Month: August 2024

Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes and more big names join the line up for Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Tuesday 13 August, 7.20pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square

  • So far, Underbelly has raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity from these benefits alone, including nearly £20,000 at the last Fringe benefit in 2023.
  • Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill are confirmed to appear in this year’s show with more guests to be announced soon. 
  • 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. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, in August 2019.
  • Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is more underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Underbelly has today (9th August) announced its much-anticipated line-up for the sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit in the majestic McEwan Hall. 100% of the box office income is being donated directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

Starring in this year’s show will be:

  • Irish comedy legend Dara Ó Briain
  • King of the one-liners Milton Jones
  • Kiwi Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and tv actress Rose Matafeo
  • UK tv star and stand up comedian Angela Barnes
  • 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee and BBC Radio 4’s  Ian Smith
  • Indian comedy super star Kanan Gill
  • Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Amy Gledhill
  • And our MC will be Fringe favourite Carl Donnelly

All money raised via ticket sales and in donations on the night goes to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very 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 2016 and sadly died three days after the end of the Fringe in 2019.

Research into brain tumours is significantly underfunded in the UK compared to other cancers, despite being the leading cancer killer for those under 40. Each year, over 11,400 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour – meaning 31 families face the devastation of this diagnosis every day.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’m delighted that we are announcing another superb line up for Underbelly’s sixthBig Brain Tumour Benefit show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“We have raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity since our first show in 2017, and we cannot thank both the comedians and the audiences enough for their support so far.

“My wife and I are raising £1.5M for the charity to fund a specific paediatric brain tumour research and new treatment project based in Cambridge.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is a vital part of that. Call me biased, but this show is an amazing evening of comedy for the very best of causes. So please buy a ticket!”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its sixth show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.

“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”

To book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, please visit:

https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit-2024

St Mary’s Cathedral Choir returns this Sunday

🎵 Our Cathedral Choir is back this Sunday for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe following summer break!

✨ All are welcome to experience the beauty of St Mary’s and its musicians all year, for free.

📯 Festival Services with the Choir start this Sun 11th Aug; Choral Evensong is at 3.30pm, while the Cathedral Eucharist is at 10.30am.

🔗Full Festival Service details: https://www.cathedral.net/whats-on

🎶 The Cathedral Choir also has a concert on Fri 23 Aug at 6pm: https://www.cathedral.net/…/cathedral-choir-classical…

Back to school support from Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

⭐URGENT INFORMATION⭐

Are you a parent struggling with the cost of school uniform? There are a few ways you can get help:

Take what you need from one of our free-to-access uniform rails at various locations (see the first section at https://edinburghuniform.org/signposting/ )

Apply for the School Clothing Grant from the council https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants They sometimes give the grant to families who don’t meet their standard criteria, if they’re on a low income, so it might be worth applying. There is also info about other grants on our signposting page https://edinburghuniform.org/signposting/

Ask your school if they can help when the staff go back a couple of days before the start of term. We support mini uniform banks at lots of schools and many schools also have sharing rails.

If you have a family support worker, a health visitor, a social worker, or another similar professional you can ask them to see if you’re eligible for one of our Clothing Crisis Packs – please ask them to read the info at https://edinburghuniform.org/refer/

Granton Medway Community Park: Second consultation event

Come along and join us at another drop in event at the entrance to the community park on Granton Medway anytime between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 21st August to meet the team and see the designs.

We would like to share our initial ideas for the landscape improvements and get your feedback if you like them, or have further suggestions.

Contact: Lynn Stocks, Principal Engagement Consultant

Landscape Architecture & Urban Design

AtkinsRéalis

0131 221 5770

Canning Exchange, 10 Canning Street

Edinburgh, EH3 8EG

Channel 4 to air critically-acclaimed series, Defiance: Fighting the Far Right

Against the backdrop of far-right extremism and racist violence in the UK, @Channel4 will once again air critically-acclaimed & award-winning series, #Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, at 10pm from Mon 12 — Wed 14 August.

The series is also available stream in full on Channel 4.

