You could feel the pride and joy in every step of the dance.
Then came a powerful vocal performance from another young scot, who sang Shakira’s "Whenever, Wherever" with just the instrumental playing. Her unique voice and stage presence gave the song a whole new vibe, and the crowd loved it.
The Torry Spring Gathering was a heart-warming mix of cultures, talents, and togetherness.
“Seeing the community come together like this - sharing joy, laughter, and culture - was everything we hoped for and more’’. Says Jane Akadiri, founder of Touch of Love.
“What touched me the most was watching young people from different backgrounds stand tall, express themselves, and take pride in who they are. That’s the heart of Touch of Love - creating spaces where everyone, especially those who feel unseen, can feel valued and celebrated. This event reminded us that when people feel they belong, amazing things happen.”
A day bursting with colour and creativity
The halls of the Greyhope Community Hub were buzzing with excitement. The event showcased and celebrated creativity, culture, and unity. It was a heartfelt invitation for families, New Scots, Young Scots, and residents of all backgrounds to come together and experience the power of shared culture and human connection.
The goal was to use the arts - particularly music and dance, as a bridge for building community, sparking conversations, and celebrating the rich, diverse cultural heritage that lives in Torry and Aberdeen at large. Touch of Love wanted to create a space where people could feel welcomed, seen, and inspired, all while learning more about one another’s roots and traditions through music and dance.
The day kicked off with an uplifting icebreaker led by NESCAN Hub and Yahya’s International Hub - a simple rope-throwing challenge that quickly turned into a meaningful moment of connection. As participants shared kind words about one another and got physically linked in a web of string, what started as a game ended with a lesson in unity. That same rope web was later used in a teamwork challenge to drop pens into bottles, a visual and emotional representation of what we can accomplish when we work together.
Smiles, cheers, and moments to remember
The turnout was overwhelming in the best way. Families, friends, neighbours, and volunteers from across Torry filled the space with warmth and excitement. It was about cheering together, laughing together, and discovering each other’s stories. Aberdeen is already a city of culture - with every voice, every rhythm, and every story adding to its heartbeat.
More than a celebration - A lasting impact
Torry Spring Gathering was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities unite. The event helped break down barriers between cultures, encouraged new friendships, and sparked important conversations about heritage and belonging. Many young participants walked away with more than applause. they left with a renewed sense of self, cultural pride, and confidence.
Families expressed their gratitude, saying how valuable it was to have such events that celebrate both Scottish and African heritage side by side. Touch of Love was proud to see that its objectives were not only met but exceeded.
The event promoted cultural awareness and pride among young people, helped reduce social isolation, especially among New Scots, fostered a stronger sense of belonging in the community and strengthened ties between different groups through shared joy and experience.
Touch of Love thanks Aberdeen City Council, its amazing performers, volunteers, and every attendee who made the Torry Spring Gathering unforgettable.
For further information on Touch of Love, please visit www.touchoflove.org.uk or email support@touchoflove.org.uk.