This Easter, bring together loved ones at Le Petit Beefbar for the ultimate family celebration. Enjoy a delicious jazz Sunday roast followed by an egg-citing Easter egg hunt that will put a spring in the whole family’s step.
Split a selection of delicious sharing plates to start – from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the signature bao buns and tempura insane rock corn with sriracha mayo – before feasting on the classic slow roasted black Angus beef striploin served alongside a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, carrots, broccolini and roasted shallots covered in a rich, bone marrow gravy.
The roasted free-range chicken is served with Beefbar sauce and all the trimmings while vegetarians can enjoy the game-changing New Meat Redefined Meat bavette for their main course.
Toast to the bank holiday with the Cottontail Kick, a delicious chocolatey sensation made with the Easter festivities in mind. The special cocktail combines a classic espresso martini with an extra dash of chocolate, Bailey’s, and a tasty chocolate bunny on the side.
Children of all ages are invited to take part in a delightful egg hunt throughout the Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel and Le Petit Beefbar in honour of Easter Sunday, with delicious chocolate to be claimed when the Le Petit Beefbar eggs are found around the hotel.
Police Scotland have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Friday, 17 February, 2023 at around 5:50pm at St Cuthbert’s graveyard near King Stables Road.
Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The man is described as white, aged between 35 – 40, approximately 5ft. 9 inches in height, with a stocky build and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark green or black woolly hat with a thick grey jacket with pockets on the front.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3194 of 17 February 2023. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Lothian list MSP Foysol Choudhury yesterday – the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade – reaffirmed his commitment to campaigning for Scotland to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in its past.
Mr Choudhury attended a Remembrance Ceremony in Edinburgh’s St. Andrew Square Gardens, where the Melville Monument stands to Henry Dundas. A replacement plaque, which explains Dundas’ role in slavery and recognises those who suffered enslavement as a consequence, has recently been installed on the Monument after the original was taken in September 2023.
Also in attendance were the Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Rt.Hon. Lord Provost, Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Irene Mosota and Professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
Mr Choudhury says the Remembrance Ceremony and its link to the recent replacement of the plaque was a reminder of the importance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
MSP Choudhury said: “Today, we remember those who were the victims of slavery, including the more than half a million Africans whose enslavement was a consequence of Henry Dundas’ actions in deferring the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade.
“This day should be a reminder of the horrors of the past and a resolution to never let this past repeat.
“Sadly, we are clearly still facing people who are trying to silence history and who removed the original Melville Monument plaque which exposes Dundas’ actions and remembers victims of slavery.
“In removing the plaque, a site of education and remembrance was removed-we must be resolute in maintaining these education sites to address historical prejudices and educate the public on parts of Scottish history which have caused decades of hate, racism and discrimination.
“I am glad that the replacement plaque was in place for today’s poignant and important Remembrance Ceremony, as a mark that we must take strides forward in our fight to address Scotland’s historical role in slavery and colonialism and build trust from the communities who this past has affected.”
Mr Choudhury also noted his support for Councillor Cammy Day’s comments that “we will not allow the actions of a minority to derail the important ongoing work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in our city”.
MSP Choudhury said he would continue to work on highlighting the importance of education to address historical injustices such as slavery and colonialism perpetrated by Scotland and the effects of this, such as racism, which still exists in modern-day Scotland.
Mr Choudhury concluded: “I hope that this important work continues to build a more equitable, just future for Edinburgh and Scotland which addresses past wrongs and their modern-day consequences.”
Sir Geoff Palmer, the Honorary President of Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), of which Mr Choudhury is the Chair, played a significant role in the installation and the replacement of the Plaque which is dedicated to the slaves who were enslaved by Henry Dundas’ gradual abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
Sir Geoff commented at the event: “Today you’re witnessing a wonderful act of democracy, a wonderful act of equality and fairness because our Government decided an individual had no right to remove a memorial plaque for people who suffered the most profitable evil the world has known.”
Sir Geoff concluded by quoting Robert Burns, saying that enslavers are “Hands that took but never gave. And we had today, hands that gave and did not take.”
