THE biggest electronic music festival in the North East of Scotland is to return next month.

Held over two days against the backdrop of Aberdeen beach, Cultivate is a vibrant platform for emerging local artists and the electronic music scene in the area.

This fifth edition of the festival will bring together more than 50 international artists and local DJs in a custom-built venue offering multiple floors and capacity for more than 2500 people.

This year will once again bring some of the biggest names in electronic music to Aberdeen, with the lineup featuring the likes of 9x9, Charlie Sparks, Tibasko and Mixtress, as well as an array of Scottish talent including TAAHLIAH, Franck, testpress and local breakout star Hannah Laing. This follows on from last year’s notable line up which featured Patrick Topping as well as chart-toppers LF System and hit-maker Eliza Rose.

Co-director Scott Forrest said: “We’re celebrating the fifth edition of Cultivate and we’re proud the festival has become the cornerstone of the North East’s electronic music scene, bringing together more than 50 international and local DJs for an unforgettable weekend of music and great times.

“We continually strive to bring the biggest and best names to Aberdeen and this May is no different with 9x9, Charlie Sparks, Schak, TAAHLIAH, Matt Guy and one of our own, Hannah Laing, who’s become one of the biggest acts in the UK, and many more.

“It also been our goal from the start to provide a platform for our emerging local artists and community, ‘cultivating’ our home grown talent and scene while delivering an immersive, diverse, musical experience for our audience.”

Forrest said the festival not only benefited the music community but also provided a boost to tourism in the city, drawing people in to explore the music scene in Aberdeen, dine in local restaurants, stay in hotels and hit local bars.

“It’s an honour to witness the impact this festival has on our city, and we can’t wait to see how far we can take Cultivate in years to come,” said Forrest.

This year there are five stages across two floors, indoors and outdoors, with the return of The Main Stage, Rare Terrace, VIP Area and the Pano Stage, and a new outdoor Tuk Tuk area.

Cultivate Festival will return with its summer edition on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13.