Stars old and new set to take the stage at the Usher Hall this Autumn

Some of the biggest names in rock and pop music, from 80s legends to current chart-toppers, are coming to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall this Autumn.

The Autumn gig season highlights exactly why the Usher Hall is one of the best places to catch the biggest names in music, from modern popstars to veteran legends. Continue reading Stars old and new set to take the stage at the Usher Hall this Autumn

Celebrate Older People’s Week

Active Ageing event at Hibernian’s GameChanger Centre, Easter Road

2nd October: 12 noon – 4pm

Hosted by Port of Leith Housing Association

Activities include Body Boosting Bingo (12 noon), tour of Hibs Stadium (1pm), Tea Dance (2pm), stalls and refreshments.

For more information or to book transport, call 0131 553 2559

Free Multicultural Festival coming to North Edinburgh

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival

4 – 6th October 2019

Music, dance, storytelling, films and audio visual celebration of Edinburgh’s multicultural communities (the newest event on Edinburgh’s festival calendar)

African Connections CIC (an Edinburgh-based community interest company promoting diversity through performing arts) is delighted to announce the very first Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, on 4-6 October 2019.

Website www.edinburghmulticulturalfestival.co.uk   (www.edmcf.co.uk)   

The festival programme features a bright array of Edinburgh’s diverse talent with spoken word, poetry, music, dance and visual arts created by African, Asian and Eastern European artists living in the capital.

The festival will also present two international acts: albino Malawian singer and canjo player Lazarus, and Sowhereto Africa, a South African dance and music show promoting street talent from the township of Soweto (previously performed at Edinburgh’s Dance Base and the Studio).

A poetry and storytelling programme (on Friday afternoon) will be curated by Nadine Aisha Jassat, with storytellers Fong Liu and Daiva Ivanauskaitė, while the weekend will feature musicians including Samba Sene & Diwan (Sengalese Mbalax/Afrobeat/ska fusion), rappers Billy Got Waves & Joell, Moroccan grooves from Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion and Bollywood//Indian classical music from Swaryatra; the dance programme on Saturday includes Scotland’s leading Indian dance group Dance Ihayami, a range of African dances from Sankofa Beats, plus Olga KayIraya Noble, Pirita Tuisku, and many more.

There will also be a specially curated short films programme and a specially created installation by Polish audio visual artist Robert Motyka, inspired by diverse cultures and identities.

The events will take place across two venues in north Edinburgh – creative writing, poetry and storytelling at Drumbrae Library and Community Hub (4th October only), with the main programme taking place at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus (5 & 6 October), in the open café space (unticketed) and the PASS Theatre.

There will be opportunities for audiences to mix with performers and community organisations, to share their experiences and find out more about how to be involved in cross-community activities.

All events are free to attend, and all age groups are welcome.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, Morgan Njobo, said: “With this programme we would like to celebrate Edinburgh’s diverse multicultural talent and its contribution to the cultural life of the city.

“As a South African artist living in Edinburgh, I feel privileged to be able to present an eclectic programme that aims to engage local communities and increase access to arts and entertainment in the north of Edinburgh.

“We are collaborating with artists whose work is influenced by African, Asian and Eastern European cultures and we wish for all Edinburgh residents engage with our diverse performing arts and visual arts scene and enjoy the benefits of diversity brought by the artists involved.”

It is hoped that Edinburgh Multicultural Festival 2019 will be the first of many, growing over the years, contributing to promoting tolerance and inclusivity across Edinburgh and beyond.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival is delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College, PASS Theatre and Drumbrae Library and Community Hub and supported by City of Edinburgh Council. 

LISTINGS

Fri 4 Oct 2 – 5pm        Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, 81 Drum Brae Dr, Edinburgh EH4 7FE

                                     Storytelling, poetry and creative writing

Sat 5 Oct Noon-5pm   Edinburgh College Granton Campus350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE

(Doors 11am)                DANCE inc Dance Ihayami, Sowhereto, Sankofa Beats

Sun 6 Oct Noon-5pm  Edinburgh College Granton Campus350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE

(Doors 11am)                MUSIC inc Lazarus, Samba Sene & Diwan, Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion

All events are free, and tickets can be reserved in advance via Eventbrite

New fund for childhood abuse survivors opens for applications

A fund to offer emotional and practical support to survivors of childhood abuse has begun accepting applications from eligible organisations. 

The new £10 million fund aims to help organisations improve access to services which can reduce the impact of inequalities and disadvantage experienced as a result of childhood abuse. Continue reading New fund for childhood abuse survivors opens for applications

Thomas Cook collapse: Operation Matterhorn swings into action

  • UK Civil Aviation Authority launched largest peacetime repatriation on 23 September 2019 to bring more than 150,000 people back to the UK
  • Yesterday, 64 flights operated to bring back more than 14,700 passengers
  • This means that over 95 per cent of all those due to return yesterday were repatriated by the CAA
  • 74 flights scheduled to operate today, to bring back a further 16,500
  • Information on rescue fares available for passengers departing the UK are available on thomascook.caa.co.uk
  • Flying programme continues until Sunday 6 October with more than 1000 flights planned

Continue reading Thomas Cook collapse: Operation Matterhorn swings into action