Global energy technology company Baker Hughes is lending its name as title sponsor to this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen events.

Energy sector operators CNOOC International and CNR International have also confirmed their continuing support for the 2022 events with both signing up as gold sponsors. 

From left, Mark Berry, CNOOC International; Alison Critten, CNR International; Adrian Watson, Aberdeen Inspired; Lesley McMullen, Baker Hughes; Councillor Ian Yuill, Aberdeen City Council; Emily Findlay, Celebrate Aberdeen.

Making a welcome return for the first time since 2019, due to the impact of COVID, the first of the two ‘Celebrate Aberdeen with Baker Hughes’ events is the Union Street parade which takes place on August 27. The second event, the Celebrate Aberdeen awards will be held at P&J Live on September 17.

"As a major employer in the region and a long-standing sponsor of local community events, we’re absolutely delighted that we can show our support for the third sector through our involvement in Celebrate Aberdeen with Baker Hughes,” said Brenda Clark, vice president of Corporate Affairs, Oilfield Equipment at Baker Hughes. "The past few years have been extremely challenging for many, and the support that has been provided by charities, social enterprises, sports clubs and other groups to thousands of people from right across the region has been invaluable in helping them get through very difficult times. 

"The Celebrate Aberdeen with Baker Hughes events are great platforms to showcase what these groups have achieved and to raise awareness of the huge contribution which the third sector makes to society,” she said.

Emily Findlay, a volunteer with Celebrate Aberdeen, said:
"The support of our sponsors and our partners Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired is absolutely crucial. Without them, Celebrate Aberdeen simply could not take place, so we’re extremely grateful to them for ensuring that both events are returning this year after a two-year absence. 

"Huge thanks also go to all the local businesses who have signed up to sponsor the award categories and to our small team of volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes to plan and run both events.”

Mark Berry, Business Services Manager for CNOOC International, said:
"Charities and community groups are at the heart of our local community and as demonstrated over the past two years, provide essential health and wellbeing support to thousands of people across Aberdeen. That is why CNOOC is thrilled to be partnering with Celebrate Aberdeen, recognising the many volunteers and group leaders who make a difference to people’s lives and shape Aberdeen’s strong community spirit.”

CNR International Managing Director Barry Duncan said:
"It’s great to have this event back in 2022, after an absence of two years, where we have the opportunity to celebrate our city. CNR International is a major employer based in the city centre, and one of our core values is being an outstanding corporate citizen. We are delighted to continue our support of this event in 2022.” 

More than 120 organisations have already signed up for this year’s parade, which has been organised with support from parade partner Aberdeen City Council. The parade begins on Albyn Place at 11am and finishes at the Castlegate.  It will be preceded Mel’s Union Street Mile with Celebrate Aberdeen & Baker Hughes which is also returning for the first time since 2019.

Other Celebrate Aberdeen sponsors include: Cala Homes, Aberdeen Inspired, DeltaTek Global, Hampton, Breakwater Agency, Korero, Balmoral Group, Fyfe Moir & Associates and Flexistore Aberdeen.

KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus