Ceasefire NOW! Rally in city centre

WAVERLEY BRIDGE at 12 NOON

📢📢📢TODAY! Please note Edinburgh will meet at the earlier time of 12pm at Waverley Bridge. Please double check your nearest demonstrations time AND location.

Ceasefire now. Stop the genocide!

As with previous weeks, there haven’t been applications to march – though people may want to on the day.

The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego to make its mark at the National Galleries of Scotland this winter

The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego 

National Galleries Scotland: National (Royal Scottish Academy)  

2 December 2023 – 25 February 2024 

The Printmaker’s Art | Rembrandt to Rego | National Galleries of Scotland 

Woodblock print Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji; Thunderstorm Below the Summit Katsushika Hokusai Japan ca.1831 Colour print from woodblocks

This winter, discover five hundred years of boundary-pushing artwork in The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego at the National (Royal Scottish Academy) in Edinburgh.

Visitors can explore four galleries packed with around 100 artworks by some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Rembrandt, Hokusai, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley and Paula Rego. The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego opens on 2 December 2023 till 25 February 2024, with tickets on sale now from the National Galleries of Scotland. 

Bringing together the very best examples of fine art printmaking from Scotland’s national collection; The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego includes early woodcuts, such as Albrecht Dürer’s incredible Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, through to bold, punchy pop-art idols such as Roy Lichtenstein’s Reverie and Andy Warhol’s The Cow. The exhibition also looks to the future, with a range of new artworks acquired through the Iain Paul Fund on display together for the first time.

These acquisitions include work from contemporary printmakers such as Tessa Lynch, Lucy Skaer, Lucy McKenzie and Christian Noelle Charles. Visitors will also have a unique opportunity to see art on loan from public and private collections, including exceptional prints by Katsushika Hokusai, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Yinka Shonibare and Cornelia Parker, which will grace the walls of the National (Royal Scottish Academy) especially for this exhibition. 

The Printmakers Art: Rembrandt to Rego takes a striking visual journey through a fascinating spectrum of printmaking techniques.

From historic trailblazers to contemporary movements, old traditions to new visions, revered artists to the creatively curious, printmaking achieves an array of distinct visual effects which would not be possible in other mediums.

It is also one of the most widely accessible forms of artistic expression; starting with a basic handprint on a page, printmaking has the power to evolve into something daring, bold, provocative and new. 

At the heart of The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego is a celebration of the skills and processes which form an integral part of this traditional yet ever evolving and much-loved artform.

See films of printmakers at work and get up close to discover how you can spot an etching from a lithograph, or woodcut from wood engraving. The fundamental processes developed in the 15th century printing press are ever-present in the bustling print workshops of today.

Artworks on show will demonstrate how this has evolved, including the ingenious ways contemporary artists are developing new and sustainable processes, alongside utilising digital technologies, to secure the future of printmaking for generations to come.  

Scotland’s printmaking story is key to the exhibition, not only through the artworks on display, but through a series of films from print studios across the country at the forefront of contemporary printmaking. There is also a unique opportunity for visitors to see the tools and working materials used to make prints featured in the exhibition, on loan from the artists themselves. 

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland said: “Printmaking is an enduring art form that continues to capture the imagination and ignite a spark of inspiration.

“The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego at the National (Royal Scottish Academy) offers an exciting opportunity to see some of the most popular works from Scotland’s national collection alongside several important loans.

“The exhibition gives visitors a chance to come face to face with many revered artists from the last five hundred years, all while discovering more about this beloved practice.

“This is also a chance to put our homegrown printmakers in the spotlight, proudly displaying work by contemporary artists who are consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity in Scotland and beyond.” 

The Printmaker’s Art: Rembrandt to Rego opens at the National on Saturday 2 December 2023.  

Tickets are on sale now

Ticket sales up for this year’s Storytelling Festival

Multiple sell-outs and thunderous applause were enjoyed by the organisers and performers at this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival (13-29 Oct).

The festival’s two week programme of live storytelling, music, art and song enjoyed a 20% increase in ticket sales from its events at the Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, online and in pubs, gardens and other venues across the city. 

Including the Festival’s Go Local programme, which runs until the end of November bringing storytelling events to village halls and parks all across Scotland, from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway, the festival’s 2023 programme included over 125 events, with 64 taking place in Edinburgh compared to 75 during Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

This year’s festival theme was our ‘Right To Be Human’ chosen to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Storytellers both local and international embraced this theme and presented tales of war, gender inequality, censorship; ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious prejudices; and other threats and challenges that impact us daily as we live in the midst of so many humanitarian crises across the world.

Donald Smith, Director, Scottish International Storytelling Festival said: “Right To Be Human, the theme of this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival has evoked powerful and eloquent creative responses, and drawn capacity audiences.