Family-owned luxury jewellers, Laings, has opened a second TAG Heuer boutique in Scotland, situated in the prime luxury retail location of Multrees Walk in Edinburgh.
The new store, which opened on Friday 15 March, follows the successful launch of Scotland’s first mono-brand TAG boutique in September 2023 located on Buchanan Street.
The new Edinburgh store has created seven local jobs for the area, including a store manager and sales assistant roles.
The selected unit, which spans more than 130m², displays the brand’s latest pieces, including the iconic Carrera Collection.
The boutique features a wall-mounted, 3D Porsche sculpture showcasing the long-lasting partnership between the iconic brands. Created by local artist, Katy Sawrey (@katysawreyart) the sculpture incorporates her trademark vibrant interpretation of the Scottish landscape and unique style, complementing the brand’s bold offer and nodding to its racing heritage.
Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings, said: “The opening of our Edinburgh mono-brand boutique is not only a testament to our strengthening partnership with TAG Heuer, but further demonstrates Laings investment into the trend of mono-brand boutiques, which offer a focused, more immersive experience that many of our clients look for.
“We are proud to introduce Edinburgh to a new, state-of-the-art retail destination, with our interactive display area alongside the excellent customer service and diverse offering clients have come to expect from the Laings and TAG Heuer names.”
Rob Diver, managing director of TAG Heuer UK and Ireland,said: “Following the success of our previous TAG Heuer boutique in partnership with Laings, it was only natural to expand into Scotland’s capital with them – we look forward to homing TAG Heuer in the prime location of Multrees Walk and seeing where this valued partnership will take us next.”
The opening of the Edinburgh boutique is part of Laings’ wider multi-million pound investment to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches.
Commenting on the new opening, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen, said: “Multrees Walk is home to many leading and exclusive lifestyle brands, and we are thrilled to welcome TAG Heuer to our portfolio.
“The new TAG boutique will provide a unique and special shopping experience, bringing exceptional watchmaking, technology and innovation to Multrees Walk.
“2024 is an exciting year, as we continue to grow the retail offering by welcoming a number of high-end luxury retailers on board.
“With an enviable location, Multrees Walk provides an exceptional shopping experience in the heart of Edinburgh housing many exclusive fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Michael Kors and we look forward to welcoming more throughout the year.”
EDINBURGH’S WALKING, WHEELING AND CYCLING TRENDS REVEALED
The biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland
Half of Edinburgh residents want to see more spent on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the city, according to a new report.
The biannual Walking and Cycling Index, delivered in partnership between Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council, draws on independent survey feedback from a cross-section of more than 1,200 residents in the Capital, surveyed in 2023.
Today Sustrans joined the City of Edinburgh Council to officially launch the Index with a panel discussion on access to walking, wheeling cycling in the city.
Amongst the findings, the report shows that 50% would like to see more spent on cycling while 57% want investment in walking and wheeling and 68% support an increase in spend on public transport. Almost half of residents want to walk and wheel (45%) and cycle (49%) more too, along with a quarter who want to use public transport more, and improved infrastructure is key to this.
Regular walking and wheeling remains as high as 2021, with two-thirds of people travelling by foot or wheel five days a week. The annual number of cycling trips has increased to 30.7 million from 24.4 million in 2021, although the number of residents cycling at least once a week dropped slightly from 26% to 22%.
The majority of residents think their local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach – with more and easier to access shops and everyday services (say 79%) and parks and greenspaces close to home (according to 78%) amongst the incentives to walking and wheeling more.
Sixty-nine per cent agree they can already get to many places they need to visit without having to drive.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As ever, the Walking and Cycling Index makes an extremely interesting read, and it’s thanks to the many people from all parts of the city who took part in the survey last year.
“Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, as demonstrated by the many people who already regularly walk, wheel and cycle here. However, what’s clear from the Index is that there’s still much to be done to encourage even more people make the shift to travel on foot, wheel, bike or, in some cases, public transport.
