Key dates
Event organisers urged fans to buy tickets when they go on sale at 9am this Wednesday, 5 March 2025, as they expect them to be snapped up by eager music lovers wanting to experience these unique gigs.
And that enthusiasm is shared by Scots music legend Ricky Ross, the frontman for Deacon Blue, who said the band were thrilled to be part of the Tall Ships Races in the Granite City.
“We last played the Tall Ships festival back in 2011 (in Greenock) and loved it, we’re very happy to be asked back and really looking forward to another great night under the stars in Aberdeen later this year.”
Deacon Blue – whose back catalogue of hits such as Dignity and Real Gone Kid have become Scottish anthems - will open the run of spectacular gigs on Friday, July 18, the day the Tall Ships sail into the Port of Aberdeen.
On Saturday, 19 July, Ministry Of Sound Classical will have thousands of fans dancing the night away with breathtaking live orchestral performances of the greatest hits from the iconic Ministry of Sound. It promises to be an electrifying live music experience from a 30-strong orchestra, set against a forest of Tall Ships masts in the Port of Aberdeen.
On Sunday, 20 July, award-winning Scottish indie-folk stars Tide Lines will headline a special free gig at Peterson Seabase with Banchory-born singer-songwriter Calum Bowie in support. Bowie – who last year played Glastonbury, TRNSMT and Belladrum – has over 100 million views on TikTok and will be a surefire hit with his home crowd.
Bringing the Quayside Concerts to a rousing finale on Monday, 21July, will be Kaiser Chiefs who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough classic, I Predict A Riot. They are including the Tall Ships gig on their current Employment tour of outdoor shows.
