Waverley Mall has enjoyed another hugely successful weekend of LIVE music on their stage at The Waverley Sessions in partnership with The Youth Radio Network this past weekend (Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September.
The showcase saw 11 acts from Edinburgh and beyond take to the centre’s stage across the weekend – many of whom were making their debut on the centre’s stage, located at the heart of the Mall in the busy food court.
New acts to take to the stage included 12 year old Fin Price from Cardrona and 20 year old Christina Malivitsi, originally from Athens, now living in Edinburgh. Others included Cheryl Hutchinson, Becc & Forth, 34 Strings and Australian band ‘Brothers from Other Mothers’.
Returning acts to the stage were girl duo ‘In The Mix, David Mochan, Phoenix 22, Jaxon McCallum, Jordan Stewart, Sam Blott and Ashley Anderson.
The event was, once again managed by volunteers from The Youth Radio Network, who broadcast live from the Centre throughout the day on Saturday. The event was hugely popular with performers and audiences alike, with youngsters gaining valuable confidence and experience in performing in front of a live crowd as well as a much needed outlet in day to day life.
The Waverley Sessions continue to run every month, in collaboration with The Youth Radio Network, as a regular attraction for the centre that welcomes new and existing artists to come and showcase their talent in the heart of Edinburgh.
The next showcase event is planned for Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October and anyone interested in performing should get in touch via Waverley Mall’s or The Youth Radio Network’s Social media channels.
Waverley Mall’s collaboration with The Youth Radio Network for this series of stage showcases has developed out of a successful showcase partnership at the end of 2018 at the centre, which formed part of Scotland’s official national events programme to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018.
The Youth Radio Network’s ethos is to Teach, Empower and Entertain young people aged 13 to 25 years old through the power of music and digital technology, with a passion for getting young people heard, so Waverley Mall is proud to be partnering with such a fantastic organisation for this showcase series.
Music and the arts are a growing theme at Waverley Mall. In March 2019, Edinburgh based Scottish music enthusiast Kevin Buckle of Avalanche Records and artist, musician and writer Gerry Gapinski, opened Avalanche Gapinski in the centre, which sells local music and art.
In Spring 2018, Edinburgh based artist Nick Harrigan ran a pop-up at the centre to celebrate the release of Marvel’s ‘Infinity War’ movie. Nick has now taken up a permanent, dedicated space at the centre, where he creates his incredible art. Recent additions to the centre include The Fruitmarket Gallery which further builds on the centre’s arts offering.
Jacquelyn Stewart, Centre Manager, Waverley Mall says: “We’re thrilled at the success of the September edition of The Waverley Sessions.
“Each month seems to go from strength to strength – attracting more new acts and seeing others return for more experience and exposure in the public realm.”
Keiran Harvey, CEO, The Youth Radio Network says: “We’re constantly surprised and impressed at the quality of the young talent that comes through those doors and steps up to the mic.
“When you consider that many of the performers are children and teenagers, it is so rewarding to be able to give them the opportunity that we do, with a great support network offered by The Youth Radio Network and Waverley Mall teams.”