“Thankfully, we’re on the right track, with an ambitious programme of development underway which will transform the way people travel around the city, and the results of the Walking and Cycling Index reassure us that we have the backing of Edinburgh’s residents to invest in these kinds of changes.
“The majority of residents think local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, and we will consult on this approach via our proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant.
“From our recent ban on pavement parking to the completion of the City Centre West to East Link, as well as longer term plans like the tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter and City Centre Transformation, we’re working to make Edinburgh a truly people-friendly city.”
Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
“There is clear evidence that people in Scotland’s capital want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often. The recent ban on pavement parking in the city is a huge step forward, but the Index also shows that people living in Edinburgh want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.
“The latest Index results show that The City of Edinburgh Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”
Other findings in the Index include inequalities and varied perceptions of walking, wheeling and cycling amongst different groups. Twenty-eight per cent of men cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of women, while the proportion of white residents who walk or wheel at least five days a week (67%) is higher than people from ethnic minority groups (55%).
Participants in the survey shared their views on the kinds of improvements that would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more. Some of the changes that would encourage people to travel by foot or wheel are fewer cars parked on pavements (67%), nicer places on streets to stop and rest (71%) and wider pavements (68%).
Seventy-three per cent said more traffic free cycle paths away from roads and 65% highlighted segregated cycle paths on roads as improvements that would help them to cycle more, while 58% support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.
The report also emphasises the benefits already being delivered by people walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital. By taking up to 160,000 cars off the road every day, each year they help prevent 1,314 serious long-term health conditions, create £262.6 million in economic benefits and save 42,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m glad that a replacement plaque has been installed this morning. Since the original plaque was stolen last September, I’ve been clear that we will not allow the actions of a minority to derail the important ongoing work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in our city.
“Following the refusal of the Melville Monument Committee to return the original plaque, we filed an official report with Police Scotland in October. This investigation is ongoing, and our legal team will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We’ll also be seeking to recover the costs of this replacement plaque from the Melville Monument Committee.
“We’re rightly proud of the steps we’ve taken to properly address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.
Chair of ESCLRIG, Irene Mosota said: “Today is a really significant milestone for our city, with the return of the plaque to the base of the Melville Monument. It’s only through properly acknowledging and exploring our collective past that we can address the challenges of the present and putting ourselves in a strong position to shape a positive future.
“This is a very exciting time for ESCLRIG as we now look towards implementing the recommendations of the independent review. Together, I’m confident that we can forge the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh that we can all be proud of.”
Edinburgh Council, together with Sir Geoff Palmer and heritage experts, agreed the wording for a new plaque which was installed on the monument in 2021, to expose Dundas’ role in slavery and to recognise those who suffered enslavement as a consequence. The new replacement plaque has the same wording.
Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian, supported the retention of the plaque after a descendent of Dundas submitted a planning application to remove it last year.
Following the news that a replacement plaque was installed yesterday (18 March) Mr Choudhury commented: “I am glad a replacement plaque has now been installed on the Melville Monument.
“We cannot allow people to silence history – we must address Scotland’s past and build the trust of communities across Scotland who are affected by modern-day consequences, such as racism, of this past.
“The removal of the plaque was a step backwards in our fight to address Scotland’s historical role in slavery and colonialism and caused severe damage to trust from the communities who this past has affected.
“I’m glad that a replacement plaque has now been installed to address historical prejudices and educate the public on parts of Scottish history which have caused decades of hate, racism and discrimination.
“I hope that this important work continues to build a more equitable, just future for Edinburgh and Scotland which addresses past wrongs and their modern-day consequences.”
A new exhibition inspired by Scottish fishing communities and seascapes of the North East will go on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the TRACS programme during Edinburgh Tradfest from 3 May to 15 June 2024.
Artist Stephanïe Vandëm imaginatively combines oils and mixed media materials salvaged from harbours, beaches and shipyards to create large-scale works that evoke the linkages between the communities of the North East of Scotland and their fishing heritage.
Drawing from the rich traditions of Renaissance and Latin American art, FISHING will present 13 semi-sculptural works that explore the pressing environmental and identity concerns of our time.
