Rising female artists, Riley, Becki Rutherford, and Megan Black surprised passers-by on Castle Street today with a busking set and free tickets to their upcoming Glasgow gigs as part of Glasgow Life’s Glasgow Music Nonstop busking tour.
The busking tour, which makes its second stop in Edinburgh, is bringing together musicians from across Scotland to get people excited about Glasgow’s jam-packed programme of music events this summer.
The three Glasgow artists kicked off the second day of the tour and gave away tickets to their upcoming gigs in Glasgow (all three artists are performing at King Tut’s Summer Nights Festival), in support of the city’s summer of music.
The tour is now gathering pace and makes its final stop in Dundee tomorrow (Friday 22 July).
Riley said: “Glasgow is one of my favourite cities to play in, so I was thrilled when I was asked us to join the Glasgow Music Nonstop busk tour in Edinburgh.
“I’m delighted to be headlining King Tut’s this Sunday and love that Glasgow Music Nonstop is supporting all the fantastic artists that are playing Glasgow this summer.”
Edinburgh resident, Michelle Finlayson was one of the lucky passers-by who managed to snap up a ticket to Becki’s gig. She said: “Being given these tickets totally cheered me up and Becki’s beautiful voice had us dancing along and joining in.
“I absolutely love the live music scene in Glasgow, there’s always a great atmosphere at gigs, so I’m really looking forward to seeing Becki perform there.”
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie said: “Glasgow enjoys a global reputation as a live music hotspot, with our venues regularly playing host to some of the world’s biggest artists. As the UK’s first, and Scotland’s only, UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow’s music scene has something for all fans, which is a major reason visitors choose to come here.
“The Glasgow Music Nonstop busking tour is our way of bringing a flavour of Glasgow’s summer of music to our fellow Scottish cities and celebrating the artists that make Glasgow’s music scene so vibrant. We’re delighted to support homegrown talent and hopefully get people excited about Glasgow’s upcoming events with some free tickets to enjoy our city’s summer of music.”
Developed by Glasgow Life’s Destination Marketing team, and with the support of VisitScotland’s Destination and Sector Marketing Fund, the ‘Glasgow: Music Nonstop’ busking tour is bringing a line-up that includes Riley, Megan Black, Becki Rutherford, Pages, BOOTlace and Silvi to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee to promote Glasgow’s lively music scene and give music fans across the country the chance to scoop free tickets to upcoming gigs.
Glasgow Life is a charity which delivers culture and sport across Glasgow.
Glasgow’s summer of music kicked off with a bang in June as some of the industry’s biggest names descended on the city’s venues. From Green Day at Bellahouston Park, to Liam Gallagher at Hampden, to the city’s 5th year of TRNSMT festival and King Tut’s Summer Nights, Glasgow is living up to its title of Scotland’s UNESCO City of Music.
With plenty of music events lined up this summer, Glasgow is playing host to Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand (27 July – 13 August), Merchant City Festival (28-31 July), Piping Live! (6-14 August), the World Pipe Band Championships (12-13 August), and a whole host of other live gigs that span a wide range of genres.
With an impressive range of accommodation, Glasgow is an ideal place to enjoy a music-themed short break and make the most of the city’s lively nightlife. Perfect for music lovers, the Ibis Styles Glasgow Central features showstopping music memorabilia and themed murals in contemporary surroundings.
Fans can follow in the footsteps of music icons Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones by booking a stay at Voco Grand Central Hotel.
For those attending gigs in the city centre, Radisson Blu is a top choice with its music-themed illustrations and photography, and for music fans visiting big names at the OVO Hydro, Radisson Red offers unparalleled views from across the street and plays host to DJs in its rooftop bar.
Police have released images of a man they wish to speak to as they believe he may be able to assist with an investigation into an assault in the city centre.
The incident took place around 8pm on Friday, 6 August, 2021, on South St Andrew Street. A 36-year-old man was assaulted and sustained a facial injury but did not require hospital treatment.
The man pictured is described as white, aged 25-30 and had facial hair.
Detective Constable Moran, of Gayfield CID, said: “The victim was subjected to an attack which left him with a facial injury. I would urge anyone with information relating to the man in the CCTV images to contact police as soon as possible.”
Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 3319 of 6 August, 2021, or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Edinburgh International Film Festival in partnership with Essential Edinburgh returns to St Andrew Square Gardens for an opening weekend of free outdoor screenings from Friday 12th August to Sunday 14th August.
