After a weekend of colour, music and celebration, the Tall Ships Races are set to reach new heights today as the Red Arrows take to the skies and the Kaiser Chiefs headline the final night of quayside concerts.

Tens of thousands have already descended on the city over the weekend, transforming Aberdeen into a vibrant carnival city. 

Sunday's highlight was the spectacular Crew Parade, which saw around 2,000 international sailors, trainees and performers bring a riot of colour and sound to the city centre, delighting crowds with dancing, drumming, juggling – and even an appearance from the Loch Ness Monster.

But the celebrations are far from over.

Today, all eyes will be on the skies as the legendary RAF Red Arrows deliver a breathtaking aerial display just off the Aberdeen coast. Crowds are expected to line the Esplanade for the best views of the high-speed flypast, which will take place this afternoon.

Later this evening, chart-topping rock band Kaiser Chiefs will bring the curtain down on the quayside concert series with a sell-out show on the Peterson Seabase main stage. 

Their performance follows an electric Ministry of Sound Classical gig last night, where more than 7,000 fans danced into the night to orchestral versions of club classics like Sandstorm and Insomnia.

Shops, pubs, and restaurants across the city are reporting a surge in footfall, as businesses pull out all the stops to welcome the Tall Ships crowds. 

Organisers say the event could attract as many as 400,000 visits over its duration.

Mark Foster, 58, from Bridge of Don, was also an early visitor at the Tall Ships with his wife, Pamela. 

He said: “It is quite amazing. I was surprised by the size of them. The one on the other side of the port is absolutely huge. When I first saw it all I could say is ‘wow’. Some of these Tall Ships are beautiful.

“That atmosphere here is busy, but it’s not too crowded, so it’s actually calming. There is a plethora of food bars, shops and craft shops as well, and I daresay a lot of them are from the Aberdeen community, so that’s good to see as well.”

Even as people were getting their first look at the range, scale and sheer excitement of the Tall Ships this morning, Deacon Blue fans were still buzzing about last night’s gig. 

It saw the iconic Scottish band sing their extensive range of anthems from over the years to the delight of the thousands who filled the purpose-built open-air gig space at Peterson Seabase. And the crowd also gave the warmest of welcomes to local favourites, Little Kicks, as well as rising Scottish star Brooke Combe who played a blistering set.

Callum Fitzwater, 47, from Fife, said: “I came up just for this, I’m a massive Deacon Blue fun. The gig is amazing, it’s a great venue and a great set-up, just brilliant. Watching them performing Dignity, one of their top songs, in this venue was so good, I love it.

“The Quayside Concerts as an idea is just brilliant, areas like Aberdeen and Dundee need to do this more often. Edinburgh and Glasgow have had everything but Aberdeen can hold their own.”

Carran Legge, 52, from Aberdeen, said: “I just love Deacon Blue and the gig has been so good. When they sang Dignity it was just amazing in this venue, what an atmosphere. Aberdeen should definitely do more things like this.”

Deacon Blue kicked off the Quayside Concert series of gigs that have created a mini-summer music festival at the heart of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen. 

Next up will be Ministry of Sound Classical playing at the venue tonight (Saturday); Tide Lines and Calum Bowie playing special charity gig as a thank you to Aberdeen RNLI tomorrow (Sunday) then Kaiser Chiefs playing out the series –which sold out within days – on Monday evening. 

The enthusiasm for the Tall Ships Races was shared by Vanessa Mori, Deputy CEO and Commercial Director of Sail Training International which stages the world-famous Tall Ships Races and who is in Aberdeen for the event.

She said: “The whole team at Sail Training International is absolutely overwhelmed with the enthusiasm that Aberdeen has shown over the past two and a half years in the lead up to this event. To see the city come alive with 50 tall ships, international crews and local communities is just a delight.

“It’s a pleasure working with the team, in what is and will be an amazing event for the city over the next four days. We look forward to the next one.”

And Scottish Government Minister for Business and Employment, Richard Lochhead, also praised the vibrant event when he visited on the opening day.

He said: “The Tall Ships celebrate Scotland’s proud maritime history and long tradition of international exchange. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Aberdeen Line, which built more than 100 ships from the Walter Hood Shipyard, in the very place the Tall Ships are berthed today.

“It’s incredible to see Aberdeen hosting this spectacle which draws visitors from across the world. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring our country continues to be the perfect stage for events like this one, which connect communities and bring huge economic benefits.”

The partner organisations behind bringing the Tall Ships Races to the city – Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired all said they were thrilled by the feedback from both visitors and concert-goers. 

Councillor Martin Greig, chair of the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, said: “Throughout all the months of planning and preparation for the Tall Ships arriving in Aberdeen and the programme of events and entertainment around the event there was always the aim to make sure people had the best time possible.

“I am delighted that so many people are saying they are doing exactly that.”

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “To hear so many people being so enthusiastic about what they have found and what they are looking forward to is just sheer delight. 

“And with this just being the opening day, there is so much more for people to enjoy and to love about The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen.”

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, said: “It is clear just from these first reactions that the people of Aberdeen – and further afield – are embracing the spirit of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen and all the fun and excitement this event has brought to the city 

“I would urge as many people as possible to come along and join in this celebration – we are waiting to welcome you for an unforgettable experience,”

The fun does indeed continue from the bustling market of Curated On The Quayside showcasing the cream of north-east makers, creatives and businesses, to the family zone at Blaikie’s Key with its giant sandpit and Ferris wheel.

In the mix there are stages offering free music day and night, along with a plethora of pop up bars and food stalls.

Beyond the harbour area, there is a Discovery Zone with STEM activities for young and old at the Castlegate, a funfair on King Street, and a Military Village along with other stalls and activities at Union Terrace Gardens. 

Also, shops, pubs, restaurants and businesses across the city centre have also pushed the boat out, decked out in bunting and posters ready to welcome the 400,000 visits The Tall Ships Races is expected to generate over the four days.

Tomorrow (Sunday) will see the carnival atmosphere of the crew parade, with crews, bands and musicians from the Tall Ships, along with the Band of HM Royal Marines, taking to the city streets in a riot of colourful costumes and fancy dress.

Monday will have the Red Arrows performing amazing aerial acrobatics just off the coast with the Esplanade as an excellent grandstand for thousands of fans.

Tuesday will see the spectacular Parade of Sail as the Tall Ships leave port to muster at sea ready to start their race to Kristiansand in Norway.

For more information on the Tall Ships including the full programme of events visit www.tallshipsaberdeen.com.