A free, family friendly performance from a street juggler will be happening today at 12pm at West Pilton Park.
No need to book, just go along!
TODAY: Fringe street performance in West Pilton Park
Month: August 2022
NEAT Connections: Have your say on local Active Travel plans
TODAY at DRYLAW SHOPPING CENTRE from 10am – 4pm
All children aged 1 to 9 in London to be offered a dose of polio vaccine
As further poliovirus has been detected in sewage, JCVI recommends that polio vaccine booster doses should be offered to children across London.
Following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that a targeted inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) booster dose should be offered to all children between the ages of 1 and 9 in all London boroughs.
This will ensure a high level of protection from paralysis and help reduce further spread of the virus.
Nationally the overall risk of paralytic polio is considered low because most people are protected from this by vaccination.
Many countries globally provide an additional dose of polio-containing vaccine as part of their childhood vaccination schedule. The NHS in London will contact parents when it’s their child’s turn to come forward for a booster or catch-up polio dose – parents should take up the offer as soon as possible.
The programme will start with the areas affected, where the poliovirus has been detected and vaccination rates are low. This will be followed by rapid rollout across all boroughs.
This booster dose will be in addition to the NHS childhood vaccination catch-up campaign across London, where childhood vaccination uptake is lower than the rest of the country. It’s important all children aged 1 to 9 – even if up to date with their vaccinations – accept this vaccine when offered to further strengthen their protection against the poliovirus.
Following the findings earlier this year of type 2 poliovirus (PV2) collected from the Beckton sewage treatment works, further upstream sampling undertaken by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now identified at least one positive sample of the poliovirus, currently present in parts of the following boroughs:
- Barnet
- Brent
- Camden
- Enfield
- Hackney
- Haringey
- Islington
- Waltham Forest
The sampling has also detected the virus in lower concentrations and frequency in areas adjacent to the Beckton catchment area to the South (immediately below the Thames) and to the east of Beckton. However, it is not clear whether the virus has established itself in these areas or if the detections are due to people from the affected area visiting these neighbouring areas.
The level of poliovirus found and the high genetic diversity among the PV2 isolates suggests that there is some level of virus transmission in these boroughs which may extend to the adjacent areas. This suggests that transmission has gone beyond a close network of a few individuals.
A total of 116 PV2 isolates have been identified in 19 sewage samples collected in London between 8 February and 5 July this year, but most are vaccine-like virus and only a few have sufficient mutations to be classified as vaccine derived poliovirus (VDPV2).
VDPV2 is of greater concern as it behaves more like naturally occurring ‘wild’ polio and may, on rare occasions, lead to cases of paralysis in unvaccinated individuals.
UKHSA is working closely with health agencies in New York and Israel alongside the World Health Organisation to investigate the links between the poliovirus detected in London and recent polio incidents in these 2 other countries.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “No cases of polio have been reported and for the majority of the population, who are fully vaccinated, the risk is low.
“But we know the areas in London where the poliovirus is being transmitted have some of the lowest vaccination rates. This is why the virus is spreading in these communities and puts those residents not fully vaccinated at greater risk.
“Polio is a serious infection that can cause paralysis but nationally the overall risk is considered low because most people are protected by vaccination. The last case of polio in the UK was in 1984, but decades ago before we introduced the polio vaccination programme around 8,000 people would develop paralysis every year.
“It is vital parents ensure their children are fully vaccinated for their age. Following JCVI advice all children aged 1 to 9 years in London need to have a dose of polio vaccine now – whether it’s an extra booster dose or just to catch up with their routine vaccinations. It will ensure a high level of protection from paralysis. This may also help stop the virus spreading further.”
Jane Clegg, Chief Nurse for the NHS in London said: “While the majority of Londoners are protected from polio, the NHS will shortly be contacting parents of eligible children aged 1 to 9 years old to offer them a top-up dose to ensure they have maximum protection from the virus.
“We are already reaching out to parents and carers of children who aren’t up to date with their routine vaccinations, who can book a catch-up appointment with their GP surgery now and for anyone not sure of their child’s vaccination status, they can check their Red Book.”
UKHSA, working with MHRA, has already increased sewage surveillance to assess the extent of spread of the virus and are currently sampling 8 sites across London.