Film Fest in the City in St Andrew Square Gardens returns as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival programme on the festival’s opening weekend from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August. The free and non-ticketed outdoor screening programme of new and classic cinematic favourites reflect the wider EIFF 2022 themes, including a celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen for Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh and supported by Innis & Gunn, EIFF’s Official Beer Partner, travel partner LNER and supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Stories 2022 and reflects EIFF’s return to August embracing other cultural festivals around it. EIFF is working closely with local travel partner Lothian Buses to encourage sustainable travel to Edinburgh’s city centre, plan your journey at lothianbuses.co.uk or download the Lothian buses app.
On Friday 12th August, EIFF tips its hat to the Edinburgh International Book Festival with a day of films that all started in the twinkle of an author’s eye.
The day will also feature a selection of short films with a Scottish connection, screened before feature films and presented in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 as Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
On Saturday 13th August, the celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen picks up pace as the Film Fest in the City programme fills the square with homegrown stories and some family fun, including a special live musical performance to accompany the 100 year anniversary screening of the 1922 classic Rob Roy, as well as Brave, set in the Highlands story of Princess Merida and The Illusionist set in Edinburgh plus more short films with a Scottish connection. And if all that homegrown fun wasn’t enough, stay on and enjoy the evening with the family favourite WALL-E followed by the recent blockbuster, Free Guy.
Sunday 14th August sees EIFF Youth Programmers from Edinburgh and Aberdeen take over the square with a selection of favourites including Twilight, Big, Shrek and Whip It to celebrate big screen favourites all directed their favourite female directors.
As a nod to EIFF’s closing night film, After Yang, the Film Fest in the City explores the idea of Artificial Intelligence on screen. For sci-fi purists out there there’s Stanley Kubrick classic, 2001 A Space Odyssey. If you like your A.I. all singing, all dancing, don’t miss everybody’s favourite Pixar robot Wall-E or maybe you just want to spend Saturday night with Ryan Reynolds (who doesn’t?!) then don’t miss Free Guy.
This special open-air series of screenings coincides with the main programme of full in-person cinema screenings as part of the 75th anniversary of the city’s International Film Festival, giving the Film Festival an East-to-West city centre presence and making cinema accessible to both film buffs and Edinburgh residents of all ages. Attending audiences can look out for lots of special surprises at each screening too.
These events are free. Film times and details of accompanying activities can be found by visiting www.edfilmfest.org.uk.
Audiences will enjoy the outdoor screenings with an amazing range of food and drink produce available to purchase on site, including EIFF Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn. Heritage gastropub The Voyage of Buck will be have a bar on site which will be focusing on Lind and Lime Gin cocktails including collins and spritzes featuring summer flavours with London essence tonics and sodas.
Bring your favourite cinema snacks and picnic blankets or sit yourself down on one of the famous St Andrew Square deck chairs to enjoy the following:
FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST
11.00 | Paddington(2014 / dir. Paul King)
Everyone’s favourite bear in his first big screen adventure as he travels from deepest darkest Peru to London to try and find himself a new home.
13.00 | Fantastic Mr Fox(2009 / dir. Wes Anderson)
Filmmaker Wes Anderson guides an A-list cast in this stop-motion take on Roald Dahl’s classic book.
14.45 | SHORT FILM: What Makes Soup, Soup?(dirs. Conor Reilly, Tommy Reilly, Malcolm Cumming)
…one of life’s greatest mysteries. From BBC Social team, a short film including a rising star, Glasgow-based Malcolm Cumming and composer Tommy Reilly, both known for their work on Anna & The Apocalype. In celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
15.00 | Christopher Robin(2018 / dir. Marc Forster)
Perth-born Hollywood actor Ewan McGregor stars as a now-grown-up Christopher Robin who is visited by Winnie the Pooh to help find his lost friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.
17.00 | SHORT FILM: Neville is Dead(dir. Louis Paxton)
Neville is Magnus’ best friend. Neville can’t die. This is going to be AMAZING. A short film from an Edinburgh filmmaker who recently directed the last ever episode of tv series Shetland. In celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
17.30 | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon(2000 / dir. Ang Lee)
Join us for high-flying spectacle in filmmaker Ang Lee’s martial arts masterpiece
19.40 | SHORT FILM: Flit(dir. Jack Allen)
A world-renowned, professional fly killer, named Carl, is on the cusp of finalising his latest and most powerful invention… an exciting new short film from an emerging Scottish filmmaker and animator.
In celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
20.00 | 2001: A Space Odyssey(1968 / dir. Stanley Kubrick)
One of the greatest cinematic experiences of all time. Stanley Kubrick’s journey into space is designed for the big screen.
SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST
11:00 | Brave (2012 / dirs. Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews)
Follow Princess Merida as she forges her own path in Disney and Pixar’s journey into the mythical Scottish kingdom of DunBroch. Celebrating Scotland’s Stories on Screen. Pre-screening family entertainment, including face-painting.
12.50 | SHORT FILM: Fear of Flying(dir. Conor Finnegan)
A small bird with a fear of flying tries to avoid heading South for the winter. A short animation which screened at EIFF in 2013. Celebrating Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
13:00 | The Illusionist(2010 / dir. Sylvain Chomet)
Based on the story by Jacques Tati, this beautifully animated tale tells of a French illusionist who travels to Scotland, where he meets a young woman where their exciting adventures together change both their lives forever. Celebrating Scotland’s Stories on Screen. Pre-screening family entertainment.
14.49 | SHORT FILM:Widdershins (dir. Simon Biggs)
A pampered gentleman’s seamlessly automated life is thrown into chaos when he pursues a free-spirited woman, against the advice of his robot butler. Scottish Film Talent Network-funded Scottish animation from the team at Once Were Farmers. Celebrating Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
15:30 | Rob Roy(1922 / dir. W. P. Kellino), in celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen
Join us for a special live musical performance to accompany this impressive 1922 classic film.
17.20 | SHORT FILM: Betty (Will Anderson)
A new short from the BAFTA Award-winning Scottish animator tells the story of an avian protagonist as he falls in love with Betty and then loses her through a series of bad decisions…
Celebrating Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
18:00 | Wall-E(2008 / dir. Andrew Stanton)
An all singing, all dancing modern classic from Pixar.
20.00 | SHORT FILM: Don Vs Lighting (dir. Big Red Button)
Unlucky Don keeps getting struck by lightning… a short film from Big Red Button (Johnny Burns and Pier van Tijn), starring award-winning Scottish actor Peter Mullan. Celebrating Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
20:15 | Free Guy (2021 / dir. Shawn Levy)
Affable bank clerk Ryan Reynolds discovers he is a computer game character in this recent action comedy.
SUNDAY, 14 AUGUST
11:00 | Shrek(2001 / dirs. Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson)
Join a whole host of fairy tale characters in this animated, tuneful and funny animated adventure.
13:00 | Big (1989 / dir. Penny Marshall)
Tom Hanks reconnects with his youth in this 80s family classic.
15:15 | Whip It(2009 / dir. Drew Barrymore)
Get your skates on and join Babe Ruthless and the roller-derby team in this funny and quirky drama.
17:30 | The Farewell (2021 / dir. Lulu Wang)
A funny and uplifting tale of a family reconnecting with their past
19:45 | Twilight (2008 / dir. Catherine Hardwicke)
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in this everlasting teenage vampire romance.
YOTEL Edinburgh has launched a limited-edition modern twist on a Tia Maria classic, with the Matchatini cocktail.
Combining the natural caffeine of Japanese green Matcha tea extract with Tia Maria’s indulgent creamy liqueur, YOTEL’s Matchatini is the perfect way to find some inner bliss in Edinburgh’s city centre.
YOTEL Edinburgh’s Matchatini cocktail is the perfect chance to carve out some ‘me-time’, blending Tia Maria Matcha Cream Liqueur with grape, vodka and Matcha sugar for a silky smooth finish. The cocktail launches alongside self-care packs celebrating YOTEL’s exclusive partnership with Australian-born beauty brand Urban Jungle, making YOTEL the first hotel brand in the world to stock the luxury, ethical hair and bodycare.
Guests can now add Urban Jungle’s ‘Do It On The Daily’ pamper bundles to their YOTEL Edinburgh room booking when they book a stay on yotel.com.