Rubber gloves, ropes, nets, buoys, and crab shells are used to give tri dimensionality and texture to the works. Plastic sushi fish drained of their soy lifeforce cling to the surfaces making us ponder their infinite life expectancy and the material’s detriment to all sea and land-living creatures.
Screws, nails, and other metal bits left by the artist’s late husband populate the paintings’ surfaces recreating the colours and textures of a busy shipyard. Pinecones turned into lobster tails; twigs turned into crab’s eyes all used to create compositions that connect us emotionally to Time, Identity, Heritage, and the Environment.
Artist Stephanie Vandëm explains: “My work is firmly rooted in classical principles, merging time-tested oil painting techniques and semi-abstraction, to pressing contemporary themes and universal human struggles, resulting in monumental semi-sculptural paintings.
“The pieces resemble an archaeological find sedimented in cement, sand, metal and found objects. They create puzzles, connecting the personal, political, and spiritual elements of my own life and practice. Aberdeenshire’s motto, ‘from mountain to sea’ inspired me throughout this collection.”
Sculptural pieces in the exhibition include boxes encased in sand, cement and the ‘bones’ of a metal creel looking like they have been hauled from the sea depths, bearing witness to the many lives lost across generations and continents.
The tactile and playful nature of the work invites audiences to interact with it by moving the ropes and nets, to create new images and build stories within stories to explore beneath the surface layers leaving space for personal interpretations.
Steve Byrne, Director of TRACS said: “As someone who grew up on Scotland’s east coast, I was immediately struck by the familiarity and strong imagery of Stephanie’s work.
“It resonated with me and the sense of place I feel about that part of the world. I recognised the shapes and colours of the kind of work taking place in harbours up and down the coast that have been a key part of local communities for decades.
“In celebrating the contribution of fisher folk, the exhibition gives voice to those involved in a precarious industry that has so much heritage, tradition and craft to explore, which often mean a great deal to fisher folk and their families.
“The works also challenge us to think about our impact on the environment through the inclusion of shore finds, opening up conversations around sustainability.
“At TRACS we look forward to helping safeguard that living heritage and lore, the traditions and customs of fisher communities through our developing work with Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland.”
The exhibition will also be complemented by information panels on traditional craftwork related to fishing communities, in partnership with the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther.
About the artist
Brazilian by birth and educated in Paris, London, New York, and Florence Stephanïe Vandëm worked extensively abroad before settling in the Northeast of Scotland. Her style lies between realism and abstraction, painting and sculpture with a strong sense of narrative derived from the artist’s Latin American roots.
The artist’s creative practice is a fusion of videography, soundscapes, installations, social media participation and mixed-media that creates engaging and powerful contemporary pieces.
With some awards under her belt, Stephanïe Vandëm works in her studio between the mountains and the sea in the idyllic Scottish countryside. The artist’s strong background in the world of portraiture also sees her work on many private commissions, including painting the formal portrait of the Bishop of Aberdeen.
Her pieces can be found in many national and international private collections such as the luxury Fife Arms Hotel, owned by international art dealer Iwan Wirth.
FISHING is part of TRACS’ (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) programme of events showcasing Scotland’s traditional arts and cultural heritage.
TRACS has been recently appointed as an advisor to UNESCO on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland and this exhibition showcases ICH in practice through highlighting the unique ways of life, practices, and rich folklore of fishing communities on the east coast of Scotland.
Britain’s largest noodle bar chain is adding two fantastic new flavours to its menu this March
CHOPSTIX, the nation’s favourite noodle bar, has added two hot new tastes to its menu for food fans across the UK.
The chain has added a sweet new special, Apple Spring Rolls, and a sizzling side dish of Salt ‘n’ Pepper Cauli Bites to its roster of tasty treats.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to get their hands on the apple-flavoured offering, a dessert-focused take on the classic Asian dish which pairs crispy spring rolls containing a sweet apple filling with a sweet caramel dipping sauce.
Vegetarians will also be pleased with the new additions, with the addition of crispy coated cauliflower bites dusted with Chopstix famous ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepper’ seasoning.
