Luminate
Luminate is NESCol‘s annual festival of creative learning, celebrating creative talent across the College. Taking place in May and June, Luminate brings together end-of-year events, exhibitions and performances as part of one inspiring programme.
Luminate 2026 Festival Guide
What's on
May
1-31 May
HNC Contemporary Art Practice Exhibition
Contemporary Art Practice students present their ongoing artistic development in the group exhibition, Work in Progress.
Like seeds growing into plants, our creative skills and ideas are continually evolving. The students have each selected a piece from a project they have been working on in College, reflecting a moment in their journey as an artist and capturing their current state of growth.
Supported by Grampian Hospitals Art Trust (GHAT).
Location: Aberdeen Health Village, Frederick Street
Time: Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 5.30pm
Open to the public.
6-7 May
Passing Places
A whirlwind road trip through friendship, freedom, and the unexpected.
Stephen Greenhorn’s Passing Places is a fast-paced Scottish comedy that follows two unlikely pals on a wild journey north – full of strange encounters, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs.
Performed by HND Year 1 Acting and Performance students, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.
Location: Basement Studio Theatre, Aberdeen City Campus
Time: 7pm
Open to the public.
11-12 May
Hair & Beauty Exhibition
Join us at Aberdeen City Campus for our Hair & Beauty Exhibition – a two day celebration of creativity, style, and emerging talent. Experience the work of our learners brought to life through mood boards, photography, and live models, showcasing everything from contemporary techniques to bold, creative finishes.
As a Wella Centre of Excellence, we are proud to be joined by industry partners to celebrate all things hair and beauty and highlight the skills that shape this exciting sector. Whether you’re exploring a future in hair and beauty, supporting a prospective learner, or simply love the industry, this is a fantastic opportunity to see talent in action.
You’ll also be able to find out more about our full-time and part-time courses, meet our expert team, and speak directly with colleagues from our Modern Apprenticeships team about progression routes into the industry. Come along and be inspired by the next generation of hair and beauty professionals.
Location: Aberdeen City Campus
Time: 10am-4pm
Open to the public.
20-21 May
Animal Farm
When the animals in the farmyard rebel against their tyrannical farmer and take control of the farm, they hope to create a world where they can be equal, happier and free. But as power shifts and a new leader emerges, they soon face the age-old question: what does it really mean to be equal?
Exploring loss of identity, the seductive allure of privilege, and the corrupting nature of political power, George Orwell’s Animal Farm (adapted by Tatty Hennessy) is a classic story of rebellion and treachery, and a timely reminder of the importance of resistance.
Performed by HND Year 2 Acting and Performance students, explore how power can still corrupt even the meekest of creatures.
Location: Basement Studio Theatre, Aberdeen City Campus
Time: 7pm
Open to the public.
21 May
Hair & Beauty Skills Showcase
Join us for our Hair & Beauty Skills Showcase – an evening celebrating creativity, style, and talent. Discover the incredible skills of our learners as they showcase their work across hair and beauty, from contemporary styling to creative finishes.
Whether you’re considering a future in the industry, supporting a learner, or simply love all things hair and beauty, this is a fantastic opportunity to see talent in action.
This is also an opportunity to find out about our Modern Apprenticeship opportunities and meet our MA team!
Location: Atrium, Fraserburgh Campus
Time: 6pm
Open to the public.
25 May
Music & Sound Showcase
Our Music and Sound (SCQF Level 5) students proudly present their accomplishments from the past year through an inspiring mix of music showcasing their skills as performers and producers.
Location: B2 (Basement Floor), Aberdeen City Campus
Time: 2pm
Invitation only.
What's on
June
2-5 June
End of Year Art Exhibition
Work from all course levels, from introductory levels to HND.
Location: Atrium, Fraserburgh Campus
Times:
- Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 June: 9am-5pm
- Friday 5 June: 9am-4pm
Open to the public.
4 June
Acting & Performance Diploma Show
The final year HND Acting and Performance Year 2 students present their annual Dip Show, featuring a selection of scenes, monologues, and ensemble work developed throughout the year. This performance highlights the range, craft, and creativity the students have honed during their training, offering audiences a glimpse into the next generation of emerging talent.
Location: Basement Studio Theatre, Aberdeen City Campus
Time: 7pm
Open to the public.
5 June
Light the Blue Festival Music Showcase
Come and support our HND Year 1 Music students as they take to the stage at Aberdeen’s iconic Lemon as part of Light the Blue. Showcasing a vibrant mix of original material and reimagined favourites, this performance highlights the creativity, skill, and ambition of emerging young musicians.
Expect fresh sounds, bold ideas, and an evening that celebrates the diverse talent, growing confidence, and vibrant artistic voices developing across the north-east’s thriving music community.
Location: The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Time: 8pm
Open to the public.
11 June
Emergent (Devised Theatre Sharing)
Emergent is a vibrant collection of original, devised pieces shaped and curated by our HN Year 2 students, brought to life by the combined talents of both HN Year 1 and 2 actors.
This showcase celebrates collaboration, experimentation, and the creative voices developing within our cohorts. Audiences can expect bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and performances that reflect the energy and imagination of our emerging artists.
Location: Basement Studio Theatre, Aberdeen City Campus
Time: 7pm
Open to the public.
9-12 June
Creative Industries End of Year Show
Creative Industries at City Campus end of year show.
Location: Aberdeen City Campus
Private viewing:
- Tuesday 9 June: 7-8.45pm
Public opening times:
- Wednesday 10 June & Thursday 11 June: 10am-8pm
- Friday 12 June: 10am-2pm
13 June
Fashion Show
In collaboration with the Tailors Incorporation.
Location: Trinity Hall, Aberdeen
Invitation only.