“Inspired by the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Festival theme gained tragic resonance as Middle Eastern conflict – added to war in Ukraine, the Yemen and Sudan – produced appalling, large-scale breaches of fundamental rights. 

“At the same time the Festival drew strength from growing worldwide advocacy which is advancing human values and experiences through legal, social and cultural frameworks. We were also encouraged by the Scottish Government’s plans to incorporate more recent international conventions on environmental, cultural, children’s and other rights into domestic law in recognition of the 75th Anniversary.

 “In a myriad of storytelling performances, eloquently married with music and dance, themed workshops, and podcasts, the Festival programme embraces the highs and lows of humanity’s existential planetary struggles, while keeping the frailty and humour of human life in close focus.

“Artistic inspiration remains vital to confronting the horrors of abuse while invigorating hope and its constructive outcomes.”

Steve Byrne, Director of TRACS, the festival’s parent organisation, said: “The festival is a flagship event for TRACS and we are delighted to see its success in connecting with new audiences this year on such a profound theme of our collective human rights, so often under great challenge in many parts of the world.

“The Festival is a superb advert for the humanity and empathy of our storytellers and traditional artists, upholding TRACS’ mission of celebrating the diversity of local cultural traditions from around the globe.”

For those who couldn’t attend in person, Global Lab – a daily programme of online lively workshops discussing this year’s festival theme ‘Right To Be Human’ led by nationally and internationally renowned guest speakers was available.

Chaired by Festival Director Donald Smith, Global Lab talked about our human rights, our cultural rights, our place in nature, and the empowerment of children, exploring how it is often better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness in the world.

Dates for 2024 are to be announced.

Another Story, the festival’s newpodcast series hosted by Daniel Abercrombie, Associate Director, Scottish International Storytelling Festival, is still available online – listen on spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/another-story

www.sisf.org.uk

Flight Club to give away £500 Bar Tab

Flight Club, the award winning bar and Social Darts venue, is opening its doors at its new Edinburgh location on 17th November. To celebrate, the Flight Club team will be giving away hundreds of prizes, as they join the buzzing Edinburgh scene and add to the ever-growing Flight Club family.

On the 14th and 15th November, the Flight Club team can be found at St James Quarter offering passers-by the chance to win over 350 incredible prizes, including an epic £500 bar tab.

Flight Club will be taking to the bustling St James Quarter in the heart of Edinburgh, from 11am-3pm, equipped with a Spin the Wheel game and hundreds of exciting prizes including a £500 bar tab, brunch tickets for 4 people, tickets to the official launch party, oche hire vouchers and pizza and prosecco. 

Flight Club, renowned for revolutionising the game of darts for the 21st Century, is an award-winning bar and competitive socialising concept. The launch of Flight Club Edinburgh marks the 15th UK opening for Flight Club and the second in Scotland.

The new location promises to deliver a social experience like no other, brimming over with unexpected, ridiculous, joy. Flight Club combines the nostalgia and warmth of a pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor.

To book your spot, visit HEREReservations are now open.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay announce free New Year’s Day programme

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced an incredible programme of free events to start 2024, as First Footin’ and Sprogmanay return on New Year’s Day, inviting audiences to enjoy a free programme of music and live events in venues and city centre attractions throughout the capital’s Old and New Towns. 

First Footin’ invites audiences to explore the historic city, discovering an eclectic range of live music in outstanding venues, embracing Hogmanay traditions of friendship, love, and resolution, not forgetting some delicious food and drink along the way.  

Featuring some of Scotland’s most beloved artists alongside exciting newcomers and some very special guests, music-lovers can enjoy an afternoon of performance and guest collaborations from award-winning artists including LauFergus McCreadieKathryn Joseph, Hot Chip (DJ set), Bemz, Cloth, Sean Shibe and much more, to welcome in 2024 on New Year’s Day.  

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, created and produced by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, has collaborated with award-winning musician and composer Aidan O’Rourke to curate the First Footin’ programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.

On the afternoon of 1 January, locals and tourists alike can enjoy live music at the First Footin’ culture trail, with performances ranging from folk to rap, indie to classical, and much more.   

Aidan O’Rourke, Lau who guest curated the First Footin’ programme said: “The first day of the new year. Normal rules don’t apply. Emotions are big and wobbly. Hopes are high. The light seems different. Resolutions are … pending.

“We might feel refreshed but also (possibly) heftily hungover. A special sensitivity! A perfect day for listening, resetting, turning off the phones and sitting still for a moment or several. It’s been a joy to curate these free concerts: incredible musicians playing in up-close, low-key and immersive settings.” 