The bundle includes celebrated products such as the brand’s ‘Melt Me Softly Cleansing Balm’, which currently sells one tub every 12 minutes in Australia. Becoming one of the first places in the UK for fans to try out Urban Jungle’s innovative beauty products, guests at YOTEL Edinburgh can achieve that all important glow with Urban Jungle’s ‘Glow With The Flow Gel Serum’, delicately packaged up in a ‘Love Pouch Bubble Bag’.
Urban Jungle’s everyday essentials will gently wash the day away before locking in hydration, and now guests can sign off their ultimate self-care day in Edinburgh with a Matchatini, savour the iconic matcha tea flavour and refreshing floral notes and embrace a new mindful ritual.
Matchatinis are now available for £9 at YOTEL Edinburgh’s contemporary bar and restaurant Komyuniti for a limited time only. Guests can also add an Urban Jungle ‘Do It On The Daily’ bundle to their stay in Edinburgh for £44. For more information and to book: www.YOTEL.com/en/urban-jungle
Created using matcha tea extract to provide a natural source of caffeine, Tia Maria’s Matcha Cream Liqueur creates a refreshing sweetness, sure to delight fans of the iconic Japanese green tea.
Hailed for its energising and calming qualities, matcha has swept the nation in recent years and now with YOTEL Edinburgh’s latest Matchatini concoction, guests can feel good about their drink choices, toasting to taking a break and creating new rituals.
To create your own Matchatini at home, Tia Maria’s suggested recipe is:
Ingredients:
1 x grape
Matcha sugar
30ml of vodka
60ml of Tia Maria Matcha Cream Liqueur
Method:
Cut a grape in half and run the inside around the rim of a chilled glass
Dip glass in Matcha sugar
Combine 30ml of Vodka with 60ml of Tia Maria Matcha and give it a shake
Serve and enjoy
YOTEL Edinburgh’s new pamper packages and Matchatini cocktail celebrate the launch of Urban Jungle hair and bodycare in YOTELs around the world.
Urban Jungle’s ethically sourced products will be available in every YOTEL, YOTELAIR and YOTELPAD worldwide, meaning hotel guests can enjoy a new quality of hotel hair and bodycare, leaving bulky toiletries at home. Products including Urban Jungle’s Make Good Shampoo, Save the Day Conditioner, Magic Bullet Hand & Body Wash and Thirsty Work Hand & Body Creme will be available in every room, meaning YOTEL’s toiletries are cruelty-free, vegan and cute to boot!
Committing to a greener way of working, YOTEL crew can monitor in-room product levels and refill as necessary, removing the need for wasteful miniature plastic bottles. Urban Jungle bottles are also made with EcoPure, an additive that assists with the biological breakdown of plastic overtime.
YOTEL Edinburgh’s new wellness offering will encourage guests to slow down, taking time out of their busy days to enjoy a Matchatini in Komyuniti’s welcoming space, before dialling up their self care routine with Urban Jungle’s luxury packages.
Today, 28 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce a new space for Fringe Central at St James Quarter. Located in the heart of the city, the new Fringe Central hub will deliver a tailored programme of activity for artists, industry and media, led by the Fringe Society team during the festival.
Opening from Monday 01 August to Monday 29 August, from 10:00 to 18:00, Fringe Central will offer support on all aspects of participating in the Fringe, as well as practical services for those visiting the Fringe, such as access to computers, printing, and free Wi-Fi.
The Artist Support, Arts Industry, Artist Development and Media teams will be based within St James Quarter, each with a view to helping those coming to the Fringe navigate their visit, and to offer a space to anyone with questions or needing a break.
The much-anticipated Fringe Central Events Programme will also bring career-building opportunities, panel discussions and networking, as well as 1-2-1 mental health first aid appointments provided by Space to Breathe from 9th – 19th August.
Every event in the programme is free to registered Fringe participants, and the first batch of these is now available to browse and book on Fringe Connect (connect.edfringe.com), the Fringe Society’s online platform for artists and industry.
The programme will include highlights such as:
Pre-Fringe TikTok workshops (02 – 04 August)
Includes guidance on getting started on TikTok, content strategies and how to generate revenue through the app.
Tweet the Media (05 August)
2021’s popular digital event Tweet the Media returns this year on 5 August. All registered Fringe acts will be invited to use a hashtag to pitch their shows via tweets to accredited media, who will monitor the hashtag in the same way they’d watch show pitches in person.
Meet the Media (06 August)
The highly anticipated return of this annual event, alongside Tweet the Media, in which Fringe participants can pitch in-person to media representatives, meet Fringe Society staff, learn more about the services provided and connect with peers while queuing for their pitching slot.
