Tall Ships Magic Captured in Stunning Highlights Video – And Hopes for Their Return

The majestic Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen

If you were lucky enough to be in Aberdeen between July 19 and 22, you’ll know the unforgettable buzz that swept across the city as The Tall Ships Races returned. From the majestic arrival of the vessels to the joyful chaos of the Crew Parade and those rousing Quayside Concerts, it was a city-wide celebration that brought 400,000 visits to the Port of Aberdeen – and smiles all round.

Now, the magic lives on in a brand new official highlights video – live on The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 website. Whether you were there in the thick of it or watching from afar, it’s a joyful reminder of just how special the event was.

Shot by Aberdeen-based production company Signal, the film captures the full energy and atmosphere of the event – including electrifying sets from Kaiser Chiefs and Deacon Blue, the proud display of the ships themselves, and the overwhelming community spirit that filled the harbour.

The release of the video also comes with fresh excitement: Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Inspired – the trio behind this summer’s event – have confirmed they’re already in talks with Sail Training International about bringing the Tall Ships back to the Granite City.

Quayside concerts saw Deacon Blue perform as well as Kaiser Chiefs and Ministry of Sund

“A carnival atmosphere and real community spirit”

Councillor Martin Greig, chair of Aberdeen's Tall Ships organising committee, described the video as “high-quality, vibrant and comprehensive,” saying the event itself “was an enormous success for everyone involved.”

“There was a real community spirit demonstrating that Aberdeen is a friendly, caring city,” he said. “Tall Ships has made an immense cultural and economic impact for the good, so I am delighted that we plan to bring them back.”

“An absolute joy to watch”

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, added:

“Watching the highlights video from The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 was an absolute joy. The memories created last month are still fresh in people’s minds and this video will be a lasting reminder of one of the biggest events in Aberdeen in a generation.”

He also echoed hopes that it won’t be another generation before the Tall Ships return.

“A seminal moment for Aberdeen”

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, called the event “a seminal moment for Aberdeen”, with visitors filling bars, restaurants and shops, and the city’s maritime heritage front and centre on the world stage.

“The partnership between the port, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired showed just what this city can deliver globally,” he said.

While the focus is on a future Tall Ships return, there’s also interest in hosting regular, smaller-scale events – so Aberdeen’s waterfront magic may continue to grow.