A further 15 sites in London will start sewage sampling in mid-August, and 10 to 15 sites will be stood up nationally to determine if poliovirus is spreading outside of London.
NHS Lothian consults on the future of local healthcare
Local health and care services are asking for the public’s views on the future of care in Lothian.
The Lothian Health & Care System (LHCS), which is made up of NHS Lothian and the four local health and social care partnerships, is urging people to help shape healthcare in their region.
The pandemic has forced a major re-think across all services and systems, including healthcare. The NHS as a whole is facing sustained pressures and the LHCS wants people to have their say around the future of services over the next five years.
Together, the LHCS works to plan, commission, and deliver health and care services locally to a population of nearly one million which is projected to grow by 8% in the next decade.
Colin Briggs, Director of Strategic Planning, NHS Lothian, said: “We’re all aware that health and social care services are under significant and sustained pressure at the moment. That is why the LHCS is setting out its strategic direction for the next five years.
“Our Lothian Strategic Development Framework (LSDF) describes what we’re trying to achieve, now and in the future, the challenges we face and the direction we want to take over the next five years. It also lays out what we think the people of the Lothians can expect from us over that time, some of which will be hard for all of us”
“However, we can’t do this in isolation. Health and care belong to us all and we really want people to tell us their thoughts and ideas, their priorities, and their expectations, and also for us to be able to work together to find the best way forward.”
Through a combination of consultations, question and answer sessions and online feedback, NHS Lothian and partners are asking for the public’s feedback on the LSDF.
More than 400,000 postcards have been landing on doormats of households across Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian giving details of how people can get involved and share their views. This builds on a successful initial engagement period during April, May, and June.
Mr Briggs added: “We’ve tried to be as accessible as possible in how we enable people from across our communities to give us their views.
“We want our patients, their families, our staff and the population we serve to be as involved as possible, both now and going forward.
“We are also being candid with our communities by saying that our performance and outcomes are not what we would want them to be. We need a new direction of travel in a post-pandemic world.
“The priorities currently outlined in the LSDF include moving care closer to home, supporting self-care, learning lessons from the pandemic, working closer with partners, improving our facilities, better utilising technology and reducing waiting lists.
“If you think we’re going in the right direction, or if you think we’re not, we’d really like to hear from you. Please get involved and tell us what you think the future of health and care should look like.”
Go here to give your feedback now.
Emergency! Police to take over running of fire service in Cumbria
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME?
As part of the Local Government Reform programme in England the governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) will be transferring to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) from April 2023 following a decision announced by the Home Secretary.
Commenting on the approval of Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall to take control of the county’s fire service, TUC Northern Regional Secretary Liz Blackshaw said: “Not only has this take over been rejected by the public, but it also risks fire station closures and firefighter job losses, which would cause slower response times and ultimately threaten public safety.
“On top of this, the move weakens governance by giving fire management to a single official and risks fire and rescue being seen as an arm of policing rather than the humanitarian service that it is.
“There is a whole list of cons to this merger, but no pros. We urge Mr McCall to reconsider and move forward with a democratically reached solution instead.”
A spokesperson for the Fire Brigades Union said: “The Fire Brigades Union know that Firefighters enjoy the highest levels of public trust, satisfaction and confidence in the UK with the skills and expertise communities know they can rely on.
“Their role as independent and impartial life-savers enables them to reach all communities, in difficult political and social circumstances.
“The public’s view of the police, and reception to them, is often quite different.
“Association with the police through shared governance or service mergers could damage the reputation firefighters have built up in neighbourhoods over decades, and which they rely upon in order to have access to people’s homes for vital fire prevention and rescue work.”
University places for most deprived at record high
The number of 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas being offered a place at university is at a record high – up 32% since 2019, the last year there were exams.
The latest UCAS data also shows 29,630 Scottish domiciled students have been offered a place at a Scottish university on SQA results day – up 6% compared to 2019 and the second highest on record.
The number of students accepting places to study nursing at Scottish providers also increased, up 17% to 2,940 compared to 2019.
Separate statistics published yesterday by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) show that in the first quarter of 2022-2023, the number of Modern Apprenticeship starts is up 16% to 3,946 compared to last year.
Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “Congratulations to everyone receiving results today after what has been another extremely challenging year. Whether you are now heading to university, college or taking part in a Modern Apprenticeship, I wish you the very best for the future.
“These statistics are encouraging, particularly the fact we have a record number of 18-year-olds – the closest measure to school leavers – from the most deprived areas being offered a place at university. We want every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstances.
“The number of students accepting places to study nursing has also increased compared to 2019, demonstrating that Scotland continues to be a popular location to undertake medical education and training.
“EU students enrich our campuses, and make a vital contribution to our economy and society. It is bitterly disappointing to see another sharp drop in the number of EU students coming to study in Scotland – a direct result of Brexit.
“The SQA’s appeals process is now open for anyone who needs it. The clearing process is also now live and places are still available for those who want to study in Scotland.”
- Scottish domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 6% to 29,630 (since 2019) This is the second highest at SQA results day. In 2021 there was a record 31,070 Scottish domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers
- the number of 18-year-old acceptances from the most deprived areas has increased by 410 to 1,680, since 2019 (as at SQA results day)
- the number of EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers decreased by 77% to 720 (as at SQA results day 2019)
- the number of Non-EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 15% to 2,670 (since 2019) This is the second highest at SQA results day
- Scottish domiciled acceptances to study nursing at Scottish providers increased by 17% to 2,940, since 2019 cycle (as at SQA results day)
- Scottish domiciled acceptances to study medicine and dentistry at UK providers increased by 23% to 920, since 2019 (as at SQA results day)
Make the most of the summer holidays with the National Trust for Scotland
With over 100 sites across the country, ensure the last few days of summer holidays are memorable with the National Trust for Scotland
With just a week left of the school holidays this summer you can make the most of it by exploring the nature, beauty and heritage of Scotland at National Trust for Scotland sites across the country.
Summer holidays will come to a close soon but there is still plenty of time to try some of the fun-packed summer activities available at National Trust for Scotland locations. From outdoor theatre experiences, opportunities to learn with the Ben Lomond ranger service and a festival for the whole family to enjoy at Brodie Castle from the 12th to the 14th of August, there are lots of activities choose from this summer.
New and existing members of the conservation charity can visit its 129 sites for as little as £5.25 for adults and £9.80 per month for families, equating to just 17p or 32p per day, making it a great value option for excitement-filled days, all while contributing towards the conservation of Scottish heritage.
Combine nature with the arts with outdoor theatre performances taking place across National Trust for Scotland sites. From Pride and Prejudice at Greenbank Garden in Glasgow to Much Ado About Murder at the House of Dun in Montrose, audiences across Scotland will be enthralled with these special productions. Toes will be tapping in Aberdeen’s Pitmedden Gardens as Abba, Cher and Dolly Parton Tributes play and the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra performs at events throughout August.
The Trust also recently relaunched its initiative with Young Scot which offers anyone aged 11-25 with a Young Scot National Entitlement Card the chance to visit National Trust for Scotland properties for just £1, to encourage young people to experience the very best of Scotland’s nature and History on their doorstep.
Family friendly activities will keep youngsters busy including wildlife spotting, outdoor survival skills and identifying nature.
There is the chance to observe the amazing spectacle of hundreds of bats returning to their maternity roost at dawn in Haddo House Courtyard, which is just under an hour’s drive from Aberdeen. Families also can learn Wildlife survival skills like making a fire and tracking animals at Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire.
Whether you’re looking for beautiful gardens or jaw dropping scenery there’s no shortage of options across the entire country. Take a guided walk around Ben Lomond with one of the rangers and learn to interpret the subtle archaeological traces to reveal a rich story of the past. Or if you’re looking for something easier on the legs, Pitmedden’s newly designed gardens have recently opened, designed by Chris Beardshaw, a 14-time RHS Chelsea flower show gold medallist.
Established in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage. Membership, which provides funding for Scotland’s largest conservation charity, can be purchased online from just £9.80 per month for families, £5.25 for adults and £3 for children.
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and to plan your summer itinerary, visit: www.nts.org.uk.
Behind the scenes with the UK’s largest regional airline
What really happens when the wheels are down
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens in an airline beyond take-offs and landings, a new ten-part BBC series launching next Monday will offer an exclusive insight into the lives of the younger members of the team at Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline.
