Edinburgh’s cultural staple, Beltane Fire Festival will be returning to Calton Hill on Sunday 30th April 2023.
Beltane Fire Festival is a living, breathing re-interpretation and modernisation of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual and is the largest of its kind, bringing people from all over the world to join and revel in the birth of Summer and the fertility of the land since 1988. Join us for an immersive Celtic experience, more spectacular and expansive than ever before!
This year’s festival will tell the traditional tales of The Procession of the May Queen and The Death and Re-Birth of The Green Man from a unique and exciting perspective; revellers will be surrounded by fire-play, acrobatics, drummers, dancers, clowns, musicians, actors, puppeteers, artists, poets, crafters, curious and mysterious characters and even cats!
Edinburgh’s Beltane celebrations are the largest of their kind and have attracted crowds of around 10,000 people from all across the globe.
Festival Co-ordinator Tom Watton said: “It is an honour to facilitate all of the hard work and dedication of the Beltane volunteers; who over the last ten weeks, have been busy preparing for another spectacular one of a kind fire festival. Come and join us this year as raise the Beltane toast: to the earth our mother and the fire our host!”
“Join us at the end of the month, celebrate the turning of the wheel, and revel in the beginnings of Summer! “
Tickets for the Beltane Fire Festival are available from Citizen Tickets here.
Satellites is Collective’s development programme for emerging creative practitioners based in Scotland. In 2023, four creative practitioners at a pivotal point in their practice will be selected to participate in a peer development programme.
The programme includes discussions, workshops, events, retreats and public presentations of new work.
As part of our Collective Play programme, we are excited to invite emerging artists and practitioners with an interest in child-led approaches to play, nature and the outdoors to submit a proposal for our Lead Artist opportunity.
The Lead Artist will devise and deliver one year of Friday Play sessions, as well as one Play Weekend.
North Bridge will reopen to two-way traffic this month after the completion of essential work on its concrete deck, last replaced in the 1930s.
The bridge has been closed to northbound traffic since November 2021 to allow for specialist work, involving the demolition and replacement of a large section of the deck, waterproofing and resurfacing, as part of the major North Bridge Refurbishment Project.
Two-way running will return from 21 April, though the footpath on the west side of the bridge will remain closed for the time being.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said:“The reopening of North Bridge to two-way traffic will be great news to many and I’d like to thank all those who live in and travel through the area for their patience while this essential work was carried out. In particular, I would like to thank the local business community and bus passengers for their patience.
“So much of what happens in the North Bridge Refurbishment Project goes unseen, but it’s a huge, complex scheme involving intricate, specialist skills and significant repairs to decades-old infrastructure.
“The partial closure of the bridge to traffic has allowed the team to carry out crucial work to restore and reinforce the deck for future generations. I look forward to seeing the project unfold further as the bridge’s façade is revived to its former glory.
“North Bridge was constructed by Sir William Arrol after he completed both the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, and this work should ensure it maintains the same iconic status.”
Rory McFadden, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “The reopening of the North Bridge to traffic marks a momentous milestone, culminating months of hard work and tenacity from our dedicated team.
“I would like to thank the local community in Edinburgh for their co-operation and patience during these essential works, which once complete, will ensure that this iconic structure remains for generations to come.”
In November 2021, investigations revealed the poor condition of concrete within the central part of the deck. Over the last 15 months contractors have replaced the deck’s reinforced concrete and installed a waterproofing system to protect the concrete and stop surface water passing into the structural steelwork below.
Elsewhere on the bridge, complex restoration work continues, including structural steelwork repairs, which are largely complete. More recent phases have seen 80,000 new bolts installed and strengthening and repairs to almost 650 parts of the steelwork.
Contractors have also started grit blasting and painting the bridge’s iconic façade, an 18-month process which signals the start of finishing works for the bridge. As well as removing existing coatings and surface corrosion through grit blasting, specialists have begun the intricate task of repainting the Victorian façade for the first time since 1990, using a combination of spray paint and hand painting with brushes.
