Energetica Summer Festival offers summer of family friendly events

A summer festival celebrating the beauty and variety of the Energetica corridor has been expanded across the summer as it goes into its third year.

From guided walks and wildlife spotting, to a Farmers’ Market, brewery tour and film screening, there is a huge amount to choose from with the Energetica Summer Festival.

Running from May until August, the festival showcases the stunning coastal scenery and diverse wildlife of the corridor from the north of Aberdeen to Peterhead.

Residents and visitors are being offered the chance to take part in a huge range of mostly free fun activities, with lots available for families, outdoor enthusiasts and anybody looking to explore the north-east corridor.

A special Instagram account (Energetica_uk) has been set up for participants to share pictures they take during the events in the stunning coastal area of the Energetica corridor using the hashtag #energeticafest.

Formerly the Energetica Walking & Wildlife Festival, this year’s summer-long event offers an even bigger selection of activities and fantastic opportunities to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty and diversity that makes the Energetica corridor so special.

The family-friendly festival has plenty to do for young wildlife lovers, from Rockpooling at Gadle Braes to Marvellous Minibeasts at Pitmedden.

Adults can find out more about BrewDog, the independent brewery taking the world by storm, with a tour of their Ellon brewery, or take part in a 20-mile cycle from Peterhead to Aden. And a Farmers’ Market showcasing the best local produce has something for everyone.

Energetica is a 30-mile corridor stretching from the Bridge of Don in Aberdeen, north to Peterhead and west to the airport. The Energetica programme aims to affirm the corridor as Scotland’s energy corridor, thriving in a natural environment.

Energetica Development Manager, James Welsh, said: “Last year’s festival was very popular and we have built on that to make this year’s event even bigger and better and offer more activities which show just how much this area has to offer.

“The Energetica Summer Festival is a unique opportunity to discover the delights of the natural environment right on your doorstep. Under the guidance of our experts, people can discover how much there is to see, do and learn about this stunning area.”

Sarah Gosden, Buchan Ranger from Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service, said “The coastline from Aberdeen to Peterhead is rich in wildlife and offers some spectacular scenery. Some stretches are so special they have been recognised internationally as being important.”

“The Energetica Summer Festival is a great opportunity for all to get outside and enjoy it with a huge variety of events with something suitable for everyone. Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service are helping the Festival promote our coast to all those who live, work or visit here by leading guided walks, rockpooling and cycling events. We really are lucky to live, work and play here with such a variety of very special habitats and wildlife on our doorstep.”

Most events are free, but places are limited and booking is essential. For the full programme, and to book, please visit the website.

Follow Energetica’s Twitter feed to see information and pictures from the festival, on @Energetica_UK and #energeticafest