Category: city centre

Underbelly’s 2026 Comedy Line-Up

  • Underbelly will host over 90 comedy shows this year: a full alphabetised list of comedy shows is included at the bottom of this release
  • The programme is led by Sara Pascoe, Simon Amstell, Russell Kane, Rory Bremner, Nina Conti and BAFTA-winning Jack Rooke
  • Tickets are now on sale at underbellyedinburgh.co.uk

Underbelly is bringing some of the most exciting names in comedy to the Fringe this summer with a programme spanning improv, musical comedy, standup and character comedy.

Award-winning author, actor and comedian Sara Pascoe (Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, QI, Mock the Week) will be performing at McEwan Hall in Sara Pascoe: For One Night Only. Comedian, actor, presenter and author Russell Kane (Big Brother’s Big Mouth, Freak Like Me, Geordie Shore: The Reunion) brings his high-energy show Russell Kane: HyperActive to the Fringe 16 years after winning an Edinburgh Comedy Award. BAFTA winner Jack Rooke (creator of Hulu/C4’s Big Boys) revives and updates his debut show Jack Rooke: Good Grief, a decade on from its first Fringe run.

Acclaimed comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti brings Nina’s C*nti Cabaret to McEwan Hall, joined by her masks and by some of her favourite acts from across the Fringe. Stealing voices in a different way, Britain’s foremost political impressionist Rory Bremner blends sharp comedy, pitch-perfect impressions and surprising revelations in Rory Bremner: Making an Impression. 

Following his sold-out London run, Simon Amstell brings his show Simon Amstell: I Love It Here to the Fringe. Just after finally finding inner peace at his friend’s California beach house, Simon receives an invitation from the man who first ignited his teenage desire, throwing his newfound calm into chaos. 

Instagram sensation Depths of Wikipedia (1.6 million followers) will be bringing to light some of Wikipedia’s murkiest depths (think ‘list of sexually active popes’), and celebrating the beautiful monster that is an encyclopedia run by anonymous but extremely human volunteers. Viral American comedian Gianmarco Soresi (1.2 million followers on Instagram) celebrates the theatre kid in all of us in his show Gianmarco Soresi: Theatre Adult.

Palestine Comedy Club presents Hanna Shammas Takes It To Heart, a combination of storytelling and stand-up exploring the complexities of everyday life as a Palestinian living in Haifa, in the 1948 territories. In Sammy J: Hero Complex, acclaimed Australian comedian Sammy J details the true story of how swapping comic books with his school gardener set off a chain of events leading to both the birth of his daughter and to him committing a crime. 

The programme also features some of the UK’s biggest improv acts: America’s Got Talent runner-up Christ Turner creates jaw-dropping freestyle rap from audience suggestions in Chris Turner: In the Moment. Internet sensation improv troupe Shoot From The Hip (3 million followers across Instagram and Tiktok) will be taking the stage at McEwan Hall. 

The classics provide fertile ground for comedy. The smash-hit West End Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel returns for its 13th year at the Fringe, an all-star cast improvising a new Jane Austen novel every day. Sh!t-faced Shakespeare returns this year with Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: Hamlet: an entirely serious adaptation arguably the Bard’s most famous tragedy, other than the fact that one member of the cast is, well, sh!tfaced. 

The programme also features some fantastic LGBTQ+ comedians. Drag king Roger Prick brings his debut Fringe hour Roger Prick: Sexopolis, in which the 1970s pornographer, erotic novelist, and lecherous casanova relaunches his dirtiest novel, revised to make it completely appropriate for modern feminism. Catch (and maybe kiss?) Alex Franklin (Channel 4, HBO Max) exploring love, romance, and kissing as a trans woman in Alex Franklin: Kiss Me x. Justin Elizabeth Sayre is a 40-Year-Old Woman explores what it means to be a 40 year old woman – a category not necessarily tied to either age or gender. 

The comedy programme features a number of people you may have seen on your TV – Sapphire McIntosh, bringing her football-inspired show Sapphire McIntosh: Squeaky Bum Time, appeared as a footballer on the most recent season of Ted Lasso. Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee Freya Parker, who’s appeared in Jurassic World: Dominion, Wonka, One Day (Netflix), and as one half of sketch duo Lazy Susan (Amazon, BBC3) brings her new show Frey Parker, An Hour of Decay! tackling the terrifying subjects of ageing, AI and Vinted.