Some work is required to facilitate the return to two-way traffic, which will be undertaken overnight to minimise disruption. As a result, North Bridge will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 6am from 12 to 20 April.
Lothian Buses will reintroduce northbound services shortly after the reopening of North Bridge. For the most up to date travel information visit the Lothian Buses website.
Mercat Tours has announced a brand-new history tour Witches; Trial and Truth launching this Easter weekend, Saturday 8 April, and running every weekend. Members of the team gathered at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to visit the very place where the accused were once tried and executed.
Delving into injustices of the past and telling the truth about the witch craze which gripped Edinburgh, the adult-only tour aims to shed light on this dark period of paranoia and persecution. Promising to bring an immersive experience, the tour will transport visitors back to the past and separate facts from commonly held myths.
Starting at Mercat Cross visitors will learn when Scotland was ruled by an irrational king and his obsession with the dark arts. Mercat Tours’ five-star, award-winning Storytellers will walk visitors back two centuries as they follow the accused’s tragic last steps through the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town and its centuries-old closes to uncover the historic tales before finishing at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
As part of the tour launch, Mercat Tours have introduced a campaign highlighting that Edinburgh’s ‘witches’ were really ordinary, innocent, people ‘Just Like You’. It illustrates how the company celebrates diversity in their team and visitors by making a connection between the injustices and lack of diversity of the past vs now.
Putting its own team members at the centre of the campaign, which is important to Mercat as an inclusive employer, it shines a spotlight on individuals who would’ve been targeted for their differences in the past.
Drawing parallels between their team today and the real stories of those who suffered reveals they were #justlikeyou ie someone who can heal such as Janet Boyman, an independent business women like Agnes Finnie, and those who speak a foreign language, to reflect modern times and a more inclusive society that exists today.
Kat Brogan, managing director at Mercat Tours said: “Inclusion and belonging is at the heart of everything we do at Mercat, its what we are valued for by the team and our visitors. It was important to reflect this through our new tour as we identify real life stories today that in the past would’ve led to something very different and considered a crime.
“Mercat have been making connections between people and the past by giving history a damn good telling since 1985. We want visitors to make a thoughtful connection with injustices of the past and form their own thoughts about it.”
For more information and to book your tickets in advance visit:
St James Quarter’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival has officially launched today and will run until Sunday 2nd April.
Eager seafood lovers descended on the market this morning and were some of the first to enjoy the culinary seafood delights which will be available all weekend at the Quarter, with vendors including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke, SanCiro pizza and Lemon Squeezy.
There is also a pop-up from Isle of Harris Distillery and a Prosecco and Sangria Bar, as well as the chance to pick up Scottish fish and shellfish from Catch of the Day fishmongers.
As well as enjoying the freshest produce from top quality vendors, guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April.
For more information on this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival, please visit:
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was officially opened yesterday by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. The event marks a significant milestone for the hotel which opened its doors in June 2022 and has since been enjoying tremendous success.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the final phase of the launch will see the opening of the hotel’s 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites as well as all dining outlets including, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, which features a lively bar and a locally-inspired menu, Eve, an all-day dining space as well as Greyfriars Hall, a 19th century church that has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue and an exclusive rooftop terrace with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Since opening its doors, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after destinations for both locals and visitors alike.
The hotel’s prime location, combined with its exceptional service and unique design, has earned it numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Best New Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure and voted one of the “Best Hotels to Stay in Edinburgh for 2023” by Conde Nast Traveller.
Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson, said:“I am thrilled to mark the grand opening of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – the first Virgin Hotels property to launch in Europe – in this most wonderful city.
“This is an incredible hotel that truly embodies the spirit of both the Virgin brand and the quirks and traits of Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town – a place where people can come together to have fun, relax and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.”
To mark the occasion an exclusive musical performance from Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo piper, Louise Marshall, played a selection of traditional Scottish songs on the hotel’s roof terrace against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Virgin Hotels CEO, James Bermingham, said:“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
“From the beginning, we set out to create a hotel that would be unlike anything else in the city – a place where locals and guests could come and feel welcome and inspired, and where they could experience the best of Edinburgh.
