city centre – Page 15 – The NEN

The original Elephant House Café set to reopen four years after devastating fire

£150,000 ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign launched
Appeal for ‘fandals’ to support restoration

The original world-famous Elephant House Café, renowned as the birthplace of Harry Potter, is set to reopen following a devastating fire that forced its closure four years ago.

Today, the owners have announced an ambitious restoration plan, including the launch of the ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign to help bring the beloved literary landmark back to life.

A must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans worldwide, The Elephant House Café became famous for being one of J.K. Rowling’s favourite writing spots in the early days of the series.

Fans from across the globe flocked to the café to soak up its magical atmosphere and, in true Potterhead tradition, scrawled messages of admiration, quotes, and artwork in the toilets – a spontaneous tribute that became an iconic feature of the café’s history and a symbol of the love people had for the café and the stories born within its walls.

As part of the fundraising efforts, the café owners are now appealing for the graffiti ‘fandals’ to support the crowdfunder for the opportunity to come back and leave their mark again.

“The Elephant House has always been a home for writers, dreamers, and fans of literature,” said David Taylor, owner of The Elephant House Café. “The fire was a heartbreaking loss, but the passion and enthusiasm from fans have been overwhelming.

“The scale of the devastation caused by the fire in such an historic building in the heart of a world heritage site means restoration is complex. We are determined to bring back this special place, and with the ‘Restore the magic’ campaign, we hope to unite the community and fans worldwide to help us rebuild.”

The restoration project aims to preserve the charm and legacy of The Elephant House while modernising it to create an even more welcoming space for writers, readers, and coffee lovers.

The fundraising campaign will offer multiple ways for supporters to contribute, including exclusive merchandise, sponsorship opportunities, and donation tiers that allow fans to leave their mark in creative ways within the rebuilt café.

The crowdfunder is now live at Restore The Magic: Rebuild The Elephant House | Indiegogo

Pop-Up Vinyl Lounge brings soulful sounds to the heart of Edinburgh

ST JAMES QUARTER SESSIONS

This August, St James Quarter is turning up the volume for music fans with the launch of its first-ever pop-up Vinyl Lounge during the opening and closing weekends of the St James Quarter Sessions – the city’s only FREE music festival.

From 15th August, the Everyman Cinema will host the first evening of the Vinyl Lounge before the music moves to Level 1 Guest Services from 16th-17th and 21st-24th August.

Visitors can browse an eclectic selection of second-hand and new vinyl covering everything from Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Latin, to Ska, Reggae, Dub, World, Experimental, Soundtracks, Bollywood, and Library Music.

The experience will be soundtracked by live DJ sets on old-school vinyl decks throughout opening hours.

The opening weekend (15th–17th August) will be curated by La Beat Soul Club, one of Edinburgh’s most-loved soul nights. For over seven years, the La Beat trio – Brian, Gavin and Ross – have been bringing high-energy soul sessions to venues across the city. Now, they’re bringing their deepest crates and infectious energy to their biggest venue yet at St James Quarter.

The closing weekend (21st-24th August) sees Umbrella Vinyl take over. Since opening their Tollcross store in 2022, founders Laura, Josh and Nick have built a community hub for vinyl lovers, known for its inclusive atmosphere and environmentally conscious ethos. Their carefully curated range spans genres from Afrobeat to Soundtracks, reflecting the founders’ Hong Kong roots and broad musical tastes.

The pop-up Vinyl Lounge is the latest addition to the St James Quarter Sessions line-up. Happening during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the city’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, this year’s St James Quarter Sessions programme sees over 60 acts including The BrandNew Heavies, Bemz, Tamzene, and Cortney Dixon performing across the impressive, canopied development, including the Level 6 rooftop, with panoramic views of Scotland’s capital and castle – providing one of the most unique festival stages in the UK.

Susan Hewlett, Festival Creator at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter Sessions is about celebrating music during the Festival, and our Pop-Up Vinyl Lounge is the perfect way to do that.

“Whether you’re a seasoned record collector or simply curious to explore the shelves, you’ll find an incredible mix of music, atmosphere, and community. Partnering with local legends La Beat Soul Club and Umbrella Vinyl means we’re bringing together some of the city’s most passionate champions of vinyl culture – all under one roof.

“We can’t wait for visitors to dig through the crates, discover new sounds, and enjoy the magic of music on vinyl in the heart of the city.”

The Vinyl Lounge is open from 5pm – 10pm in the Everyman Cinema on 15th August and from 12pm to 8pm on the 16th-17th and 21-23^rdAugust before its final day on Sunday August 24^th from 12pm – 6pm in the Level 1 Guest Services.

Don’t miss your chance to dig through crates of incredible records, discover hidden gems, and experience the soulful soundtrack of St James Quarter Sessions.