Both of the brand new options will be available to buy in any of Chopstix 110 stores across the country, including the chain’s latest openings in Lincoln and London Victoria.
Offering fresh flavours and a new spin on the classic takeaway, Chopstix has quickly become one of the UK’s most popular quick service chain restaurants.
As well as classic dishes like Sweet & Sour Chicken and Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, Chopstix has a range of unique tastes including the spicy Firecracker Chicken with a fiery garlic and chili seasoning, and fan favourites like Chicken Katsu Curry and the restaurants signature Caramel Drizzle Chicken.
Rob Burns, MarketingDirector for Chopstix, said: “We’re always looking for new flavours to bring to the thousands of Chopstix lovers across the country.
“Both of the two new dishes add something totally different to our menu, giving more options that will really tingle the taste buds for anyone that loves Asian-style cooking.
“New dishes like the Apple Spring Rolls or the Salt ‘n’ Pepper Cauli Bites are why people keep coming back to Chopstix. It’s flavour done right in a way that you just can’t find at any other fast food restaurant.”
The noodle bar’s popular dishes are also available to order from Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, or through the Chopstix app.
Edinburgh Tradfest has launched its 2024 programme of traditional music, storytelling, film, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events taking place at various venues across the city, thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and from the William Grant Foundation.
Over the 11 days of the Festival, hundreds of international and Scottish musicians, storytellers and artists will perform, kicking off on Friday 3 May with live music from electronica supergroup VALTOS, headlining a bumper line-up of musicians including Assynt and Josie Duncan at the Queen’s Hall.
Also playing on opening weekend is multi-award winning folk singer and guitar master Martin Simpson, and Scandi-fiddlers Nordic Fiddlers Bloc. Plus, Hands Up For Trad’s concert to celebrate #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay takes place on Sat 4 May – the day when people all around the world are invited to record, video and upload themselves playing a strathspey to social media.
And, the city’s annual May Day Parade on Sun 5 May will leave from the Castle at mid-day and finish at The Pleasance where there will be a rally, music and stalls.
Other international musicians headlining at this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest include raucous fiddle folk duo Lena Jonsson from Northern Sweden and Brittany Haas from Northern California; Canada’s finest fiddle quartet The Fretless joined by award-winning folk singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger; LA-based singer-songwriter Alice Howe (appearing with Freebo); and Irish fiddler ClareSands. Closer to home Everyone’s Welcome toEdinburgh, this year’s new commission with tunes and songs from the capital city is curated and arranged by award-winning fiddler Robbie Greig. It will be performed by some of the most talented musicians in Scotland – Ciaran Ryan, Duncan Lyall, Hannah Rarity, Jenn Butterworth, and Signy Jakobsdottir.
Other huge Scottish talents joining the line-up are Julie Fowlis who will close this year’s festival at the Assembly Rooms with special guests Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr; Gaelic supergroup Dàimh; velvet harmonies from fresh new electro-trad band Birdvox (Inge Thomson, Charlotte Printer, Jenny Sturgeon, Sarah Hayes); Triptic formed from three members of Moishe’s Bagel (Greg Lawson, Phil Alexander and Mario Caribé); and a whole host of talented new musicians and soloists including BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist 2024 Evie Waddell.
At the Scottish Storytelling Centre the festival continues with storytelling and spoken word events including premieres of Rickle O’ Stanes a tale about Scotland’s land and the layers of history on which we stand today with storyteller Shona Cowie, musician Neil Sutcliffe and dramaturg Liam Hurley; old tales from Lithuania and around the world brought to life by Daiva Ivanauskaite and musician Gaynor Barradell in Fire from the Woods a new production exploring the silence between generations and life growing up without hearing stories from your ancestors; and Welsh storyteller Milly Jackdaw presents Mochyn Mryddin / Merlin’s Pig a fusion of traditional storytelling, physical theatre, music and ceremony based on the life of Myrddin, the inspiration for Merlin in Arthurian legend.