“We’re thrilled to see the hotel officially open and thriving, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in the years to come.”
Dine every day at The Ivy with a delicious, new selection of tantalising set menus and dishes for all occasions
The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is here to make all your dreams come true this spring.
Whether guests wish to enjoy a delightful mid-week lunch, or a meal with family, friends and loved ones, whatever the occasion, dine every day at The Ivy with something for everyone.
All Day Dreamers, launching Tuesday, 21 March
Indulge in a luxurious lunchtime experience with the All Day Dreamers set menu, brimming with dishes that dreams are made of. Diners can choose two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £22.95, plus a Champagne Dream Cocktail (£9.95), featuring a tantalising blend of Scapegrace Black gin poured over cotton candy and topped with Ivy Champagne.
Starters include a warming Creamed Cauliflower Soup, a fresh Pan-fried Scottish smoked haddock or Emilia Romagna cured coppa ham.
For mains, guests can choose from a selection of seasonal dishes including Spicy Jackfruit and Toasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad served with Mexican chayote, seasame, coriander, white mooli and shredded Chinese leaf, or chargrilled, grass-fed Rump Steak, served with thick cut chips.
The new Dream Dessert features a crispy vanilla cloud with warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and hot yuzu caramel sauce, perfect for those guests with a sweet tooth.
Available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 6.30pm.
Little Dreamers, launching Tuesday 21, March
For those looking for a family treat, the Little Dreamers menu is perfect for younger guests to enjoy, with all main dishes priced at £9.95.
Children can choose from Linguine Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Grilled Chicken Escalope with sprouting broccoli, a delicious Hamburger and Chips, and much more.
For dessert, children can create their Dream Sundae (£6.95), with vanilla ice cream, and a range of toppings to choose from including strawberries, marshmallows, honeycomb, and chocolate flakes.
2-3pm: In conversation: Sebastián Díaz Morales and Luciano Piazza 3-4pm: Opportunity to watch Smashing Monuments and enjoy refreshments.
Exhibition dates 25 March – 11 June 2023
Join us for the opening ofSmashing Monumentsby Sebastián Díaz Morales, from 2–4pm on Saturday 25 March 2023.
Originally comissioned for documenta fifteen, Smashing Monuments explores the relationships we have with urban monuments. The film follows five members of the Indonesian art collective ruangrupa as they walk the streets of Jakarta, engaging in one-sided conversations with the monuments around them.
The afternoon will include an ‘in conversation’ event with Sebastián and fellow artist Luciano Piazza, who has created an accompanying essay for the exhibition.
Sebastián and Luciano will discuss how urban developments, along with the passage of time, impact our everyday relationships with the statues and monuments that populate our cities. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to watch the film and enjoy refreshments.
Capacity for the artist talk is limited, so please book your free ticket here if you wish to attend.
All welcome from 3.00pm to view the work.
Access information about our site can be found here.
Smashing Monuments produced with financial support of documenta fifteen, Mondriaan Fonds and The Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Scotland’s newest camping festival, Otherlands, adds Six by Nico to its line-up for 2023
Partnership marks new direction for Six by Nico with first-ever ‘al-fresco’ experience
Otherlands Music & Arts Festival has announced that it’s adding flavour to its line-up this summer by teaming up with leading restaurant brand Six by Nico. Festival goers can look forward to a one-of-a-kind woodland sensory dining experience, bringing a bespoke gastronomic story to life.
The festival lands at Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland, this summer (11th-13th August 2023) for its second edition, bringing some of the most influential global and home-grown musical talent to its stages.
With 11 locations across the UK, including Edinburgh – the restaurant – will be dishing up its classic six-course menu across August 12th and 13th. Six by Nico will reveal the brand-new menu, exclusive to Otherlands in coming months. It will also be the group’s first-ever al-fresco dining experience.
Otherlands Arts and Music Festival was founded by Tom Ketley, owner of FLY – an event promotion company which has been hosting music events across Scotland now for over a decade. The festival boasts everything from live and electronic music, to punk, rock and rap.
