Theatre Highlights

Geordie - Scottish Youth TheatreGeordie - the story of a boy from the Highlands who, in the face of adversity, overcomes his weaknesses to become a champion athlete and a young man to make Scotland, his mum and of course wee Jean back home, very proud. A heart-warming musical tale of personal triumph with a distinctly Scottish flavour.

His Majesty’s TheatreFriday 1 August, 7.30pmSaturday 2 August, 2.30 & 7.30pmTickets: From £8, Concessions from £5, Family tickets available

The Silver Bough – Youth Music Theatre:UKFrom banshees to kelpies, changelings to witches, the Horned God to the Cailleach,one-eyed genius of winter, this fascinating and innovative production begins its development with Youth Music Theatre: UK.

Aberdeen Grammar SchoolSunday 3 August, 8.00pmMonday 4 August, 2.30 & 8.00pmTickets: £9, Concessions £5

Theatre at the Lemon Tree Tickets: £9, Concessions £5, Family tickets available

Monsters - West Lothian Youth Theatre, Salmagundi Training CompanyIn the Bathgate Hills, in the year 2022, a civil war rages. Stephan’s gang has been hiding out and they don’t know why or how the war started. Find out what happens as the fighting gets closer and closer..

KY8 – KineticA theatrical Odyssey portraying thirty years of decay, decline and degeneration in a once thriving costal town. Live performance, film and animation to challenge the preconceptions of an infamous postcode.

Contacting the WorldTrupe Teatro Afro Reggae from Rio de Janeiro and Space 3 from Manchester, with new theatre pieces developed as part of Contacting the World’s pioneering international theatre exchange project

Lottie - Garidge Theatre Company and Mitchell School of Drama Join Lottie, born in a North East poorhouse and meet the people around her who dream of different lives, a different world. A new play based with a script by Charles Barron and original music and lyrics.

Music Highlights

Orchestral & Chamber Music Swiss Youth Symphony OrchestraThis award winning orchestra will present a powerful and spellbinding programme including Mendelssohn’s Violin concerto in E Minor, and what has been described as a “magnificent musical masterpiece of the twentieth century”, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.

Music Hall, Friday 1 August, 7.30pmTickets: £6 - £15, Concessions £3 off

Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong KongPopular classics and famous Chinese melodies including; Glinka's Ruslan and Ludmilla, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite; Dance of the Yao Tribe, Plum Blossom in the Snow.

Music Hall, Friday 8 August, 7.30pmTickets: £6 - £15, Concessions £3 off

Chamber Music SeriesSunday 3 August – Thursday 7 AugustAn exciting series of chamber music events featuring some of Aberdeen’s brightest young talents; Ian Watt, George Duthie and Petra Paskova. Plus the Norman Cooper Chamber Music Competition.

Choral & OperaHomestead High School Choir & NYCoS West LothianTalented singers from Scotland and the USA. The programme will include American traditional and spiritual music, Gershwin, Copland, classical favourites such as Elgar and Mozart and Scottish folk songs.

Holborn West Church, Thursday 31 July, 7.30pmTickets: £9, Concessions £5

The Festival is also presenting special opera events, including opera masterclasses and a recital with Lisa Milne, and children’s opera, The Little Sweep (see over.)

World Music & Jazz Experience the future of music in Scotland A chance to see some of Scotland’s best young musicians with The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland and Ceol Mor Traditional Music Big Band at the Beach Ballroom.

Beach Ballroom, Thursday 31st July & Thursday 7 August, 7.30pmTickets: £12, Concessions £8

Music & Song from Three ContinentsExperience a whole range of music and cultures at this fun, informal concert. Traditional songs, drumming and folk music from North America, Europe and Africa.

Music Hall, Saturday 2 August, 7.30pmTickets: £13 / £10, Concessions £3 off

Dance Highlights

Project Y – Y DanceThe best young dancers Scotland has to offer present an innovative programme of new work.

Lemon Tree Studio, Saturday 2 August, 7.00pm

International Dance ProgrammeAberdeen Arts Centre, 7.30pmBe captivated and inspired by this programme of energetic, daring and entertaining dance, from top international young dance companies.

Cie Ph/f/ase (Belgium) & Georgia Dance Theatre Legacy Monday 4 August

Aike Raes (Belgium) Tuesday 5 August

Shenzhen City Dancing Team (China)Wednesday 6 August

Tickets £9, Concessions £5. Special offers, see overleaf.

AIYF International Dance GalaThe highlight of the Festival’s dance programme, the Dance Gala brings together the best young dancers from our dance school with international companies to present both new choreography and traditional dance from different cultures. Including ballet, contemporary and traditional folk dance.

“As a compilation programme of dance it was flawless..” Press & Journal

His Majesty’s Theatre, Thursday 7 August, 7.30pmTickets: £7.50 - £19.50, Concessions £3 off

Good VibrationsFrom the lively sounds of the Caribbean to the exotic beats of Africa, Good Vibrations is a family friendly exploration of drumming and rhythm making. Come and join us and try playing the steel drums!

Beach Ballroom, Wednesday 6 August, 3pmTickets: £9, Concessions £5, Family tickets available

Mary Garden Opera: Benjamin Britten’s “The Little Sweep”Part of Britten’s “Entertainment for Young People”, the production is a full theatrical experience with lots of dramatic opportunities, choral singing and even an audience song or two. It is a great way of introducing young audiences to the conventions of opera with a simple yet affecting story with which they can sympathise and identify.

Haddo House, Wednesday 6th, 7.30pm Thursday 7th, 3pm & 7.30pmBeach Ballroom, Friday 8 & Saturday 9 August, 3pmTickets: £9, Concessions £5, Family tickets available

and finally not to be missed... AIYF International Variety GalaOur most popular show. A spectacular night of highlights from the best of the Festival. Experience the true magic of the festival, with international music, dance and theatre, plus new collaborative pieces created by the international companies working together in Aberdeen.If you can only see one Festival show make sure this is it!

His Majesty’s Theatre, Saturday 9 August, 7.30pmTickets: £9.50 - £23.50, Concessions £3 off

Family ShowsFestival HubThere will be events at the Lemon Tree everyday during the Festival. Why not drop in for lunch and find out what is on?

Later... at the Lemon TreeDiscover the late night Festival sessions showcasing the best of up + coming, home grown and international talent. An eclectic programme of blues, indie, rock, jazz, fusion and traditional acts - your chance to hear music you've never heard before and pick your new favourite from our selection box of sound.

30 July - 9 August, from 9 pmTickets: £4 (£1 off if you’ve been to another festival event)

In partnership with Foyer Music and Vocoustics

Festival in the CityA snapshot of performances indoors, outdoors and around the city’s landmarks.Giant Puppets, live music, street theatre and dance will all bring a taste of the Festival to the residents and shoppers of Aberdeen. Our participants will also be taking part in the Tartan Day Parade on Saturday 2nd August as part of Aberdeen City Council’s celebrations.

Aberdeen City Centre, Sunday 3 August, 1-4pmFREE