Unofficial records of a parade date back to 1889, however, definitively well over 80 years old, "the Torcher" is something of an Aberdonian institution. A unique and frankly spectacular event, it undeniably has a special place in the hearts and minds of people all over the North East of Scotland.

Local children have been known to save their coppers for months prior to the Parade so they can donate their money when the foot collectors pass by (but be warned, the tradition of coin throwing at Torcher is rife in Aberdeen, so prepare to DUCK!). Annually, in the region of 40,000 spectators line the parade route every year to watch the 40-45 decorated floats, accompanied by pipe bands, drummers and hundreds of students in all manner of fancy dress. This colourful and cacophonous procession winds its way through Aberdeen City Centre, bringing the whole of the town centre to a standstill.

The torches from which the parade takes its name are lit during a halfway pause at Queen's Cross, and a contingent of approximately 50 torchbearers lead the parade home down Union Street.

The Torcher Parade means that Aberdeen can claim to be the only city in the UK to host a torchlit parade. The parade is the largest of its kind in Europe, and the second largest in the world.