Two annual highlights of the Fringe also return. Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit brings together a massive line-up of comedy stars to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity, who do vital research in treatment for the most deadly cancer to children and adults under 40. Edinburgh Comedy Allstars brings together the biggest, brightest comedians at the Fringe in the iconic purple cow, Udderbelly – this year celebrating its 20th year as a venue.

New exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Edinburgh photographer Sandra George

This summer, the City Art Centre will present Start from the Level, the largest exhibition ever staged of the work of Sandra George (1957–2013).

Start from the Level is produced in partnership with Craigmillar Now, an arts and heritage centre based in Craigmillar, who hold Sandra’s collection in their community archive, and is part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.

Opening on 27 June and running until 27 September 2026, the exhibition brings together photographs spanning more than two decades, many of which will be shown publicly for the first time. Drawn from Sandra’s extensive archive, the exhibition offers a powerful portrait of Edinburgh’s communities and explores themes of identity, activism, motherhood, belonging, and social justice.

Born in Nottingham and raised between Jamaica and the UK before settling in Edinburgh, she became widely known for her work as a community organiser and advocate. Alongside this, she developed a prolific photographic practice, documenting everyday life across Edinburgh and beyond from the late 1970s through to the early 2000s.

Through her lens, she captured both intimate personal moments and wider social movements, creating a remarkable visual record of the city and the people who shaped it. Her photographs are united by a deep sense of humanity and a commitment to representing people with dignity, openness, and care.

The exhibition takes its title from Sandra’s own words: her desire to “start from the level people are based”. This guiding principle informed her work throughout her life, resulting in an extraordinary body of photography that remains as relevant and resonant today as ever.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Sandra George’s photographs offer an invaluable record of Edinburgh and its communities, seen through the eyes of someone deeply committed to social justice, equality, and human connection.

“This landmark exhibition celebrates not only her extraordinary talent as a photographer, but also her lasting contribution to the cultural and community life of our city.

“We are proud to bring this important body of work to audiences and ensure that Sandra’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

In addition to the exhibition at City Art Centre, a special outdoor presentation of Sandra’s work will be displayed on street-side billboard and poster sites across Edinburgh from 22 June for three weeks in partnership with BuildHollywood.

Featuring photographs taken throughout the city, the displays will appear in Fountain Park, Teviot and Meadowbank, bringing George’s images directly into the public spaces she documented.

Find out more on the Culture Edinburgh website.

Virgin Money rolls out domestic abuse safe spaces

  • Virgin Money to offer Safe Spaces across 42 of its branches to support those impacted by domestic abuse
  • Nationwide Group provides more Safe Spaces on the high-street than any other financial services organisation as it pledges to keep all branches open until at least 2030
  • Research shows alcohol-related domestic abuse reports rose by 47 per cent on the day of an England victory at a World Cup or European Championship
  • Nationwide backs Hestia’s #SupportIsATeamSport campaign and urges anyone experiencing abuse to reach out for support

Nationwide is rolling out domestic abuse Safe Spaces across 42 Virgin Money branches as part of a commitment to tackling physical and financial abuse. It will bring the total number across Nationwide’s branch network – the UK’s largest – to 475.

Safe Spaces are private, confidential areas in branches where anyone experiencing domestic abuse can access support, make calls to specialist charities, and find safety away from their abuser.

Hestia, the specialist domestic abuse charity that runs the safe space initiative nationally,  has confirmed Nationwide now leads the financial services sector in physical safe space provision, with 475 locations available across Nationwide and Virgin Money branches, and 82 of these in locations where Nationwide are the last branch in town.

The announcement comes as England prepares for its first FIFA World Cup 2026 game this evening against Croatia. Statistics show that during Euro 2024, police forces recorded 351 domestic abuse incidents classified as football-related – an 82 per cent increase on the 193 recorded during Euro 2021. 

Researchers at Warwick Business School separately found that alcohol-related domestic abuse reports rose by 47 per cent on the day of an England victory at a World Cup or European Championship – meaning a win offers no protection for survivors.

Support for people impacted by domestic abuse:

Throughout the World Cup, Nationwide is backing Hestia’s #SupportIsATeamSport campaign, which encourages people to recognise the signs of abuse and download Bright Sky – a free, confidential app offering practical advice and access to local and national support services. The app also helps users find their nearest Nationwide or Virgin Money Safe Space and provides guidance on how to support someone safely. Customers can also locate their nearest Nationwide Safe Space using Nationwide’s Branch Finder.