First Footin’ highlights include:  

  • An exclusive collaboration between pioneering folk trio Lau, who will be joined by special guest and cult singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph for a New Year’s Day party like no other at St Giles’ Cathedral, greeting their first-footers with songs and a warm welcome 
  • Aspecial day time club event at Virgin Hotel with very special guests Hot Chip (DJ Set) and guest DJs 
  • An afternoon of award-winning jazz from Fergus McCreadie Trio and special guests Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer at Greyfriars Kirk 
  • Edinburgh bornguitarist and recipient of the 2022 Leonard Bernstein Award Sean Shibe and special guest violinist Mira Benjamin at the Fruitmarket Gallery 
  • Live music score performed by the Graeme Stephen Trio to classic silent movies, at the new St Andrew Square Spiegeltent 
  • An afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Mull’s Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band at the Assembly Rooms Ballroom 
  • Plus an evening of revelry at the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer taking place in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs and bars 
  • In a special collaboration with The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award and partners Stirling Council, First Footin’ will this year welcome a selection of 2023’s Shortlisted artists to the live music trail, with nominees Becky SikasaBemzCloth, and this year’s Sound of Young Scotland winner No Windows performing at the Assembly Rooms Music Hall. Named amongst the 10 most outstanding Scottish Albums of the Year, this showcase of SAY Award alumni presents the very best in contemporary Scottish music. 

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I’m delighted to see the announcement of this year’s First Footin’ and Sprogmanay. Residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the start of 2024 with an eclectic, exciting and free programme of events.

“From experimental folk music, to award-winning rap, all the way to arts, crafts and family activities there is truly something for everyone of all ages.  

I’d like to thank the organisers for their efforts, and I can’t wait to experience what this year has in store for our city.” 

A spokesperson from UniqueAssembly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce our free New Year’s Day activity thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.

“With family events at the National Museum of Scotland and Assembly Roxy, and an eclectic music trail across the city, there’s hopefully something for everyone to enjoy. 

This is the second year of our First Footin’ Culture Trail – an opportunity for music fans to see some of Scotland’s best local talent alongside international acts right on their doorstep. The Festivals Expo Fund has enabled us to continue this new tradition, showcasing the amazing artists performing in Scotland year round and the incredible live music venues that support them.” 

First Footin’ takes place at venues throughout the city from 2pm – 8pm on New Year’s Day. A full line-up of artists and venues along with First Footin’ trail map will be released in early December, for participants to plan their fun-packed New Year’s Day. 

Celebrations for families and young revellers run throughout New Year’s Day with the return of the hugely popular Sprogmanay in collaboration with the National Museum of Scotland. Enjoy lively performances and activities for all the family with a vibrant free programme including; music performances from Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock, arts and crafts, and the ‘Resolution Tree’, where children are invited to write their hopes and ambitions for 2024 on a star – sure to be a special moment for families on the first day of the New Year.  

Dance the day away at the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh hosted by the incredible Fruin Ceilidh Band at Assembly Roxy. The fun, relaxed environment is the perfect chance to embrace tradition and introduce the kids to a classic ceilidh for the first time with an expert caller on hand to ensure everyone of all ability can join in. Running all afternoon, families are invited to stay for the afternoon or drop in and out of sessions to catch their breath! 

Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail round off four days of world-class celebrations in Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.  

Celebrations begin on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession and Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, plus the Night Afore Disco Party and Night Afore Hoolie on 30 December.

On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels with its all-night ceilidh, makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 50,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests Hot Chip (DJ set). 

Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Autumn Exhibitions launch

Autumn Exhibitions Launch 🍂

Join us this Thursday 9 November for the launch of: asweetsea by Liza Sylvestre and John by Thomas Abercromby.

asweetsea explores what it means to communicate. As an artist who is deaf, and whose child and partner are both hearing, Liza Sylvestre seeks to locate where her disability lives within their family structure.

Sylvestre has collaborated with her 6 year-old child to reimagine her fond memories of the 1985 TV show ‘Sweet Sea’. The works shown at Collective as part of asweetsea were originally commissioned for Liza Sylvestre | asweetsea, John Hansard Gallery (2022). 

John explores the intricate ties between family, grief and the multifaceted layers of social class.

The exhibition is centred around a film installation that juxtaposes childhood paintings made by Abercromby’s late father with opulent gallery interiors, painterly images of urban landscapes, and behind-the-scenes moments of the film’s all-working-class cast and crew.

Refreshments will be served from our Play Shelter outdoors, so please dress for the weather. 

Access information about our site can be found here.

Santa and over 80 market stallholders are raring to go for Edinburgh’s Christmas!

Santa Claus is coming to a different part of town for Edinburgh’s Christmas this year, bringing with him an incredible contingent of over 80 market stallholders that will be stationed across the Scottish capital to ensure visitors can find the perfect gift for their loved ones this festive season.  

Edinburgh’s Christmas, presented by UniqueAssembly on behalf on City of Edinburgh Council, officially opens Friday 17 November, with Santa and a bunch of helpful elves taking over St Andrew Square from Saturday 18 November – 6 January 2024, with a letter writing station for kids, Santa Stories, a 10m tall Christmas Tree and Social Bite’s Gift Donation point.  