For more information, please visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/st-james-quarter-sessions/

Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend Legion Scotland VJ Day service

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH COMMEMORATE VJ DAY 80

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among a host of dignitaries and special guests who laid wreaths to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day yesterday (Friday).

Held within the Scottish National War Memorial, the Duke and Duchess attended the special service, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland and led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, and were joined by the Rt. Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Veterans, Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President, Royal British Legion Scotland, Colonel Patrick O’Meara QAM, Poppyscotland, Elaine Edwards, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sue Raw, War Widows Association, among others.

As well as paying homage to those who lost their lives during the war, those in attendance heard the stories of World War II veterans Bill Ramage, Whitson Johnston and Jack Ransom, all of whom have since sadly died.

The trio had previously spoken about that day on 15 August, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and how it was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the war was finally over.

Also present at the event was Jenny Martin, whose mother was pregnant when she was captured by the Japanese in the fall of Singapore in 1942, and was born a Far East prisoner of war spending the first three years of her life in captivity.

Charmaine McMeekin, the daughter of British Army Officer and author of The Railway Man, Eric Lomax, and Nigel Robb, the son of Flt Sgt George Deuchar Robb from the 117 Sqn RAF, who flew Bristol Beaufighters in India were also in attendance.

Music was performed by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Edinburgh Voices choir and Piper, Ronan Gilchrist.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It’s hugely important that we commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day, a day that marked the end of six years of world war.

“We were honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance, as well as World War II veterans and their families, especially in such a historic setting as the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.

“We hope others stop and take a moment of reflection today to remember the importance of VJ Day 80 years on.”

Music on the Mezzanine returns to Central Library

MUSIC ON THE MEZZANINE RETURNS

Music on the Mezzanine, Central Library’s programme of free Saturday lunchtime concerts, returns for a new season on Saturday 30 August at 1pm.

Ten fortnightly concerts throughout the autumn will feature new performers and groups you have asked to see and hear again.

Kicking off the 2025/26 season is Music on the Mezzanine favourite Django’s Swing. This Edinburgh-based, jazz-guitar duo will perform a programme of Gypsy Swing in the style popularised by Django Reinhardt in 1930s Paris.

Find out more about the programme on our blog, Tales of One City:

https://talesofonecity.wordpress.com/…/music-on-the…/

And book tickets via our Ticket Source page:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-central-library

or book in person at the Music Library desk.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 30th August!

#freelunchtimeconcerts

#newseason

Underbelly Raises Over £15,000 From 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit

The seventh annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £15,203 adding to the previously raised amount of £700,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.
9 acts performed for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Ivo Graham, David O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Abandoman, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi, Garry Starr, Ahir Shah and Bella Hull.

Underbelly today announces the 7th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £15,203 for The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

A stand-out in Underbelly’s 25th Anniversary programme, the one-off show hosted by Ivo Graham featured performances from O’Doherty, Michelle Wolf, Celya AB, Emmanuel Sonubi, Garry Starr, Ahir Shah, Bella Hull and Abandoman in his only Fringe performance of 2025. 100% of profits (ticket income less box office commissions and other costs related to the event) from this promotional venture will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity.

The Big Brain Tumour Benefit 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. At the end of August in 2019, Alfie sadly died, aged 7.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’d like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who performed in, and attended Underbelly’s 7th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit last night.

“It makes me immensely proud that together we have raised more than £15,000 with donations going to a specific research project to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of paediatric brain tumours.

“Our goal is to raise £1.5 million for this project through a series of special fundraising events such as Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit. Together we can continue to raise vital funds for research and awareness so that nobody’s life expectancy is dictated by their tumour.”

Sally King, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We’re thrilled that this year’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised over £15,000 and want to thank everyone for their incredible support and generosity.

“This event is a true highlight of Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – uniting us in comedy to raise awareness and vital funds – and we are hugely grateful to the team at Underbelly for their unwavering commitment to helping us defeat brain tumours.”

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 underfunded compared to many other cancers.

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 is committed to improving the lives of everyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

To find out more about the vital work that they do and to get help from their support services, please visit www.thebraintumrcharity.org or call their Information and support line on 0808 800 0004.

Further donations to the fund are welcome by visiting the link here:

https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QVV19ZDB?utm_campaign=pdf&utm_medium=print&utm_source=qr

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show.

For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here.

Citizen Writers at the double!

BUSY night tonight for Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Adult Citizen Writers, who have back-to-back engagements this evening.

The group will be performing stories on the Together We Repair theme at 7.15 in Venue B and will then nip along to Venue NW to participate in the popular Stories and Scran community event at 8.15pm.

EIBF PROGRAMME NOTES:

Together We Repair

We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that stories help us make sense of our world. We’ve challenged local writers and poets, this year, to respond to 2025’s Festival theme: Repair.

Join us as we bring them together to perform their work: a patchwork of ideas on how to make the world a better place. Today featuring writing and performances from the Book Festival’s Citizen Writing Group.