Alongside its expanded Safe Spaces network, Nationwide offers a comprehensive package of support for those experiencing abuse, including a partnership with leading domestic abuse charity Refuge, providing specialist advice and emergency support. People can also access Shout, a free 24/7 confidential mental health text service, available around the clock.

For those experiencing financial and economic abuse – one of the most controlling forms of domestic abuse – Nationwide has introduced a pioneering in-app payment reference blocking feature, enabling survivors to stop seeing abusers threatening or coercive messages through bank transfers.

Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide, said: “We urge anyone experiencing abuse to reach out – our in-branch Safe Spaces are here to support you.

“We know that a bank or building society might not be the most obvious or conventional place to turn in a moment of crisis, but through our charity partners and the tools we have built, there are real, practical things we can do to help people get the support they need.

“Colleagues across more than 600 branches have participated in our domestic abuse awareness training, because no one should face this alone.”

Sue Harper, Deputy Director | Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Prevention at Hestia said: “Hestia’s Support is a Team Sport campaign shines a light on domestic abuse during men’s football tournaments.

“While football does not cause abuse, we know that existing abusive behaviour often intensifies on match days. Heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption can escalate harm, leaving victim-survivors dreading match days and feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“This summer, we all have a role to play. We can help people feel less alone and ensure they get the support they need. That means being alert to the signs of abuse, downloading the Bright Sky app, and checking in on those who may be at risk- before, during and after games”.

Anyone concerned about themselves or someone they know can visit a Nationwide or Virgin Money branch Safe Space, text Shout – the free mental health text service – on 85258, contact Refuge at nationaldahelpline.org.uk, or call them on 0808 2000 247.

OMNi gives toys a second chance as Toy Hospital arrives ahead of Toy Story 5

Free Toy Hospital Pop-Up comes to OMNi this weekend

Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is set to give beloved toys a new lease of life this weekend (20 – 21 June),  as it hosts the Leith Toy Hospital for the very first time. Offering free toy repairs for local families.  Coinciding with the buzz around Toy Story 5, visitors can bring along their well-loved teddies and dolls  for expert TLC. 

Run by skilled toy surgeons, the Toy Hospital based in Musselburgh specialises in soft toy and doll  repair and restoration, giving cherished toys a new lease of life.

Visitors are invited to bring along teddies or dolls in need of repair to OMNi on 20 and 21 June where the Leith Toy Hospital team will be  on hand to carry out first aid style repairs, along with prescription cards for toys needing further work offsite.  

The pop-up toy hospital service is free of charge and charity donations for OMNi’s charity partner  Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) are welcome on the day. 

Neil Mackie, OMNi Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted to host Leith Toy Hospital’s expert team for the first time at OMNi.

“Offering  free toy repairs is a fantastic way to give back to our community and bring families together  around something truly special.” 

Mari Jones, director of Leith Toy Hospital, added: “Favourite toys become part of the family, and just like Woody and Jessie, they each have a  story to tell. It’s an honour to care for these treasured companions so that their stories can  continue for many years to come.” 

The free pop-up will take place from 10am-4pm on the 20th and 21st June, with no booking required.  Free on-the-day repairs will include seam repairs, stuffing top ups, surface cleaning and sprucing up  of fur. 

The family fun doesn’t stop there… OMNi will continue its family entertainment into July, with money saving offers and a free craft station to keep little ones busy.

For full details, visit the OMNi website and join OMNi on its social channels for latest information and behind the scenes content: Instagram,  TikTok and Facebook.

OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including  Bank Holidays.

Volunteers needed in Edinburgh city centre this Armed Forces Day

Can you help?

Leading charity Poppyscotland is calling for volunteers to help man collection stations during Armed Forces Week in Edinburgh later this month.

Volunteers are being sought at both Waverley and Haymarket train stations in the city centre on Saturday, 27th June and Sunday 28th June, as well as at the Armed Forces Day parade at St Andrew Square on Saturday, 27th June. 

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 22nd June, when the public show their appreciation for the Armed Forces community. 

Poppyscotland requires volunteer collectors during Armed Forces Week to allow the charity to continue the valuable work they do in helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces.