While Santa has migrated this year, Christmas markets will still take place in East Princes Street Gardens and George Street, featuring a host of local and continental food, drink, art, craft, and gift vendors. LocalMotive’s Christmas Market will also return to Castle Street 25 November to 22 December. With plenty of old familiars returning for another year of festivity, Edinburgh’s Christmas is proud to also welcome a cohort of brand-new vendors to the Christmas Markets.  

Deck your halls with Christmas decorations from Glasgow locals Hairy Fairy Gifts, give your tree the wow-factor with embroidered hangings from Christmas Wow, grab some colourful ornaments from returning favourites The Christmas Nutcracker Shop, or make lasting festive memories with an interactive Snow Globe photo. 

For an artisanal and handmade year-round gift, be sure to visit returning gems include Isle of Skye Leather, World of Baubles, and The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company as well as newcomers to the markets, Westmount Art, Solid Cologne UK and Paraffle, offering 100% handmade art and crafts, sustainable solid perfumes, and embroidery kits and gifts respectively. 

For moments when the weather outside is frightful, there are a host of stalls to keep you toasty and warm with handmade wool jumpers, scarves, shawls and gloves from LOUD elephant, tweed and woollens from local suppliers Macraes of Edinburgh, or something fun for the wee ones from Joe Cool’sincredible collection of colourful socks and gifts, amongst others.  

For the foodie in your life, there are plenty of stalls offering take-home food and drink, ingredients and gifts. Pick up something for the gin-lover in your life from Scotland’s smallest craft distillery Great Glen Distillery; boast the best cheese board of the season with the help of Cherry Tree Preserves; or grab those essential Christmas day treats from The Fudge Company.

The gourmet experience isn’t reserved for the home; the Edinburgh’s Christmas markets host a wide variety of delicious local and continental street food and drink to enjoy during your visit.

Fresh off the back of opening their first London restaurant, Scottish favourites Ting Thai will bring their award-winning Pad Thai to East Princes Street Gardens; Edinburgh Street Food resident The Peruvian will be serving up traditional South American dishes; along with Pies from the Jarvis Pickle Kitchen. There’s no shortage of sweet options from Spanish Churros to Crepes and Waffles, or warm up with something mulled from the bar or a luxury hot chocolate from Hector and Harriet.  

Family-run Soctopus, locals Brownhill Whisky, Native Handicraft and many more make George Street a must-see stop on your Edinburgh’s Christmas trip; while LocalMotive takes over Castle Street Christmas Market from 25 November, with 22 stalls selling quality made local, fair trade and ethical gifts; arts and crafts, food and drinks.  

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations will run for seven weeks, Friday 17 November 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024.

The city centre will become a circle of Christmas cheer with four locations to explore – the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market which opens early evening on Friday 17 November, the Festive Family Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, Santa’s Workshop and Social Bite Festival of Kindness at St Andrew Square, and the Ice Rink on George Street West which all open from Saturday 18 November, and then LocalMotive’s Castle Street Christmas Market which will open from Saturday 25 November.  

Samhuinn lights up Edinburgh

REVELRY AND JOY IN HOLYROOD PARK FOR SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL 

THOUSANDS of revellers gathered at Holyrood Park last night to take part in an ancient Celtic celebration to observe the end of the warmer months, and welcome in the start of the winter season.

Samhuinn Fire Festival is inspired by the Celtic tales of the turning of the wheel. Witness the epic battle between the Summer and Winter Kings unfold as the Cailleach prepares for transition into winter. 

More than 5,000 people gathered at Holyrood Park, in the centre of the city to watch the revelries and welcome in the colder season. We were very grateful for the break in wind and rain that seems to persist over Edinburgh at this time for a moment that we could collectively take to celebrate the turning of the wheel into the winter months. 

Sammi Searle, Chair of Beltane Fire Society, said: “Last night’s Samhuinn Fire Festival was truly spectacular and a hearty welcome to the winter season.

“Our festivals are living, breathing entities that bring together both the community and the landscape and it’s always so inspiring to see how our incredible volunteers come together as the seasons turn to unite us all with their passion and talent.

“Enormous and heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved who gave it their all and made this night so special, and to our audience who never fail in helping us create such a magical atmosphere. We hope this was truly a night to remember.“ 

The modern Samhuinn Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the autumn and winter counterpart to Beltane Fire Festival, which is held at Calton Hill on 30th April.

The events are immersive experiences, which involve modern re-imaginings of ancient Celtic festivals to mark the turning seasons, and the turning of the wheel. 

The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by volunteers, dedicated to marking the fire festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar and keeping traditional Scottish skills of street theatre, music and pageantry alive.

PICTURES: Alessandra Fais, Clarissa Gurd, Matt Scott, Beltane Fire Society