Disabled Practitioners Get Together (15 August)
Hosted by Birds of Paradise, this event seeks to provide an accessible space where disabled people working in theatre and performance can meet, talk and connect with each other.
Practical approaches to truly diverse casting (22 August)
This panel discussion with Backstage and industry experts will provide practical approaches to enable participants to cast in a truly diverse and authentic way.
The Fringe Fair (22 August)
An opportunity to meet key organisations such as membership bodies, festivals, training providers and agencies, in the format of a career fair.
Fringe Swap Shop (27 – 29 August)
Three days at the end of the Fringe during which participants can swap unwanted props, useable furniture, costumes and anything else recyclable from their shows.
Commenting on this year’s Fringe Central programme, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “I’m delighted that Fringe Central will be at home on the ground floor of St James Quarter this year, a blossoming district for locals and visitors.
“Our Fringe Central team will support artists in maximising their time at the Fringe; and our range of workshops, events and wellbeing initiatives will ensure they receive the right support, at every step of their Fringe journey.
“In addition, our media team will offer support to reviewers, critics, print and broadcast media offering them a warm welcome to the Fringe in our 75th anniversary year. A home from home for anyone who wants to learn more about the phenomenon that is the Edinburgh Fringe.
“We’re excited to be working with the St James Quarter team, who are also supporting our expanded Street Events programme, and our new partnership with TikTok.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at the St James Quarter, said:“St James Quarter is a welcoming lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.
“We have a plethora of exciting events coming this summer and we’re delighted to be partnering with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to get the show on the road.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive at Essential Edinburgh, said:‘’We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Fringe Society and St James Quarter.
“The new Fringe Central venue will complement the significant Fringe presence throughout the New Town ensuring we have a thriving and vibrant area during August, welcoming residents and visitors to our wonderful city centre.”
On Saturday 16 July, after a two-year absence, the Grassmarket will yet again become home to the biggest party in the capital with multiple stages, non-stop entertainment and a host of bands.
This year’s packed programmes includes After Hours, Brass Gumbo, Hamish McGregor, Awkward Family Portraits, Dope Sick Fly, Cow Cow Boogie and Al Hughes.
This free event runs from 1 – 4pm and the Grassmarket Market will also be in operation on the day.
Depute Lord Provost Cllr Lezley Cameron and Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, joined veterans and city residents to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh on Saturday (JUNE 24th).
Hundreds lined the streets as the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade along George Street, with Legion Scotland standard bearers and veterans taking part.
Cllr Cameron addressed the crowd in St Andrew Square, before a concert featuring both bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Fiona Liddle, Jack Hinks and Maria Townley.
The event, formerly known as “Veterans Day” was a chance to show appreciation and support for the work of the Armed Forces community. The city’s events were organised by Legion Scotland in partnership with the city council.
Cllr Cameron, whose father and uncle were in the Armed Forces, said: “Today’s event brought back thoughts and fond memories of family members and loved ones who have served.
“It gives Edinburgh the opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution of those who serve and have served.
“Armed Forces Day acknowledges the personal sacrifices they make and have made to defend the UK and its interests. All of us owe an incredible debt of gratitude to these brave men and women who are the ultimate protectors of our peace and security and our way of life.”
Sir Jackie Stewart collected a special commission from Laings’ jewellery workshop ahead of the much-anticipated Sir Jackie Stewart Classic Festival of Motoring charity event.
The stunning 2ct carat white gold diamond and sapphire necklet helped raise funds for Race Against Dementia – the charity founded by Sir Jackie to fund research into prevention and treatment for dementia, a disease that affects 50 million people worldwide including his beloved wife, Helen.
Influenced by the rugged Scottish landscape, the showpiece features a dramatic thistle and stag inspired sapphire centrepiece, which has been carefully set alongside over 100 pavé diamonds.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Sir Jackie worked closely with Laings on the contemporary piece, which also includes a hand engraving to mark the momentous weekend-long event at Thirlestane Castle.
Exploring his remarkable career through an exhibition of impressive memorabilia, this commission also reflects Sir Jackie’s personal treasures, having formed a long-standing relationship with family jeweller Laings early in his career.