Plus, there will be ceilidhs, tales told around the hearth, and poetry including singer/songwriter John Hinshelwood’ssensitive musical interpretations based on a selection of Emily Dickinson’s poems.
The Folk Film Gathering returns to Edinburgh Tradfest this year with a selection of films from around the world including the Scottish premiere of Songlines. This film celebrates the songs and singers at the heart of the Irish traveller community.
The South African film Mapantsula features a petty gangster who becomes caught up in the growing anti-apartheid struggle of the late 1980s.
There are two films from Ukraine – the silent masterpiece Earth (1930) directed by Alexander Dovzhenko and accompanied by Scottish musicians Luke Sutherland and Semay Lu, and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors – a tale of crossed lovers introduced with a short concert from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.
Later in the Festival there will be a screening of Tale of the Three Jewels a film by Michel Khleifi, which tells the story of young Yussef living in Gaza and portrays the resilience and the horrors endured by Gaza’s children. This film will be introduced by Palestinian/Scottish poet Nada Shawa.
There will also be a screening of Je’Vida the first ever film made in the Skolt Sámi dialect (only spoken by around 300 people today) about the bonds of ancestry and the resilience of indigenous peoples. Je’Vida will be introduced by music from Finnish musicians Lau Nau and Pekko Käppi, who produced the film’s score, and who will also perform a one-off concert at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Fri 10 May.
From Scotland there will be two films by Mike Alexander: Down Home and As An Eilean (From the Island); a premiere of Itu Ninu – an indigenous science fiction film shot in Edinburgh which tells the story of two climate migrants stuck within a dystopian ‘smart city’; and a screening of To See Ourselves a moving portrait of grass roots organising during Scotland’s independence.
Plus, over at the Scottish Storytelling Centre there will be a screening of Journey to the Isles: Marjory Kennedy Fraser, an archive film with live accompaniment from storyteller Marion Kenny and multi-instrumentalist Mairi Campbell; and The First Wave by Kate Sweeney and Roma Yagnik accompanied by stories, songs, and reminiscences of living in a coastal town during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, from Berwickshire Coastal Arts.
For younger audiences there will be a Jaunt Round Auld Reekie told through music, comedy and puppetry performed in Scots and English by one of Edinburgh’s newest community theatre companies Ceilidh Crew; mask-making ahead of the May Day Parade; an arts and crafts storytelling session celebrating the magic of Beltane; and a Family Ceilidh.
There will also be a book launch of Yum: written in Scots by author and storyteller Susi Briggs; and the opportunity to take part in the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin (EYG) – a three day workshop programme supported by the William Grant Foundation.
This traditional music workshop programme for 13-18 year olds will be led by some of Scotland’s finest musicians, and culminates in an exclusive performance during Edinburgh Tradfest. In addition, there will be two taster workshops in April this year, for those new to being in the EYG Big Band and making music with others.
Other workshops held during the festival include traditional Zimbabwean singing with Bruce Ncube who specialises in teaching traditional songs from Zimbabwe in 3 to 6 part harmonies; Scottish dance and song traditions led by Evie Waddell; a fiddle workshop with renowned award-winning music educator Anna-Wendy Stevenson; and song-writing with renowned singer and composer Karine Polwart.
Plus, the Traditional Music Forum will present an interactive and fun workshop for musicians who want to be better storytellers on stage, led by storyteller Svend-Erik Engh.
Returning this year is the festival’s popular Rebellious Truth lecture presented in collaboration with Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh, which will feature a talk and performance by legendary folk musician and broadcaster Archie Fisher both in-person andlive-streamed.
Plus, from 3 May until 15 June there will be a new exhibition FISHING: by Dutch artist Stephanïe Vandëm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre which combines oil painting and mixed media materials salvaged from the shoreline to creatively evoke the linkages between the communities of the North East of Scotland and their fishing heritage.
The exhibition will open with a performance of songs from Doric harmony singers Tripple about the living heritage of fishing communities on Scotland’s east coast.
