March 27, 2013
University of Aberdeen launches May Festival programme
Photo / Interview opportunities Thurs March 27 at 10:30 King’s Lawn / Linklater Rooms, King’s
Campus, Old Aberdeen
Photo opportunities: On hand to launch the programme will be pupils from St Peter's Primary
School who will take part in May pole dancing and try out some science demonstrations.
Interview opportunities will be available with Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal for
External Affairs.
The programme for a festival set to attract thousands of visitors to the Granite City will be officially
launched today (Thursday March 27).
The May Festival, organised by the University of Aberdeen, will run from Friday, May 9 to Sunday,
May 11, and is set to be a spectacular weekend with a programme that is guaranteed to have
something for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition to the big names already announced – intrepid war reporter Kate Adie, Charlatans
frontman Tim Burgess, and journalist and broadcaster Tony Parsons, the festival will encompass a
host of different themes, including the return of Word, as well as strands exploring health and
wellbeing, music, film, sport, environment, science, Gaelic and an aptly named Discover strand,
showcasing the topical research-led projects the University is currently undertaking. This year's
festival will also include a series of World War 1 related events.
Other big names in the frame include Great British Bake Off star James Morton, musician and
broadcaster Mary Anne Kennedy, and paralympian Neil Fachie.
A Festival feel will be created with a campfire party in the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens and outdoor
performers at King's College. The weekend will come to a spectacular close with a Homecoming
Festival Finale featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Today (March 27) the University will also launch the Marathon Oil Schools' and Children's
Programme, which features plenty of activities to keep youngsters amused all weekend.
Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal for External Affairs, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the
University of Aberdeen is once again hosting an event which brings so much variety to Aberdeen
“The programme for the May Festival is fantastic and really does have something for everyone. Last
year around 7,500 members of the public enjoyed the festival and I am sure that this year’s event will
prove to be just as popular.”
Fahad Al-AbdulKareem, Managing Director of Aramco Overseas Company, an affiliate of Saudi
Aramco in Europe, added: “Saudi Aramco is delighted to once again partner the May Festival and the
cultural enrichment it offers.
“This partnership underlines our ongoing commitment to the communities we operate in, such as
Aberdeen, home to our Aberdeen Technology Office, a centre dedicated to research and
development.”
Tickets are available at the Aberdeen Box Office and bookings can be made in person or by calling
01224 641122.
For further information about the May Festival, booking tickets and to view the programme, visit:
www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Photo / interview Opportunity
10.30am Linklater Room / King’s Lawn
Photo opportunities: On hand to launch the programme will be pupils from St Peter's Primary
School who will take part in May pole dancing and try out some science demonstrations
Interview opportunities will be available with Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal for
External Affairs.
Please confirm your attendance with Laura McCombie or Jo Milne on 01224 272014.
080MAYFESTLAUNCH
27 March 2014