Acts already announced for 2023 include the likes of Hudson Mohawke, Skin On Skin, Nia Archives & Overmono. Headline acts in 2022 included DJs BICEP, Jamie XX and Honey Dijon, while there were daytime live performances from singers Joesef, Maverick Sabre and Biig Piig.
As well as a carefully curated line-up of forward-thinking artists spanning multiple stages, the festival will also boast immersive art installations from leading Scottishartists, and will even host comedy direct from Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, DJ Workshops, and inspiring industry talks and panel discussions with industry leaders.
Sam Joss, Otherlands Festival Director said: “We’re so excited about this partnership!
“With food at festivals being more important than ever, this collaboration really aligns with our ethos and pairs well with boutique camping, a stunning location and of course, a globally recognised musical line-up.
“We can’t wait to see how our guests react to the creativity of the Six by Nico menu and enjoy this multi-sensory dining experience in the unbeatable setting that is Scone Palace”.
Andy Temple, Chef and Chief Creative Officer at Six by Nico, said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Otherlands on this unique event.
“It’s something completely new for us, and I believe it represents a new creative turning point for our company. A multi-sensory dining idea pushes us outside of our comfort zone and is an exciting move in a new direction for Six by Nico, as part of our mission to innovate and challenge ourselves in designing a new menu every six weeks.
“Otherlands takes a multifaceted approach to their festival, celebrating music, wellness, and arts, and Six by Nico is excited to add to that with our new on-site dining experience. The festival itself brings people together to celebrate, and our team is delighted to be a part of it”.
Early-bird Festival tickets are now sold out, but limited first release tickets are still available – ranging from £180-£189 for camping and non-camping options with Day Tickets becoming available at the end of March. Six by Nico ticket add-ons will go on sale following the launch of the menu in May.
As part of the collaboration, a competition will also be launching soon, where three lucky winners will bag two weekend camping tickets, a pair of tickets to the multi-sensory dining experience and a table for two people at Six by Nico. Another six runners-up prizes of £20 Six by Nico vouchers will be up for grabs.
Whether you’re looking to plan the ultimate day out or find the perfect gift, St James Quarter has everything you need to keep the whole family entertained.
From pet mums to step mums, everyone deserves to be spoiled this year and shoppers can enjoy retailer offers from a selection of some of the Quarter’s top brands including H Beauty which will be offering customers a choice of five deluxe samples as part of a female founded brand beauty box when they spend over £75.
Those looking to add a personal touch can get their gifts engraved by talented calligrapher Laila Lettering in John Lewis from 1-4pm on 18th March. Just spend £50 or more in store to take advantage of this unique and complimentary service.
Rituals and Neom will be providing the zen factor with complimentary hand and arm massage treatments so you can treat the mother figure in your life to some pamper time.
Rituals will be welcoming walk-ins across Mother’s Day weekend and Neom will be taking bookings between Monday 13th March – Sunday 19th March for massage for two, accompanied by a ‘mumosa’ and Hotel Chocolat treats. Anyone who books with Neom will also receive a 15% discount so they can treat themselves or choose the perfect gift.
If you want to indulge in a little luxury, Coach and Kate Spade will be giving shoppers £100 off when they spend over £400 between 9th – 19th March.
Those looking to make a day of it can continue the celebrations with a bite to eat at one of the Quarter’s many impressive dining destinations including Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay which will be offering a free strawberry spritz cocktail for all mums on the day. Duck & Waffle will also be offering complimentary fizz on arrival as well as a little chocolate dessert, the perfect sweet treat to round off a great day out with mum.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show the mother figure in your life some appreciation, and St James Quarter is on hand to help you celebrate in style to make this year extra special.
“From our selection of world class retailers to our impressive dining and leisure destinations, there’s something for everyone at the Quarter and we look forward to welcoming you to celebrate this special day with us.”
Mother’s Day retailer discounts and activities will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 19th March.
Keep up to date with the full range of promotions on offer by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/ and stay up to date with the latest via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page.
