Category: city centre

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society launches revamped 2022 Street Events

This year’s celebration of street performance will feature new locations across the city centre, supported by a new Street Performer Charter, and partnership with TikTok

Today, 22 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch a revamped and expanded street events offering for 2022, in the festival’s 75th anniversary year.

In addition to the long-established performance areas on the Royal Mile and the Mound Precinct, this year’s street events will also take place at new locations in East Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk, and Cathedral Square outside St James Quarter.

Visitors to the street events will be able to follow a route taking in each of the performance sites following a map within the official printed Fringe programme. The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the second year.

The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and Creative Scotland, and the launch follows last week’s announcement of the Fringe Society’s new partnership with TikTok, which supports the expanded street events programme.

With activation planned across these sites, TikTok will provide a ‘taster stage’ in both St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square, where artists from registered Fringe shows can perform short snippets of their shows, giving festivalgoers a free taste of their performance.

TikTok will live stream from these stages, enabling artists to be found by digital audiences from around the world. On the Royal Mile, two new screens will stream the TikTok content, and will also be available free to registered artists to promote their show digitally, via digital posters on the screens.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “We are excited to reveal our new and expanded plans for this year’s Street Events, one of the most visible aspects of the Fringe, enjoyed by audiences every year. The new route will allow audiences to meander through Edinburgh’s majestic Old Town and New Town, while enjoying artists in different locations.”

As part of today’s launch, the Fringe Society has also published the Street Performer Charter, a set of values shared by the Fringe Society and the street performing community, as represented by the Street Performers’ Council.

The Charter, which includes commitments from the Fringe Society and street performers, will facilitate fair, open decision making between the two groups. Among its various commitments, the Charter works towards increasing accessibility of street events, taking social responsibility for pay, sustainability goals, and improving health, safety and mental wellbeing among street performers.

Shona McCarthy continued: “I’m incredibly pleased to see the publication of the new Street Events Charter, developed in collaboration with the Fringe Society, and the street performer community.

“The Fringe and street events are within each other’s DNA and part of the cultural heritage of beautiful Edinburgh. This collective step establishes a great template to work more collaboratively at ensuring the Fringe is the best possible version of itself for the next 75 years, both for artists and residents.”

A spokesperson for the street performing community said: “The street performer charter marks a new chapter in what we anticipate will be an artist-led street festival for the people of Edinburgh and its many visitors to enjoy.

“We are excited to be working with the Fringe and their partners, to keep alive the long history of street performance that is at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe, as we celebrate 75 years.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of the Fringe street events. It is an integral part of the festival, providing audiences with the chance to connect with performances and get a taste of the Fringe for free.

“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events, and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan and enjoy experiences like the street events that stir the emotions and elevate your mood.”

James Stafford, Head of Partnerships & Community at TikTok, said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique moment that brings together emerging artists in a celebration of creativity.

“Our partnership places TikTok’s global community at the heart of the iconic festival, and celebrates our joint belief that creativity is for everyone. TikTok is the home of entertainment and creativity and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to discover new artists, collaborate, and be inspired.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is a welcoming cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.

“It’s a privilege to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and we look forward to hosting some of the amazing street events on Cathedral Square.”

Diageo’s Rainbow Network invites LGBTQIA+ hospitality workers to join Pride with Purpose workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Diageo’s hospitality skills programme, Learning for Life, is hosting a tailored ‘Pride with Purpose’ one-day workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street during Pride month, designed to support and upskill LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and LGBTQIA+ community hospitality workers.

The tailored course will be delivered by Learning for Life partners Springboard and will directly address the challenges that those working in LGBTQIA+ venues or LGBTQIA+ employees might encounter with sessions on positive drinking (DRINKiQ session), inclusive language, inclusive service and an introduction to cocktails masterclass. 

The concept was proposed by members of the Diageo global Rainbow Network, which exists to ensure that the talents and contributions of all Diageo LGBTQIA+ employees are respected, valued, and embraced.

The network maintains both an internal and external focus, supporting one another in the workplace to foster an environment where all employees can bring their whole self to work, while also considering the connection, outreach and social impact that they can have within the broader community in which Diageo operates.

Jorgie Hunt, Keg Plant Manager, and Jack Malcolmson, Business Improvement Project Lead for Brewing, Co-Chair the Supply Chain & Procurement Rainbow Network in the UK and played an important role in developing the partnership with Diageo Learning for Life to create the Pride with Purpose workshop concept.

Jack Malcolmson said: “Diageo’s purpose is to Celebrate Life, Every Day, Everywhere, and Championing Inclusion and Diversity is at the heart of this. The Rainbow Network is one of many Employee Resource Groups in Diageo, and functions to celebrate, and advocate for, members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the business and beyond. 