There are roles that suit a range of interests and experiences, and no matter how much time you can spare, you will make a difference. 

Volunteers will be ably looked after, supported and trained by dedicated Poppyscotland staff. But, most importantly, the chance to make a real difference is there for the taking. 

Sean Walsh has been volunteering with Poppyscotland for six years. The 20 year old said: “I volunteer at various events throughout the year, including at Armed Forces Day. Sometimes I can manage full days and other times I sign up for a couple of hours at a time due to my busy shift patterns at work.

“I know that even a few hours can make a real difference.

“I really enjoy my volunteering with Poppyscotland, you definitely feel part of something bigger!

“It’s a very straightforward process too – I sign up online, where I get all the information I need.”

If you would be interested in volunteering at any point over the weekend of Saturday, 27th June or Sunday, 28th June, then please sign up now at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/armed-forces-day.

For more information on Poppyscotland and how we can help, please visit, www.poppyscotland.org.uk

St John Scotland unveils 300th Public Access Defibrillator in Edinburgh

St John Scotland has unveiled its 300th Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in Edinburgh city centre, marking a major milestone in the charity’s work to improve access to lifesaving equipment across the city. 

The defibrillator was officially unveiled by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2026), a fitting moment to recognise the dedication and commitment of St John Scotland’s Edinburgh volunteers, whose efforts help make communities in the city safer every day. St John Scotland is now working with the local area to identify the best location for it.

PADs play a crucial role in improving survival rates from out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest. Having a defibrillator nearby, and people confident enough to use it, can make the difference between life and death while emergency services are on their way. For every PAD St John Scotland help place, volunteers provide CPR and defibrillator training to the hosts.

The installation of the 300th defibrillator in Edinburgh reflects years of sustained effort by St John Scotland volunteers in the city, working alongside local partners, communities and supporters to identify gaps in provision and help make lifesaving equipment more accessible.

The unveiling also recognised the long‑standing support of Mike Pinkerton, whose work with St John Scotland has raised over £20,000 to support the expansion of community lifesaving initiatives across Edinburgh.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “This impressive milestone is a testament to the power of community action and the incredible long-standing support for St John Scotland.

“Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators across Edinburgh is a fantastic achievement that the city can be truly proud of. It reflects the dedication and generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters who give their time to help protect lives in their communities. Across the city St John Scotland public access defibrillators have been used to save lives.”

“I hope this success inspires even more organisations and community groups to get involved and explore hosting a Public Access Defibrillator at their building. “

John Craig, Edinburgh Chair of St John Scotland, said: “Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators in Edinburgh is a huge milestone for us, but it’s one that simply wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers.

“From installing and maintaining defibrillators to delivering training and raising awareness in their communities and much more, their commitment saves lives every day. It’s especially fitting to celebrate this during Volunteers’ Week.”

Mike Pinkerton said: “I know how lucky I am to still be here and to be able to do my bit for such a worthwhile cause. I’m also lucky to have had such great support from St John Scotland and their incredible team of volunteers.

“Of course, we hope these defibrillators are never needed but the truth is they will be and, when they are, we know we’re giving someone suffering a cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival.”

St John Scotland’s volunteers give thousands of hours each year to support communities across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, delivering essential CPR education, transporting vulnerable patients to and from vital treatment and helping to build confidence in lifesaving skills.

With the support of existing host organisations across the city, St John Scotland has been able to expand access to lifesaving equipment in local communities. The charity is aiming to inspire more businesses, community groups and local organisations to host future defibrillators.

The charity continues to work towards its goal of safer, more resilient communities, ensuring that defibrillators are not only available, but visible, accessible and supported by training.

All registered PADs can be found at https://www.defibfinder.uk/

St John Scotland is encouraging people across Edinburgh to consider placing a PAD in their local area. Find out more at: 

https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/public-access-defibrillators

Edinburgh Castle to host outdoor production of The Three Musketeers

Adventure, swashbuckling and intrigue will take centre stage as Crown Square at Edinburgh Castle is transformed into an outdoor theatre for a production of The Three Musketeers later this month (Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June). 

Visitors are invited to experience a rip-roaring adventure that will see the Musketeers cross swords with the scheming Cardinal Richelieu and the dastardly Milady de Winter.

