Written by Colin Fraser
Anyone else feel like this year is already passing at turbo speed? Well if this month’s calendar of events is anything to go by, March will be gone in a flash.
From the Broadway hits to chart-topping artists and comics to the arts, here’s what’s on the cards this month across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Last month, SPECTRA lit up the city centre with illuminations galore. This month is no different with popular festivals making a return along with events on the scene for one day only.
Brace yourself for an evening of adrenaline, thrills and chills as adventure film makers capture hair-raising cinematography like no other. From rocky mountains to choppy waters experience the ruggedness of short film-making as the mountain film festival comes to Aberdeen.
Following True North 2021, four North-east poets premier their short films at the Belmont Filmhouse. Embodying the festival’s theme of ‘Rise Up’, each poet was paired with a filmmaker to create a short film based on their poem. The screenings will be followed by a special Q&A with the poets.
What’s happening in Ukraine is devastating – no other way to put it. If you’re feeling helpless and want to support, Second Home Studio + Cafe is hosting mini sketching workshops with owner Kirsty Cameron this weekend. Face painting is a fundraiser regular and local artists Carla Smith and Airhead will be painting the faces of attendees onto coffee cups. Both cost £5 and all money raised will be donated to Choose Love which supports refugees and displaced people globally.
Aberdeen Restaurant Week returns from Monday 7 to Friday 18 March and your table is waiting. Bringing together restaurants from across the city centre to offer special £10 lunch and £25 dinner menus, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the delights of the city. Find out where to dine.
Winner of Masterchef 2016, Jane Devonshire, takes up special residency at the Fife Arms to celebrate International Women’s Day. Hosting an exclusive event in the Michelin Guide Clunie Dining Room, guests are promised a night to remember with champagne, canapes and a seasonal tasting menu.
Just as the plates clear from Aberdeen Restaurant Week, Aberdeen Jazz Festival enters like a post dinner performance to entertain music lovers. From intimate gigs in The Blue Lamp to concerts in Cowdry Hall and special film screenings to immersive Soundbath performances, this year’s festival promises a programme that’s “full speed, full volume and full of energy!”.
The doors of theatres and music venues are back open to welcome audiences as small and large productions make their way to centre stage. In celebration of the return of live performances, here’s a spotlight on what’s coming this month.
Polish those gogo boots, grab the shimmering jumpsuit and perfect those harmonies to welcome Mamma Mia. The broadway smash inspired by the music of ABBA comes to His Majesty’s Theatre bringing audiences a Super Trooper night – see what I did there?
Following the release of their twelfth album Oochya on March 4, chart-topping Stereophonics take to the arena of P&J Live. A regular in Aberdeen, crowds eagerly await the band’s return since their last performance in March 2020.
The popular A Play, a Pie and a Pint series brings Milkshake by Rob Drummond to the Lemon Tree. Following a milkshake run in, a politician and activist find themselves in a restorative justice session to sort their differences. However when their moderator doesn’t show, they take on the session without supervision. What could go wrong?
The classic story of celebrity, scandal and crime is brought to the stage with a star-studded cast in Chicago. Bringing the razzle dazzle of the roaring 1920s to the stage through its sensual score, this six time Tony Award winner promises a night not to miss.
Music lovers prepare to be spoiled this month with a trio of Lunchbreak Concerts. The charming Cowdray Hall plays host to these free concerts where audiences can hear the talents of Aberdeen City Music School and songs from Medieval Aberdeen. A special concert by Neil Birse and Ed Parr also adds to the mix as part of Aberdeen Jazz Festival.
Flooding the Music Hall with extravagant costumes and show-stopping performances, the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series two descend on Aberdeen. After a night watching performances by drag royalty, expect to “sashay away” in true diva style.
A favourite spot in the city, Aberdeen Art Gallery continues to provide an excellent space to explore and create memories. Special exhibitions, talks and workshops, here’s my top picks of what to expect this month.
The gallery’s iconic Sculpture Court has been reimagined by the sculptures of Kenny Hunter. With his take on the traditional monument, Kenny presents a collection of animals and objects destined to spark intrigue.
Following its win of the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020, this exhibition presents the work of local creatives commissioned by Aberdeen Art Gallery. Each artist’s piece reflects their reflections of the turbulence encountered over the past few years.
It’s your last chance to get up close to the work of the Princess of Punk, Dame Zandra Rhodes, as the 50 Years of Fabulous exhibition draws to a close this month. Explore vibrant prints and bold designs from her ground-breaking career which have firmly pinned her place in design history.
Offering care and support to vulnerable people across Aberdeen for the past 150 years, VSA has been a vital lifeline for many. Taking a trip down memory lane, this special exhibition shines a light on the power of kindness through personal stories, photography and documents.
Find out what else features this month at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
There’s no better place to discover the flavours of the North-east than at the food markets which flood the calendar every month. From hand crafted pies to delicious fudge and fine cuts to fresh groceries, you can guarantee to find something new every visit. Take a look at the markets taking place this month all across the North-east.
Saturday 5 March
Saturday 19 March
Saturday 26 Match
As the world takes its many twists and turns, laughter can sometimes seem like the only remedy. There’s plenty of hilarious stand-up comedy gigs taking place this month in Aberdeen.
Safe to say it’s a jam-packed month of events and believe me, there’s more. That’s just a glimpse of what’s going on around the region – keep your eyes out, there’s an event happening near you.
To keep up with my food escapades, follow on Instagram, read the blog and listen to the Dishin’ It podcast.
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