Stories and Scran celebrates the dynamic and thought-provoking work created by communities across Edinburgh and beyond.

Expect diverse and creative talent from the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group and Citizen Collective, plus a special performance from Dance Base’s Prime Elders Dance Company.

And Scran Academy are back to serve up a delicious, sweet treat you can enjoy during the event.

Tickets for Together We Repair are fully allocated but a limited number of tickets may still be available for Stories and Scran (pay what you can). Check EIBF website for info.

Words From The Wards: The Exhibition

FREE EXHIBITION AT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

The Gallery, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

Last year, through our Words from the Wards project, we asked the people of Edinburgh to share stories about the former Royal Infirmary, to honour the experiences and memories that people connect with the building’s previous life.

Following the success of the project, we worked with Edinburgh College of Art students to illustrate the collected stories.

Join us to view the stories and illustrations side by side in our new festival gallery.

The Gallery, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

Exhibition runs until 17th August from 10am – 9pm daily

From Capitol to the Capital!

The United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps bring USA history to this year’s 75th Anniversary Tattoo

Against the iconic backdrop of the Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Castle, The United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps enjoy a tour of Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens ahead of their next performance at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Making their Tattoo debut, and wearing uniforms dating back to 1784, the United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps bring a wealth of history to help celebrate the 75th Anniversary Show this year.

As the US Army’s oldest active infantry regiment, their performance pays a special tribute to the US Army’s 250 years of service, proudly honouring the traditions that accompanied the birth of the United States of America.

The United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will perform on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade each night throughout this year’s 75th Anniversary Show, which runs until 23 August 2025.

Tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.

Serious assault on Guthrie Street: CCTV image released

Police Scotland has released a CCTV image of man they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries into a serious assault that occurred on Guthrie Steet, Edinburgh at around 1.30am Monday 14, July 2025.

The man is described as white, of slim build, aged 18-24 years old, with short dark hair. He was wearing a red jumper, dark coloured shorts and dark coloured trainers.

Detective Constable Lindsay Johnston, of Corstorphine CID, said: “We would encourage this man, anyone who may recognise him, or anyone with information about this incident to get in touch.

“If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0344 of 14 July 2025.

“Alternatively, make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Graham Norton returns to Virgin Radio for a one-off special broadcast, live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Graham Norton is making a triumphant return to Virgin Radio for a one-off Sunday special, and Virgin Red members can be part of it. Broadcasting live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Sunday 24 August, this intimate event promises to be a highlight of the Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival’s final weekend.

From 10am to 1pm, Graham will step back into his beloved mid-morning slot, hosting a very special show from the vibrant Commons Club Bar. Expect his signature wit and warmth, surprise celebrity guests, and a lively atmosphere to match the energy of the Fringe Festival in full swing.

Graham Norton shared his excitement saying, “I’m so looking forward to catching up with all the Virgin listeners and thrilled that we are going to be celebrating the legendary Edinburgh festival from the heart of the city. The whole thing feels like an end of summer treat!”

This is not just any radio broadcast, it’s an exclusive event for Virgin Red members. A limited number of tickets are available to purchase for 25,000 Virgin Points each, giving members the chance to witness the radio icon in action, up close and personal.

Guests will enjoy delicious food and drink from the acclaimed Virgin Hotels Edinburgh kitchens, all included in the ticket price. This is your chance to see Graham, soak up the festival vibe, and enjoy a luxury weekend experience in the heart of the city.

Tickets are available via the Virgin Red app, but act fast – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

This broadcast marks a world-first for Virgin Radio. This is the first time a show will be hosted from a Virgin Hotel. And where better than Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, a striking blend of history and modern luxury, set within the iconic India Buildings on Victoria Street?

With views of Edinburgh Castle and just steps from the Royal Mile, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the perfect setting for Graham’s big return. The Commons Club Bar, with its plush interiors and buzzing energy, will become the live studio for this one-of-a-kind event.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is famed for its character and comfort. From its 222 Chambers and Suites to its modern dining experiences at Commons Club and Eve. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan of the Fringe, this hotel is the ideal base to explore Edinburgh’s creative spirit.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to welcome the legendary Graham Norton broadcasting live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh during the electrifying Edinburgh Fringe Festival! With the city in full swing of creativity, energy, and culture, there couldn’t be a more perfect setting for Graham’s sensational return to Virgin Radio.

“It’s an honour to host such an iconic talent, and we’re beyond excited to treat our guests and Virgin Red members to an unforgettable, up-close experience. Graham’s signature wit and charm are sure to light up the Commons Club Bar, making this one of the standout moments of the entire 2025 festival!”

Virgin Red, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Radio are coming together to create a truly unforgettable moment. All you need to do is show up, relax, and enjoy the show.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red/spend-virgin-points/graham-nortons-virgin-radio-broadcast-from-virgin-hotels-edinburgh-20883

Terms and conditions apply, see link above for full terms.