When is SPECTRA?
SPECTRA Festival runs between Thursday 8 – Sunday 11th February 2024.
Do I need tickets to attend SPECTRA?
SPECTRA is free and un-ticketed. All you have to do is turn up!
What time is SPECTRA open?
Spectra is open between 5:30pm and 10pm, last entry is expected to be around 9.30pm but subject to the length of the queues.
Can I bring a backpack to SPECTRA?
We would ask that people do not bring large backpacks to the event and we will have a bag searching policy in place for those who bring them.
Can I use a drone at SPECTRA?
No, use of drones will not be permitted. As per the Drone Code, pilots should never fly over groups of people, regardless of the size of the drone. Anyone found to be flying a drone over the event site may be reported to the police.
Are there public toilets at SPECTRA?
Yes. Once inside the venues, toilets will be available at Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Marischal College.
Are there any catering concessions at SPECTRA?
No, there are a large number of existing food outlets in the vicinity of the event some of which have specific SPECTRA deals available which you can view here.
Can I use professional camera equipment?
Professional camera equipment is permitted, but we ask that you please do not use tripods. Monopods should be used to support and steady cameras. When using camera equipment, please be respectful of other visitors and do not block the pathways around the site.
What support is available for those with accessibility requirements or additional support needs?
Aberdeen City Council are committed to improving the experience for visitors with accessibility requirements or additional support needs and, following feedback from last year’s event, has been working with local partners to develop these arrangements.
For more information on the support available please click here
Are dogs allowed at SPECTRA?
We do not recommend bringing dogs to SPECTRA as we are anticipating it will be very busy and it will not be a fun experience for our four-legged friends. However, well-behaved dogs are allowed in Union Terrace Gardens, Marischal Quad and street locations within the Spectra site but they must be kept on leads at all times. Dogs are not permitted inside the Art Gallery with the exception of assistance dogs.
Is there parking at SPECTRA?
There is no dedicated event parking but all city centre car parks will operate as normal, except Harriet Street and Marischal College car parks which will be closed from 16:00-23:00. There is a limited amount of parking for Blue Badge holders only on Queen Street, Littlejohn Street and Blackfriars Street. Don’t forget your blue badge and spaces are available on a first come first served basis.
We have teamed up with Q-Park who are offering a huge 25% off parking at their Trinity Centre car park for visitors to the festival. More information can be found here
Is there a SPECTRA 2024 brochure?
There will be brochures featuring a copy of the map on them at venues throughout Aberdeen, including in Aberdeen Art Gallery where our exciting bespoke commission by Heinrich and Palmer is located! You will also find them at our accessibility welcome desks, please just ask one of our volunteers where these are if you can’t locate them.