“We’re celebrating Pride 2022 with an incredible calendar of events. The “Pride with Purpose” workshop, developed in collaboration with Learning for Life and Springboard, is an incredible opportunity for us to engage with LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and workers, providing them with new skills and qualifications, and showcasing the work Diageo are doing in the I&D and DrinkIQ spaces. LGBTQIA+ venues have faced particular hardship through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m incredibly proud that we’re able to support them in this way.”

Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, which began in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2008 and has since expanded across the globe, provides vital training and experience and a route into the hospitality sector.

With a focus on adult education, Learning for Life in the UK has traditionally focused on offering opportunities to young unemployed people, with skills programmes covering key areas within the hospitality industry implemented in partnership with local educational, governmental, and training organisations.

Gillian Dalziel, Learning for Life Programme Manager for Diageo in the UK, said: “It’s really important for us to bring this workshop to the LGBTQIA+ hospitality community over Pride as it demonstrates our support and allyship and really helps us live our purpose by championing inclusion and equality throughout the hospitality industry.

“We wanted to make sure that we delivered a programme that would be truly valuable to those who wanted to attend and would benefit from the resources we have available to us at Learning for Life to help create more positive relationships and experiences for employees in their day-to-today work. I encourage anybody that is interested to get involved.”

The Learning for Life Pride with Purpose workshop is open the anyone aged 18 or over and is free to attend. It will take place on 27th June.

To register please visit: https://form.jotform.com/221561837049964

Serious crash in City Centre: Motorcyclist charged

Police have confirmed that a 33-year-old man has been charged following a serious road crash involving a motorbike and a pedestrian.

The incident took place on Queen Street, at the junction with Frederick Street, around 10.30am on Sunday (5 June, 2022).

The pedestrian, a 13-year-old girl, was taken to hospital for treatment. The man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with further information on the incident should call police on 101, quoting incident 1334 of 5 June 2022.

New Coffee and Cocktail Speakeasy to launch in Native Edinburgh 

An exciting new speakeasy is being launched in the capital next month. 

As part of a major refurbishment for boutique aparthotel group, Native, the imaginative concept called Counter will serve coffee by day and cocktails by night in a new hidden destination bar in the heart of the city centre. 

The Counter at Native Edinburgh will be home to a curation of eclectic food and events, highlighting local produce in the daytime and spotlighting homegrown talent at night. 

Late summer programming will see Native hosting everything from neo-soul jazz nights, record listening to spoken word poetry, and the venue will shine a light on up and coming creatives from around the city, including artists, writers, musicians and more. Native Edinburgh will soon become the capital’s best-kept secret with speak-easy vibes and cocktails galore. 

Their drinks menu has local collaborations with Edinburgh drink specialists Mothership HQ and Base Spirits Collective, which will see innovative cocktails like Pocket Negroni and Hippy Fizz available alongside craft sodas from Bon Accord and locally-sourced coffee from Red Squirrel. 

Counter will also serve a range of bespoke bagels, sandwiches, treats and moreish snacks as part of their offering. 

Opening later in the month in Native, when all the new hotel refurbishments are complete, Counter will welcome all guests including non residents from 11am until 1am. 

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home. The 1790s constructed building is the perfect example of the Neoclassical and Georgian architecture in the area.

The Counter at Native Edinburgh will open later in June. 

For more information on Native aparthotels, head to:

https://www.nativeplaces.com/property/native-edinburgh/ 

CCTV image released in connection with Hive nightclub assault

Police Scotland has released an image of a man officers believe may be able to assist in relation to enquiries into a serious assault in Edinburgh.

The incident happened at The Hive nightclub in Niddry Street around 1.35am on Friday, 10 September, 2021.

The man (pictured above) is described as white, aged in his early 30s, of medium build and with short hair. He has a distinctive tattoo sleeve on his right arm and another tattoo on one of his calves. He was wearing a baseball cap, a light-coloured t-shirt or polo shirt and shorts.

Detective Constable Craig Moran, of Edinburgh CID, said: “I would urge the man, or anyone who has information relating to him to make contact with the police.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0205 of Friday, 10 September, 2021, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously.”

Football and dining experience TOCA Social is coming to St James Quarter

St James Quarter has let 30,000 sq ft of space to TOCA Social, the world’s first interactive football and dining experience, combining immersive football-based gaming with modern Americana-inspired cuisine.

The new brand launched its first venue at The O2 in London last year (above), boasting three bars, selfie booths, arcade machines and a Willy Wonka inspired dessert room, and has since announced expansion into Birmingham and even Dallas in the US.

TOCA was founded by Eddie Lewis, a two-time U.S. World Cup and former MLS and English Championship midfielder who developed the TOCA Touch Trainer, a ball machine that is the centre of all TOCA experiences.