Loganair provided all-areas access to camera crews from Mentorn Scotland over several months – filming from as far afield as Shetland and the Outer Hebrides to London Heathrow, as 11 of the airline’s team, ranging from Captain to Aircraft Engineer, balanced their personal lives with the busiest summer at work they’ve faced to date.
It’s far reaching, with the UK’s first commercial pilot living with HIV attempting to update aviation legislation to achieve his dream, while one cabin crew member seeks advice from her best friend as she strives to become a pilot.
The show also follows the UK’s youngest captain from Edinburgh as he juggles life in the air with his love of street performing and his long-distance relationship in Shetland, and an engineer who faces her biggest challenge yet as she converts a plane into an air ambulance in time for a patient to be transported the following morning.
The series also captures the close friendships of those at Loganair as it shows best mates from Manchester and Mauritius settling into their new lives as pilots in Aberdeen, and a special family moment as one pilot surprises his mum with a flight to an island to thank her for her support throughout his career – the first time she’s ever been on a commercial flight with her son flying the plane.
The first episode of Sky High Club lines up for take-off on BBC Scotland at 22:00 on Monday 15 August, with a second instalment on Thursday 18 August. BBC Three launches the series nationally from 20:00 on Thursday 18 August with two back-to-back episodes.
A “series drop” of the entire ten episodes will be available through the BBC iPlayer from Monday 15 August.
Jonathan Hinkles, CEO of Loganair, said: “We are all incredibly proud of those who participated in Sky High Club and everyone in the wider team who made it possible.
“During a busy summer, when the entire aviation industry was faced with changing covid restrictions and huge challenges, it was a daunting prospect to invite a TV crew behind the scenes of our airline. For this to work in the best possible way, we gave the camera crews full access to behind-the-scenes life at Loganair, and I’m truly grateful to the stars of the show for volunteering to share their personal and truly inspiring stories as part of the journey.
“It is our hope that it provides fantastic encouragement and insight for those contemplating a career in aviation – whether in the air or on the ground – and that we are able to continue welcoming a diverse range of new recruits into the Loganair family.”
Sky High Club, produced by Mentorn Scotland, is the result of a commission from a creative partnership of BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland.
The scheme invited local Scottish Independent production companies to pitch innovative, factual entertainment format ideas that reflect the life experiences young people, with the promise of a guaranteed series commission.
Finalists revealed for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022
Bumper year for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 as more than 3500 people have had their say in naming Scotland’s most loved pubs, with thousands of votes cast online over the last few months.
Now in their 27th year, The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards – dubbed the hospitality Oscars, celebrate Scotland’s licensed trade and shine a spotlight on all aspects of the hospitality industry, featuring standout pubs up and down the country in more than 24 categories.
These include Antos Dog Friendly Pub of The Year; Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue; The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year and Kopparberg New Bar of the Year.
Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed including Glasgow’s stylish Moskito and the eclectic Bourbon in Edinburgh for the Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue.
Seeking out the nation’s most creative drinks, trailblazing whisky and cocktail bar, The Gate, and the adventurous Absent Ear are up for the Busker Cocktail bar, alongside the Cocktail Mafia in Edinburgh and Lido in Troon.
The inaugural Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year will see Broughty Ferry’s The Fort, Dundee’s Jute Café bar, Inverness-based Scotch & Rye and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café battle it out to be crowned Scotland’s best bar.
Independent Operators are the driving force for hospitality. Up for the DRAM Independent Pub Group of the Year award for 2022 are Buzzworks Holdings in Ayrshire which has an award-winning portfolio of bars and restaurants in Scotland including Vic’s & The Vine, Scotts, The Mill House, Lido, The Duke and The Bridge Inn to name a few.
Also in the running are Bread Meats Bread, which has six eponymous venues serving up award-winning burgers and cocktails, and the Bruce group, which focus on drinks-led retailing with an inherent added value experience in Edinburgh and Fife. Their multi-venue portfolio includes Stramash, The Mash House, Opium, Dusk and the Royal Mile Tavern.
Scotland’s longest-running licensed trade awards also look to celebrate rising stars in the industry, community-led initiatives and give a much-needed boost to those championing the late-night economy.
