The £2 million refurbishment of City Square was put to the test in spectacular fashion on Saturday when it hosted the Lord Provost’s Youth Festival.
The celebration of Dundee’s young people and their talents and achievements saw 450 participants show off their skills in dancing, music and martial arts throughout a fun-packed day.
It was also a chance for Lord Provost Bob Duncan to perform the official reopening of City Square.
Tayside Contracts has spent months laying new paving, updating the drainage and electrical supply, installing wall-mounted lights, planters and seating, and replacing the Caird Hall steps, including improving disabled access.
The Youth Festival also took over the High Street and Reform Street where a sprinting contest was held and for the first time included the McManus, where visitors were encouraged to produce their own art at drop-in workshops.
There was a vast array of information stalls run by community organisations as well as climbing walls, a fire engine and the cockpit from a Harrier jump jet for visitors to enjoy.
Gallery: Dundee Lord Provost’s Youth Festival
Representing Dundee’s twin towns were a string quartet from Wrzburg, Germany, a music group from Alexandria, US, and a dance troupe from Zadar, Croatia.
The day ended with an open-air ceilidh to music from the Cutting Edge Ceilidh Band. Mr Duncan said it had been an “absolutely fantastic day” and the festival had been enjoyed by a large crowd.
“It was really good fun and there were lots of people in the town. The City Square looked marvellous and there were many people enjoying the new benches and looking on at the performances.”
He added that the Youth Festival was important for the showcase it provided for the city’s young people and, thanks to the visitors from other countries, also gave participants a chance to experience other cultures.