The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025

The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 will be the biggest event in Scotland next year, with 400,000 people expected to visit from 19 to 22 July 2025

Around 50 Tall Ships from across the globe with thousands of international crew will descend on the city for the four day festival, which is Europe’s largest free family event.

Quaysides at Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour and the North end of Union Street will be transformed into a world-class events venue. There will be public access onto ships, parades, awards, fireworks, live music and much more.

More information on the events programme and site will be communicated in the coming months.

Sign up to the Tall Ships Aberdeen mailing list for more information.

The Tall Ships Races are organised annually by Sail Training International. Ships from around the world gather to participate in competitive races, and to share and enjoy the ensuing shoreside festivities and celebrations. These events are youth-focused and bring a huge spectacle to the ports they call at.

Aberdeen previously hosted The Tall Ships Races in 1991 and 1997.

There will be a packed programme of free activities over four days across the city that everyone can access.

More information on the event programme, including any ticketed events, will be communicated in the coming months.

Visit What’s on to see the initial event programme.

Sponsorship will help us to stage the best event possible in Aberdeen and support the young sail trainees from the city to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There are a wide range of opportunities available for organisations of all sizes and budgets, with benefits such as branding and media coverage to exclusive onboard parties, VIP access, and volunteering opportunities.

This is a unique event for businesses to align their brand with diverse groups across the city including volunteers, youth organisations, schools, the third sector and more.

Visit Become a sponsor to find out more.

Yes, many of the Tall Ships will be open for public access during their time in Aberdeen.

The Tall Ships races offer life changing experiences for young people, helping them grow in confidence, rise to challenges, overcome fears, make international friendships, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

We will be recruiting 100 young people, aged 15-25 and living in an AB post code, to sail aboard a Tall Ship in 2025, from Dunkirk to Aberdeen or Aberdeen to Kristiansand.

We’re recruiting people from all backgrounds and experiences, with funding and support available, and the application process will open later in 2024.

Visit Become a sail trainee to find out more.

Many of the Tall Ships will be happy to open their decks for private functions which can be catered aboard, or have refreshments brought aboard depending on ship facilities. 

Visit Tall Ship hospitality to find out more.

Our inclusive, diverse, and accessible volunteer programme will have a role to suit everyone, from Liaison Officers to Media Assistants, Visitor Experience to Transport Coordinators and much more!

The application process will open later in 2024.

Visit Become a volunteer to find out more.

With four-days of culture and entertainment taking place around the Tall Ships event there will be loads of opportunities to get involved. 

Visit Cultural programme to find out more.

With over 400,000 visitors expected, there are exciting commercial opportunities for local businesses, from pop-up retail to food sales and much more!

Visit Commercial trading to find out more.