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Spectra light festival illuminates Aberdeen's reopened Union Terrace Gardens

BBC Spectra in Union Terrace GardensBBC
Newly-reopened Union Terrace Gardens is a main focus of the event

Aberdeen's festival of light, Spectra, is under way - with the historic Union Terrace Gardens (UTG) a main venue after recently reopening.

Spectra, which began in 2016, features installations of light and sound scattered around the city.

UTG - which originally opened in 1879 - has been undergoing a major £28m redevelopment since 2019.

It reopened to the public in December. The turfing of the central lawn could take place after Spectra is finished.

Installations are also featuring at Marischal College and Aberdeen Art Gallery.

BBC Spectra in Union Terrace GardensBBC
Night owl: His Majesty's Theatre is also being lit up, to turn some heads
BBC Tunnel in lightsBBC
Tunnel vision: This installation is outside Marischal College
BBC Spectra in Union Terrace GardensBBC
Eye-catching displays have been installed
BBC Spectra in Union Terrace GardensBBC
The heart of the city has been illuminated
BBC Spectra in Union Terrace GardensBBC
The event is on until Sunday

The light festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Creative producer Alison Brodie said some of the works were world premieres, and described it as a "fantastic" event.

"It's bringing light to the darkness," she said.

The four-day event will run across the city between Thursday evening and Sunday.

It is from 18:30 to 22:00 each night and is free to attend.

All images - taken by BBC Scotland - are subject to copyright.