The festive spirit has filled the air across Aberdeen, driven by local events aimed at supporting charities and inspiring creativity among the youth. One standout event, the Curated in the Quad festive market, successfully raised over £32,000 for children’s charity Charlie House.
Held at the historic Marischal College, this market saw more than 45 local stallholders set up shop, transforming the quad area with Alpine-style chalets decorated to showcase the power of community generosity. Wrapping up on December 22, this year’s event surpassed last year’s fundraising total of £24,500. Emma Leiper Finlayson, Director of Fundraising at Charlie House, expressed her gratitude, stating, "This year’s Curated in the Quad has raised just over £32,000, which is a fantastic Christmas gift. This will go a long way in supporting the 140 families we work with across the north-east of Scotland." She added, "These funds will enable us to continue supporting families who rely on our services, providing opportunities for families to spend quality time together during this festive season."
The excitement extended beyond fundraising, as Adrian Watson, the chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, highlighted the market's importance not just for the charity but for local traders as well. He remarked, "Christmas is a time for celebration and for giving, and I am so pleased Curated in the Quad has done both. The festive market has celebrated our incredible local creatives and producers, and the people of Aberdeen have supported them – and Charlie House."
Dr. David Cameron, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, also praised the event, saying, "I’m thrilled to hear Charlie House has raised such a fantastic amount, smashing last year’s record total by quite some margin. I know this money will be invaluable for helping them to continue their important work for children and their families across the city."
Shifting gears from charitable markets to the arts, the Aberdeen Magical Society has launched an engaging competition aimed at local children to encourage their interest in magic. Approaching its centenary by 2026, the society encourages young people to express their creativity through art, stories, and poetry inspired by the theme of magic. Entries for this year’s competition are invited until January 26, 2025, with eight winners receiving the book Everybody's Magic, alongside decks of cards to practice their skills.
Society member Paul Rae, who is also the deputy headteacher at Ashley Road Primary School, emphasized the importance of engaging young minds with magic. He mentioned, "Magic is a fantastic hobby for people of all ages, but many of us catch the magic bug as children. Learning magic and how to perform teaches young people great skills for later life, including public speaking and confidence. But most significantly, it is fun to share those moments of mystery with others."
Further acknowledging the importance of the initiative, Garry Seagraves, president of the Aberdeen Magical Society, expressed his excitement for nurturing future talent within the community. He said, "Many of our members got started through books like this or magic sets gifted at Christmas. To inspire the next generation of magic here in Aberdeen is really wonderful."
Meanwhile, the traditional Boxing Day Nippy Dip drew brave swimmers to Aberdeen Beach on December 26, echoing the community spirit present during the holiday season. This annual event, organized by the Aberdeen Lions Club, invites participants to take the plunge for charity, often dressed in whimsical costumes. Friends and family cheer on the swimmers, who are also encouraged to fundraise for various charities.
The Nippy Dip offers not only a chance for participants to enjoy some exhilarating fun but also fosters camaraderie within the community. Local photographers captured the day’s highlights, capturing the joy and spirit of involvement. The annual event is always met with eager anticipation, providing lasting memories for participants and onlookers alike.
Events like the Curated in the Quad, the magical competition, and the Nippy Dip showcase the vibrancy of Aberdeen’s community life during the festive season. They unite local residents for charitable causes and creative expressions, marking the holidays with purpose and enthusiasm. Local businesses and organizations have fully embraced this season of giving, and by supporting these initiatives, they inspire broader community interaction.
With the festive season still underway, Aberdeen's commitment to supporting one another stands strong, encouraging both giving and creativity. Be it through festive markets, inspiring competitions, or charity events, the community's heart continues to shine brightly.