Speaking at Wednesday’s launch,Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer, Creative Scotland said: “Edinburgh Tradfest continues to celebrate the city as a key part of Scottish traditional music year on year, nourishing Edinburgh’s musicians as well as their traditional music audience to ensure the capital can continue to be a place to see and experience some of the finest traditional music in Scotland.
“Alongside an appreciation and celebration of legends like Archie Fisher and Julie Fowlis, Edinburgh Tradfest also paves the way for the next generation of artists through the Edinburgh Youth Big Band and the ETF spotlight concert which will shine on four bright young acts. The packed programme has something for everyone and allows audiences to bask in a range of excellent artists.”
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “We are thrilled with the 2024 line-up for Edinburgh Tradfest – surely the best yet.
“We’re particularly happy to welcome the Folk Film Gathering back into the fold for the first time since the pandemic. Now we really are back to full power! We are extremely fortunate to work with partners who have the same ethos as ourselves and work very hard to deliver world class events at an affordable ticket price.
“We want as many people as possible to enjoy the best traditional arts from Scotland and around the world. Please check out the full programme online, and we look forward to welcoming you in May.”
Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager, Scottish Storytelling Centre said: “Edinburgh Tradfest is a highlight of our calendar in the Scottish Storytelling Centre and we’re delighted to be involved once again.
“There are some excellent storytelling performances on offer and a variety of traditional arts activities, including many family events, for all to enjoy. The days will be getting longer and there is much to celebrate in this wonderful Tradfest programme!”
Jamie Chambers, Folk Film Gathering said: “We are really excited to be back in step with our friends at Tradfest, to further explore the links between cinema and traditional arts from around the world.
“There is a lot of music in our programme (including a new score for the Ukrainian silent masterpiece EARTH from visionary Scottish composer Luke Sutherland, and a special appearance from Finland’s folk musicians Lau Nau and Pekko Käppi), and we think audiences will have great fun finding links between our programme and the exciting main body of events that Tradfest have put together.”
Musician Phil Alexander from Triptic said: “As a new band (formed of very old friends!) we are delighted to be a part of Tradfest, and especially pleased to be playing at the launch.
“Tradfest is a glorious and imaginative celebration of traditional music in all its diverse forms, and Triptic is proud to stake our claim within it!”
Edinburgh Tradfest 2024 will run from Friday 3 May – Monday 13 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Are you thinking about setting up your own business? Or maybe you’re already your own boss and want to learn more about how to grow and scale your company? Next week, Virgin StartUp is coming to Edinburgh to host a free Founder Meet Up event.
On Wednesday 20 March at 6pm, Virgin StartUp will be coming to the Virgin Money store on George Street to chat about all things entrepreneurial. The Meet Up event is a great way to meet other budding founders in the area, to share advice, make connections and inspire you to take the next steps.
Jill and Steve Henry, husband and wife team and co-founders of Edinburgh-based outdoor clothing brand Meander Apparel, will be joining the conversation and sharing their experience of starting and scaling a successful business.
Meander Apparel started life in 2018 using a Start Up Loan from Virgin StartUp and the sustainable clothing brand is now targeting revenues of £1.5 million in 2025.
Virgin StartUp is Virgin’s not-for-profit hub for entrepreneurs and its team of experts will be on hand to answer all your questions about start-up funding, investment and business growth.
Virgin StartUp is one of the largest National Support Partners for the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. Since 2013, it has distributed more than £75 million in funding to more than 5,500 business founders and is aiming to distribute a further £36 million in Start Up Loans before the end of 2025.
Guests attending the Meet Up will also have the chance to win some exciting rewards thanks to Virgin Red, Virgin’s Group-wide rewards club. Virgin Red is bringing its Points Board to the Virgin Money store during the day, and there will still be prizes up for grabs in the evening.
Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, explains: “We know that Edinburgh is a hub for entrepreneurship as we’ve supported many talented early-stage business founders in the city over the years.
“I’m delighted that Jill from Meander Apparel can join us and I know she will have lots of fantastic insights and advice to share.
“Whether you’ve been running a business for a few years and are looking to scale, or you have an exciting idea for a new business and aren’t sure where to start, we’d love for you to join us.”