Across three compelling hours, Defiance: Fighting the Far Right examines how British Asians and immigrants were targeted with a campaign of violence and murder between 1976 and 1981, as National Front and extremist activity became increasingly prominent.

The series investigates seminal events ranging from the Southall protests, the death of Blair Peach, the Battle for Brick Lane and the extraordinary story of the Bradford 12. Through a cache of archive footage and compelling new testimony from key figures on the front line at the time, the ground-breaking documentary series shows what happened when the British Asian community decided to fight back.   

This particularly timely series lifts the lid on a period in recent British history, in which the violence, injustice – as well as the extraordinary courage of those who confronted it – resonates through the decades as well as holding a mirror and bringing context to the scenes of extremism and racism across the UK that dominate the news headlines today.

Defiance: Fighting the Far Right was the winner of Best Documentary at the 2024 Eastern Eye ACTAs. The series was hailed with critical acclaim when it first aired on Channel 4 earlier this year.

BBC Radio 5Live’s Nihal Arthanayake said the series is “incredible viewing whether you’re Asian or not”. The Guardian said: “This striking three-part documentary… does a compelling job of telling the personal and political stories behind Britain’s Asian community as it faced violence and murder between 1976 and 1981.” The Times gave the series four stars, describing it as “powerful”. The Telegraph praised the series as “fresh, important and detailed”, also giving four stars.

The series will air alongside a brand-new, bespoke trailer from Channel 4’s in-house creative agency, 4creative, commissioned by newly installed CMO Katie Jackson.

The 10-second promo, which begins airing tonight (Thursday 8th August), reflects Channel 4’s commitment to anti-racism, and amidst the disturbing scenes being witnessed across the country, serves as an important reminder of the power of inclusion, which sits at the heart of Channel 4’s Altogether Different brand DNA.

The trail lifts directly from a mural found on the walls of Channel 4’s London office at Horseferry Road. The full mural reads:

“Different. It’s the one thing we’ve all got in common. We’re often made to think that different is what divides us, but at Channel 4 we think different is brilliant, that it’s our weird bits and odd bobs – our shared uniqueness – that brings us all together. Altogether different.”

The trail can be viewed here.

Channel 4’s Head of Specialist Factual, Shaminder Nahal said: “As we all try to make sense of the horrific scenes of racist violence taking place on our streets, and what these events say about Britain, this timely series provides important context.

“The series reveals the deep-seated fear of immigration from some British people back in the 70s and 80s, how that informed political debate, and how devastating the violence on the streets was to become.

“Defiance: Fighting the Far Right painfully highlights the impact and toll that racism has on those who courageously fought it across decades, and gives us much to reflect on today.”

Executive Producer for Rogan Productions James Rogan said: “A comprehensive telling of the extraordinary experiences of a generation of Asian refugees and migrants who came to Britain and faced unprecedented wave of racial violence, stood their ground and turned the tide, is long overdue.

“This landmark documentary series is packed with jaw-dropping stories and thrilling tales of resistance, breaking new ground on stories long overlooked forgotten.”

Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore of Left Handed Films said: “The British Asian civil rights movement is a forgotten piece of history. The Southall Protests, the death of Blair Peach, and the story of the Bradford 12 all continue to shape Britain.

“These are stories of bravery in the face of violence, and a refusal to let prejudice go unchallenged – they could not be more timely.”

Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, was produced by Rogan Productions and Group M Motion Entertainment, in association with Left-Handed Films. 

The series was executive produced by James Rogan, Nancy Bornat and Soleta Rogan for Rogan Productions, Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore for Left Handed Films and Deep Sehgal for GroupM Motion Entertainment.

@rizwanahmed

Expert help still available for Edinburgh pupils with SQA results

A dedicated helpline remains open to support tens of thousands of pupils and students in and around the capital who received their full Higher, National and Advanced results on Tuesday.

The young people – along with their parents and carers – can get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) dedicated Results Helpline that will be offering impartial career information, advice, and guidance.

The SDS Results Helpline is once again be staffed by expert careers advisers and went live from 8am on Tuesday 6 August to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps.

The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency are at the end of the phone line to offer advice about colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.

Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on your journey.

“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. Whether you didn’t receive the results you were hoping for, or exceeded your expectations, we are here to help you navigate the next steps and the make the best decisions for your future.”

The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 32 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. There’s also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year*.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I want to pay tribute to all the young people who have worked incredibly hard and are now waiting for their exam results. Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers.

“There are options out there for you whatever your results may be. The helpline provides a valuable opportunity to speak directly with someone who can offer impartial, expert advice on your options.

“Anyone with concerns, no matter how small, should take the chance to phone the careers experts if they need advice or reassurance.”

The number for the 2024 Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and is open:

  • Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August – 8am to 8pm
  • Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August – 9am to 5pm

Parents’ organisation Connect promotes the Results Helpline every year to parents, carers and young people as a great source of information and support.

Gavin Yates, Connect’s Executive Director, said: “Each year we encourage parents, carers and young people to use the Results Helpline.

“There are opportunities for everyone, whatever their results are. With the support of the Results Helpline team, families can navigate these to explore all options.”

In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you on the Contact us page of the SDS website), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website, My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.

Missing boy: Have you seen Aiden?

Police are appealing for help to trace a 14-year-old boy who has been reported missing from the Ferniehill area of Edinburgh.

Aiden Webb was last seen around 12.45pm on Tuesday 6th August, 2024.

He is described as white, 5ft6, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black top and black tracksuit bottoms.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Aiden’s welfare and are appealing to anyone who thinks they may have information regarding his whereabouts to please get in touch.

“We would urge members of the public to keep a look out for him and report any potential sightings to us”.

“Anyone with information can call us on 101, quoting incident number 3995 of Tuesday 6th August, 2024.”

Charity Alzheimer Scotland call on people to sign up to Edinburgh Memory Walk 2024

A fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia is returning to Edinburgh in September.

Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2024 takes place on Sunday, 8 September and will raise vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.

People across the area are being encouraged to sign up for the outing at Meadowbank Stadium, where they can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness.

The Edinburgh event is one of four Memory Walks taking place across Scotland through every weekend in September.

Those looking to take part can sign up at memorywalk.alzscot.org.

Events are taking place in Inverness, Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.

Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.

Scotland’s Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them.

Cathy Cooney, 61, will be taking part in Edinburgh Memory Walk 2024 in memory of her mum Mary who died of vascular dementia in 2019 aged 83. She will also be walking for two close friends who have been affected by young onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Cathy, a retired senior business analyst based in Edinburgh, said: “Taking part in Memory Walk is important to me because my mum and two good friends have been affected by it. I haven’t done anything in their memory before and this event is a great opportunity to do something for them.

“My mum Mary passed away in 2019 after being diagnosed with vascular dementia. She was a tiny lady – just 4ft 11 and a half inches tall – but she was such a kind person who loved her family and her bingo.

“I’ll also be remembering my friend Alison who was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s and passed away in 2020 aged just 57. We met through work and anytime my old colleagues and I get together we always remember her and what an amazing woman she was. She was so intelligent and finished her Master’s degree despite being in the early stages of her illness.

“Another friend, Lorna, is only 62 and was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s in 2022, so I’ll be thinking of her too.

“Alzheimer Scotland is such a great cause and I hope that any money raised might help towards making progress in finding ways to prevent and treat this illness.”

Lauren Heap, centre manager for Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh and West Lothian Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia and their families and carers, from our centre here in Edinburgh.

“We are absolutely delighted to host this fantastic new Memory Walk in Edinburgh. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community.

“Scotland’s Memory Walk has always had a wonderful ability to bring people together. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can’t wait to see Meadowpark Stadium filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.”

To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit:

memorywalk.alzscot.org 

Painting the Capital red, white and blue: Tattoo’s American performers

The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes, one of the world’s premier military college bands, found a home from home at Edinburgh’s American themed Diner, the City Café, while in the capital for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Performing as part of this summer’s Show, Journeys, The Citadel are transforming the Esplanade, combining mentions of the old school American dream with contemporary twists.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which runs from 2 – 24 August 2024. Tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.