Registration is now open for the Celebrate Aberdeen parade, the event which showcases the enormous contribution that charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises have on life in North-east Scotland.

Organised in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, this year’s parade will place on Saturday, August 26, when thousands of people representing around 150 organisations will march the length of Union Street watched by thousands of spectators.

First held in 2011, it brings together an eclectic and inclusive group of third sector organisations, cultural organisations, youth groups, sports clubs, and music, dance, and entertainment groups.

Registration for this year’s event is open until Friday, June 23.

“Celebrate Aberdeen is all about taking time to acknowledge the breadth and diversity of the organisations and individuals who make a huge difference to other people’s lives in so many different ways,” said Celebrate Aberdeen volunteer Emily Findlay. “The parade is a spectacular celebration that fills Union Street from one end to the other with colour, music, and joy – a truly uplifting experience for both participants and spectators.”

Organisations which took part in last year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Parade have until Friday, April 28 to submit an application to be considered for a £1,100 donation to support their work. The funds come from the collecting buckets carried by volunteers during the parade and every year, one organisation is selected as the recipient.

Planning is also in progress for the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, a gala event which recognises and pays tribute to the positive impact individuals, volunteers and organisations in the third sector makes to thousands of lives across Aberdeen City and Shire.

This year however it faces an uncertain future as organisers are still appealing for more sponsors to come forward so that the event, scheduled to take place in September, can go ahead.

“The Awards turn the spotlight on just some of the people who go over and above in their commitment towards helping others,” said Emily. “Over the past three years we’ve recognised some exceptional people and unsung heroes and heard truly heart-warming stories. But to do this we are completely reliant on the generosity and financial support of sponsors.

“The sponsorship we receive ensures that all the finalists in 11 categories and their guests attend the gala awards night for free, so no one is barred from attending because of cost. We already have commitments from sponsors who have supported this event in the past, but we are short of the total we need to make the event a reality, so would love to hear from anyone interested in finding out more about sponsorship for this very worthy cause.”

The Union Street mile races, which immediately precede the parade also return for 2023. Organised in association with Celebrate Aberdeen by Myles Edwards of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF), the race was renamed Mel’s Union Street Mile, in memory of Myles’ dad Mel who passed away in 2019.

Application for the races, which cover three age groups from primary school to adult, will open on the GEF website soon. Due to the tight timescale, entrants must be able to complete the mile in under 11 minutes.

Aberdeen Lord Provost Dr David Cameron said: “Celebrate Aberdeen has the fantastic ability to bring together our city’s third sector community in such a colourful and engaging way and I am sure that this year’s celebrations will be no exception.

“The parade in particular is always a fun-filled event that everyone looks forward to and is perfect for allowing all the voluntary organisations within our city to show everyone what they represent and all the good work that they do for users.

“I am very much looking forward to Celebrate Aberdeen and all the community participation it will bring to the city centre.”

For more information and to register for the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade visit www.celebrate-aberdeen.org

 To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards please contact Morven Mackenzie at morven@mackenzie-brown.com or on 07855 526773.