Caught up in a whirlwind of excitement and romance in 17th century France, will D’Artagnan and the Musketeers be able to recover the Queen’s jewels and restore Her Majesty’s honour in time? 

The production, based on the 1844 novel by Alexander Dumas and staged by theatre company Illyria, will be the first outdoor theatre performance at Edinburgh Castle in recent times. Visitors can take in the views of Edinburgh as they make their way to the top of the castle for an evening of thrilling entertainment in Crown Square. 

Theatregoers should bring their own seating and are encouraged to dress accordingly for forecasted weather conditions. Theatre company Illyria specialises in outdoor performances, and the show will go on, rain or shine.  

Shona Burns, Assistant Visitor Events Manager at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We cannot wait to get swept up in adventure by The Three Musketeers here at Edinburgh Castle. Visitors are in for a fantastic show, and there is no better backdrop to the dazzling storytelling on display than the walls of this iconic heritage site in the heart of the city.   

“Live theatre is just one of the incredibly exciting ways that visitors and locals alike can experience Edinburgh Castle during the warmer months, with a variety of outdoor events and performances scheduled throughout the summer.” 

Oliver Gray, Artistic Director of Illyria said: “Outdoors, with good company, good food and a glass of something bubbly is a much less formal way to enjoy theatre, and there’s something truly unifying about actors performing, and audiences listening, all under the same sky.”

Further information about The Three Musketeers and how to buy tickets can be found at edinburghcastle.scot. 

Hve you seen Hollie?

Police Scotland is appealing to the public to help trace 15-year-old Hollie Thompson, who is reported missing from Grangemouth.

Hollie was last seen walking in the North Bridge and West Regent Street areas of Edinburgh city centre around 5pm on Friday, 5 June, 2026.

She is described as around 5ft 1 in height, of slim build with long brown hair. When last seen, Hollie was wearing a grey leather jacket, a pink top with cherries on it, black leggings and leopard print shoes.

Inspector Thomas Gorman said: “We are looking to trace Hollie who hasn’t been seen for around 24 hours now.

“She was last seen in Edinburgh city centre however several hours have passed so she could have travelled away from that area.

“I would ask anyone who may have seen Hollie, or has any information on her whereabouts to contact Police Scotland, on 101, quoting reference 2912 of 5 June, 2026.”

Edinburgh residents invited to shape the future of walking in the capital

Living Streets Edinburgh to host special speakers and community discussion on 11 June

Residents from across Edinburgh are being invited to attend Living Streets Edinburgh’s annual public meeting on Thursday 11 June, bringing together campaigners, community leaders and local people passionate about making the city safer, healthier and more accessible for walking.

The event will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh (EH1 2JL), and is free and open to all.

Attendees will hear from two guest speakers who have made significant contributions to creating people-friendly places and improving public health:

  • Malcolm Fraser, architect, cyclist and pedestrian advocate, known for championing the renovation of existing buildings and promoting development that serves local communities.
  • Helga Rhein, former GP and trustee of B Healthy Together, who has campaigned extensively for healthier neighbourhoods and improved pavements in Broomhouse.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for Edinburgh residents to share their experiences, identify walking-related problem hotspots across the city, and help shape Living Streets Edinburgh’s priorities for the coming year.

The organisation will celebrate a number of recent successes, including helping secure reduced waiting times at 24 standalone pedestrian crossings and supporting the pedestrianisation of the Lawnmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

David Hunter, Convenor of Living Streets Edinburgh, said: “Walking is the most accessible form of transport and one of the simplest ways to improve our health and strengthen communities.

“We’re delighted to welcome Malcolm Fraser and Helga Rhein to this year’s meeting, and just as importantly, we want to hear directly from Edinburgh residents about their experiences and ideas.

“We’ve seen real progress over the past year, from shorter waiting times at pedestrian crossings to more space being given over to people rather than traffic. But there’s still much more to do.

“Whether you’re a regular campaigner, a local resident concerned about a particular street, or simply interested in making Edinburgh a better place to walk, I’d encourage you to come along and join the conversation.”

Living Streets Edinburgh is the local branch of the UK’s charity for everyday walking and works to improve conditions for pedestrians across the city.

Event details:

Living Streets Edinburgh Annual Public Meeting
Thursday 11 June
6.00pm – 7.30pm
Friends Meeting House
Victoria Terrace
Edinburgh EH1 2JL