Every finalist has been voted for by the public and people in the trade and will have been visited by mystery shoppers. Winners will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony on 30th August 2022 at The Doubletree Glasgow Central, in Glasgow.
Organiser, Susan Young said: “The votes are in and verified and the time is nearly here to celebrate the best of the best at The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.
“The licensed trade needs our support more than ever and Scottish hospitality has never been better. Congratulations to all the finalists – your recognition is very well deserved, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the trophies at this year’s awards.”
The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 will announce all category winners at a glitzy award ceremony on August 30th, where guests will also be able to enjoy entertainment from Abba MANIA.
For more information, head to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com or to book a ticket for the event, email accounts@mediaworldltd.com
The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 finalists. *Note that the awards are alphabetical and in no particular order.
| Category | Finalist |
| Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year | Black Ivy, Edinburgh |
| Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year | The Forth Inn, Aberfoyle |
| Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year | Inndeep, Glasgow |
| Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year | The White Stag, Callander |
| Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year | Brewhemia, Edinburgh |
| Aro Procurement Customer Service Award | The Coach House, Bridge of Weir |
| Aro Procurement Customer Service Award | The Fox & Willow, Ayr |
| Aro Procurement Customer Service Award | The Huxley, Edinburgh |
| Aro Procurement Customer Service Award | Little Soho, Jordanhill |
| Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year | The Albananch, Edinburgh |
| Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year | Artisan, Wishaw |
| Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year | The Malt Room, Inverness |
| Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year | The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow |
| Deanston Guru of the Year | Gillian Kirkland /The Piper’s Whisky Bar |
| Deanston Guru of the Year | Derek Mather/Artisan |
| Deanston Guru of the Year | Matt McPherson/ The Malt Room |
| Deanston Guru of the Year | Alastair Shaw/The Gate |
| Deanston Guru of the Year | Simon Smith/ Whisky & Cynicism |
| DRAM Community Pub | Clippens Inn, Linwood |
| DRAM Community Pub | Granny Gibbs, Whiteinch |
| DRAM Community Pub | Silver Wing, Edinburgh |
| DRAM Community Pub | The Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs |
| Hi Spirits Best Live Music Venue | Box Bar & Club, Glasgow |
| Hi Spirits Best Live Music Venue | Harley’s, Ayr |
| Hi Spirits Best Live Music Venue | MacSorley’s, Glasgow |
| Hi Spirits Best Live Music Venue | St Luke’s & The Winged Ox, Glasgow |
HOSPO Manager of the year | Nicola Armstrong – Macgochans, Mull |
| HOSPO Manager of the year | Matt Colligan – Bier Hall |
| HOSPO Manager of the year | Lee Little – Lido, Troon |
| HOSPO Manager of the year | Connor Smith – Hamilton Palace, Hamilton |
| HOSPO Manager of the year | Keir Beckwith, Gaucho |
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year | The Dome, Edinburgh |
| Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year | Ga Ga Kitchen & Bar, Glasgow |
| Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year | Kyloe, Edinburgh |
| Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year | Ralph & Finns , Glasgow |
| Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year | The Ubiquitous Chip , Glasgow |
| Kopparberg New Bar of the Year | The Albyn, Aberdeen |
| Kopparberg New Bar of the Year | The Fox, Troon |
| Kopparberg New Bar of the Year | Giddy Goose, Perth |
| Kopparberg New Bar of the Year | Jimmy Badgers, Inverness |
| Molinari Casual Dining Award | Allegria Eatery, Largs |
| Molinari Casual Dining Award | Caffe Parma, Glasgow |
| Molinari Casual Dining Award | Boar’s Head, Auchtermuchty |
| Molinari Casual Dining Award | Mediterraneo, Glasgow |
| Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year | The Fort, Broughty Ferry |
| Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year | Jute Cafe Bar, Dundee |
| Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year | Scotch & Rye, Inverness |
| Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year | Kelvingrove Café, Glasgow |
| Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year | 18, Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews |
| Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year | The American Bar, Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder |
| Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year | Virgin Hotels, The Commons Club, Edinburgh |
| Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year | The Lounge Bar, Fonab Castle, Pitlochry |
| Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue | Bourbon, Edinburgh |
| Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue | Charlie’s Loft, Glasgow |
| Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue | Moskito, Glasgow |
| Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue | Nox, AberdeenWhy Not Nightclub Edinburgh |
| Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie… | Contini’s Scottish Restaurant, Edinburgh |
| Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie… | Eusebi, Glasgow |
| Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie… | Gaucho, Glasgow |
| Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie… | SWG3, Glasgow |
| The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year | The Absent Ear, Glasgow |
| The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year | The Cocktail Mafia, Edinburgh |
| The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year | The Gate, Glasgow |
| The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year | The Lido, Troon |
| Independent Operator of the Year Bread Meets Bread (BMB), Glasgow | |
| Independent Operator of the Year | The Bruce Group, Edinburgh |
| Independent Operator of the Year | Buzzworks, Ayrshire |
| Independent Operator of the Year | Scoop Restaurants |
| SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEAR | Habbies, Kilbarchan |
| SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEAR | The Palais, Glasgow |
| SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEAR | The Station Bar, Glasgow |
| SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEAR | The Waverley, Wishaw |
On the night there will be various other awards including an
| Award for SuccessThe Lifetime Achievement AwardAnd an Inspirational Woman Award |
Follow online:
https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/
https://twitter.com/scotbarpubaward
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit
Stars including John Bishop, Phil Wang, Maisie Adam and Jason Byrne turn out in support of Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit 2022 at the Fringe
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit
Tuesday 16 August, 7.30pm, McEwan Hall
Tickets: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/brain-tumour-benefit
Underbelly has announced the line-up for its fourth Big Brain Tumour Benefit in its biggest venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, McEwan Hall. 100% of box office income going to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
- So far, Underbelly has raised nearly £100,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity from these benefits alone, including £30,000 at the last Fringe benefit in 2019.
- Jason Byrne (MC), John Bishop, Jessica Fostekew, Rhys Nicholson, Michael Akadiri, Phil Wang and Maisie Adam are confirmed to appear in this year’s show with more guests to be announced.
- The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam.
- Brain tumour research is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s.
One of the hottest tickets on the Fringe, the annual line up sees star comedians throw support behind of The Brain Tumour Charity.
MC’ed by one of the biggest selling comedians on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Jason Byrne, the line-up includes eponymous host of The John Bishop Show, Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee for Best Show Jessica Fostekew, Phil Wang fresh off the back of his Netflix special Philly Philly Wang Wang Wang,winner of the Most Outstanding Show at the 2022 Melbourne Comedy Festival Rhys Nicholson, Michael Akadiri, winner of the Komedia New Comedian Of The Year Award 2020 and Maisie Adam, “one of the UK’s funniest comedians” according to The London Evening Standard.
All box office income goes directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause close to Underbelly’s heart. Co-founder of Underbelly, Ed Bartlam’s son Alfie was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer in 2017 and sadly died in 2019.
Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.
The Brain Tumour Charity’s Better Safe Than Tumour campaign aims to raise awareness of the common signs and symptoms in both children and adults and to support the public to get any concerning or persistent symptoms checked out by their doctor.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I am so delighted that we are able to present the fourth of our Brain Tumour Benefit shows at Underbelly this year. The support from comedians and audiences for these shows has been incredible and we’ve raised over £100,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity since our first show in 2017.
“My son Alfie died aged 7 from brain cancer three days after the 2019 Fringe so this year’s shows will be particularly important and pertinent. We are committed to raising £1.4M in three years for specific paediatric brain tumour research and new treatments through a range of fundraising events.
“This annual Fringe show is a crucial part of that so do please buy a ticket to watch a truly amazing line up of comedians and raise money for this vital cause. It’s a win win!”
Gina Almond, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are so proud of our continued partnership and loyal support from Underbelly and it is just brilliant that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit is happening again this year; such a welcome return after the pandemic.
“Our brilliant partnerships are key to raising vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour.
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer and this must change.
“The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts with a goal of doubling survival rates and halving the harm that brain tumours have on quality of life – and it is only through the support from so many people like Ed, Charlie and the brilliant Underbelly team that we can strive towards those goals.
“It’s fantastic news that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit is back this year, and we know it will be a blast. Thank you all for your incredible support.”
To book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit visit:
http://www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/whats-on/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit