A collective of Aberdeen bars, eateries, DJs and retailers have teamed up to bring Aberdeen’s inaugural Virtual May Day to those missing their spring day out this year.
Many would have had the Monday booked off work, summer inspired outfit organised and a bar hopping route pinned for the ultimate May Day, however recent developments have a blocker on those plans. But thanks to Paul Clarkson (operations director at PB Devco) along with the help of over 15 local bars and businesses, preparations are underway to help those eager to celebrate on Sunday 3 May maintain some normality with mixology masterclasses, food offers and live music streaming throughout the day.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your May Day celebration plans strong:
When and where?
Virtual May Day will start at 12pm and end at 11:59am on Sunday May 3. The beauty of this is that you can enjoy all from the comfort of your home. So get set up in your living room, bedroom, kitchen (whatever floats your boat) and tune in on Youtube.
Travel from bar to bar (virtually of course) with live DJ sets throughout the day starting at Revolucion de Cuba at 1.45pm then moving to Siberia, Paramount, Soul and ending at Revolution. Check out the full schedule and details here.
If the weather plays ball, I’ll be opening up my bay window and letting the sun stream into my living room. I’ll simply close my eyes and imagine sitting in a bustling beer garden.
Gather the troops
A May Day spent indoors might sound a bit dull but if anything has been more evident over the past few months is that technology has made isolation a lot easier. So fire up the zoom video call, get your friends, family or work colleagues together and catch up over some drinks against a backdrop of live music.
Even if no one else is up for it, there’s nothing stopping you having a chilled day to yourself catching up on life admin with a good measure of food, drinks and music added to the mix – a dream combo if you ask me (minus the life admin part *boaks*).
Get the food game on point
If you’re planning a day of drinking, you can line the stomach with some takeaway options that have a special Virtual May Day offer attached.
Bring Mexican street food to your home with Muchacho which is offering four taco boxes (filled with pre-cooked essential taco supplies) for £20 or get carbed up with the Melt offer of toasties, soups, brownies and milkshakes for two people all for £20. If those aren’t floating your boat, take a read of my blog rounding up my top picks for home delivery in Aberdeen.
Or maybe you’d prefer to make your own food for the day. If so, join Craig from Sneap on Sunday 3 May from 12pm to 1pm on Instagram who’ll provide some recipes and food inspiration to go perfectly with cocktails that Milo from The Craftsman will also show you how to make.
Did someone say drinks?
For me, part of the enjoyment of May Day is ramping up the summer feels by making my way through lengthy cocktail lists. Bring the sound of clattering shakers to your home by following pre May Day mixology tutorials to keep the cocktail stock flowing all the way through the day.
Sunday 26 April at 3pm: Join Buddy from Revolution on Instagram who will show you how to make some of the brand’s flagship cocktails. I’m keeping everything crossed for the Rumball to make an appearance.
Monday 27 April at 6pm: Below with the depths of Union Street, 21 Crimes is the perfect stop for cocktails that reflect the prohibition of the 1920s and you’ll be shown how to make three classics with a twist.
Tuesday 28 April at 8pm: Vodka fans will be pleased to hear that Siberia will be hosting tutorials on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok giving a step by step guide to infusing your own spirit with your favourite flavours. Sherbet lemon vodka shots anyone?
Here’s a Spring Garden cocktail recipe brought to you by the bars involved in Virtual May Day
Remember to support local
It’s fantastic to see local businesses rallying together to pull this all off and if there’s one thing to remember, it’s not only an opportunity to join an online community and get merry but to give back and celebrate.
From the NHS staff keeping us afloat to charities like Mental Health Aberdeen looking after us, show your appreciation by donating on the Virtual May Day website where all money raised will go to Mental Health Aberdeen and the NHS Endownment Fund.
A few words from the organiser
I just wanted to do something that brought similar minded businesses together to create something fun for the public… I’m most excited to see the Aberdeen community come together on the day to really enjoy themselves, engage with the event through social media and also raise a good figure for the local charities.
Paul Clarkson, PB Devco.
Find out what else is in store for Aberdeen’s inaugural Virtual May Day by visiting the event website for the full line-up, schedule, discount offers and beauty tutorials.
Stay safe and have a great May Day when it comes folks!
The Food Hoover 