He even marked his retirement from F1 motor racing in 1974 by gifting Lady Helen Stewart a custom-made Laings choker, featuring three rows of pearls for his three World Champion titles, 27 rubies for his 27 Grand Prix wins and 99 diamonds for the 99 Grand Prix he entered.
Sarah Alexandar, lead designer at Laings who conceptualised the Festival of Motoring necklet, said: “I have always been aware that the relationship between Sir Jackie and Laings dates back decades – not least because the newspaper cutting from the 1974 commission still adorns the showroom wall today.
“That’s why it was important for us to create a truly exceptional piece for such a worthy cause. A piece that can be cherished for generations.”
Today, world-renowned Fleurs de Villes launched its FEMMES exhibition for the very first time in Scotland at St James Quarter.
For the next 10 days, a series of fresh floral mannequins celebrating remarkable women around the world including Mary Queen of Scots, Annie Lennox and Marilyn Monroe with be showcased throughout the Galleria at The Quarter.
Fleurs de Villes is also proud to be working with local floral talent who will create these tributes based on an inspirational photo or painting of each woman.
To celebrate the official launch of Fleurs de Villes, St James Quarter has three floral themed taxis that will provide free rides between 12pm and 6pm to those keen to explore the bespoke floral show between Friday 24 and Sunday 26 June .
This year’s celebration of street performance will feature new locations across the city centre, supported by a new Street Performer Charter, and partnership with TikTok
Today, 22 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch a revamped and expanded street events offering for 2022, in the festival’s 75th anniversary year.
In addition to the long-established performance areas on the Royal Mile and the Mound Precinct, this year’s street events will also take place at new locations in EastPrinces Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk, and Cathedral Square outside St James Quarter.
Visitors to the street events will be able to follow a route taking in each of the performance sites following a map within the official printed Fringe programme. The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the second year.
The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and Creative Scotland, and the launch follows last week’s announcement of the Fringe Society’s new partnership with TikTok, which supports the expanded street events programme.
With activation planned across these sites, TikTok will provide a ‘taster stage’ in both St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square, where artists from registered Fringe shows can perform short snippets of their shows, giving festivalgoers a free taste of their performance.
TikTok will live stream from these stages, enabling artists to be found by digital audiences from around the world. On the Royal Mile, two new screens will stream the TikTok content, and will also be available free to registered artists to promote their show digitally, via digital posters on the screens.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “We are excited to reveal our new and expanded plans for this year’s Street Events, one of the most visible aspects of the Fringe, enjoyed by audiences every year. The new route will allow audiences to meander through Edinburgh’s majestic Old Town and New Town, while enjoying artists in different locations.”
As part of today’s launch, the Fringe Society has also published the Street Performer Charter, a set of values shared by the Fringe Society and the street performing community, as represented by the Street Performers’ Council.
The Charter, which includes commitments from the Fringe Society and street performers, will facilitate fair, open decision making between the two groups. Among its various commitments, the Charter works towards increasing accessibility of street events, taking social responsibility for pay, sustainability goals, and improving health, safety and mental wellbeing among street performers.
Shona McCarthy continued: “I’m incredibly pleased to see the publication of the new Street Events Charter, developed in collaboration with the Fringe Society, and the street performer community.
“The Fringe and street events are within each other’s DNA and part of the cultural heritage of beautiful Edinburgh. This collective step establishes a great template to work more collaboratively at ensuring the Fringe is the best possible version of itself for the next 75 years, both for artists and residents.”
A spokesperson for thestreet performing communitysaid: “The street performer charter marks a new chapter in what we anticipate will be an artist-led street festival for the people of Edinburgh and its many visitors to enjoy.
“We are excited to be working with the Fringe and their partners, to keep alive the long history of street performance that is at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe, as we celebrate 75 years.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of the Fringe street events. It is an integral part of the festival, providing audiences with the chance to connect with performances and get a taste of the Fringe for free.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events, and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan and enjoy experiences like the street events that stir the emotions and elevate your mood.”
James Stafford, Head of Partnerships & Community at TikTok, said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique moment that brings together emerging artists in a celebration of creativity.
“Our partnership places TikTok’s global community at the heart of the iconic festival, and celebrates our joint belief that creativity is for everyone. TikTok is the home of entertainment and creativity and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to discover new artists, collaborate, and be inspired.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is a welcoming cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.
“It’s a privilege to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and we look forward to hosting some of the amazing street events on Cathedral Square.”