The latest signing at St James Quarter will further cement the lifestyle district’s position as a new entertainment, culture and fashion hub that merges seamlessly with the city’s cultural offering and events calendar. Blending the ancient spirit of the city with the dynamic and cosmopolitan soul of the new, it will be yet another reason to visit Edinburgh.

TOCA Social will add 22 boxes and 2 bars in Edinburgh, while supplementing the other nine event spaces at St James Quarter that will host an array of fashion and music events.

Ed Corrigan at St James Quarter, commented: “TOCA Social has been something of a phenomenon since launching last year, their venues and the interactive experiences they offer have proved immensely popular.

“We expect them to be a key fixture for social activities both for local residents and visitors to Edinburgh.”

Alex Harman, President at TOCA Social, added: “We are delighted to launch our next TOCA Social venue in Edinburgh. St James’s Quarter is an amazing addition to the city centre and is the perfect home for our first venue in Scotland.

“TOCA Social gets everyone up and playing – whether competitively or just for fun, alongside world class food and drinks. It’s been a huge hit since we launched at London’s The O2, and we can’t wait to bring it to Edinburgh next year!”

St James Quarter supports local charities with daring challenge

St James Quarter is calling all daredevils to kick off their shoes and test their nerves by signing up for an adventurous charity walk over broken glass in aid of two local charities on Sunday 12th June.

Taking place on Register Square outside the Galleria, brave participants will have the chance to break out of their comfort zone and support the vital services carried out by Deaf Action and Cash for Kids with all proceeds going towards the vital work they do.

St James Quarter is encouraging friends and families to come along and support on the day with St James Quarter colleagues also rising to the challenge to take part in the seven-foot-long glass walk, with some even giving their feet a makeover for the occasion.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “It’s an honour to be working with two amazing charities that do so much to help others. I’m ready to roll up my trousers, get my toenails painted pink and brave the glass walk in the name of a good cause.

“The whole St James Quarter team is excited to be getting behind this daredevil challenge and we hope to raise as much money as possible for Deaf Action and Cash for Kids. We’re encouraging everyone who can to sign up and join us for what is set to be an experience to remember.”

For more information and to register go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-james-quarter-glass-walk-tickets-304715591537

Registration costs £22.50 and there’s a minimum sponsorship required of £150. Participants will also attend a 90-minute workshop with Firewalk Scotland prior to the glass-walk.

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George announces St Columba’s as it’s Charity Partner for the year

InterContinental Edinburgh The George has announced St Columba’s Hospice Care, a world-leading hospice providing services around Edinburgh and the Lothians, as its charity of the year.

Chosen by hotel staff, the year-long partnership launched on Wednesday (4th May), and will raise vital funds for the charity with the introduction of new ‘invisible’ items on the menu at the hotel’s food and beverage outlets.

Guests at the Printing Press Bar & Kitchen will be able to add invisible chips (£5) to their bill, while visitors at Burr & Co will be able to add an invisible coffee (£3) to their order, with all proceeds going directly to the charity. Guests visiting for corporate and business events will also have the option to add £5 to their package, which could pay an invisible coffee break for a nurse.

This support will help the independent charity’s efforts to provide palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

St Columba’s Hospice Care provides free, world-leading hospice care through dedicated support in homes and local communities, a state-of-the-art hospice in Scotland’s capital city, as well as working with partners on education and further research.

Amanda Southey, Corporate Development Manager, St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen as InterContinental Edinburgh The George’s Charity of the Year.

“We rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue providing our vital services to patients and their families – so this partnership is really important.

“We’re excited to see what the year brings, not just in terms of fundraising, but the awareness this will help bring St Columba’s Hospice Care as we aim to deliver the best possible care and support to all the families across Edinburgh and the Lothians that need us.”

Stephanie Lee, Director of Sales, InterContinental Edinburgh The George, said: “We are so proud to partner with St Columba’s Hospice Care, a charity chosen by our staff because many have known the incredible services offered by the hospice and its team.

“Knowing that the funds raised will be used to reach more families gives us great motivation to raise as much money as we can, and we are proud to support such a deserving local cause.”

Poppy Quest challenges walkers to discover Edinburgh’s hidden gems

Young detectives have dusted off their maps and magnifying glasses for a 10k treasure hunt around Edinburgh’s city centre.

Veteran Fraser Rowand, from Granton, joined Poppyscotland to launch its first ever Poppy Quest, with his wife Susan, and children Rebecca, 11, Lucy, 10, and George, 8,

They are challenging people of all ages to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 11th and is open to individuals, groups and families. Walkers will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city.

There will also be a special competition for teams of cadets, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.

All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Mr Rowand, a former Lance Corporal in the Scots Guards, served two tours of Afghanistan, and now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, in Edinburgh. He said: “The services Poppyscotland provides are really vital. Many veterans find it hard to adjust to ‘Civvy Street’, so we need to make sure support is there when they need it.

“We’re really looking forward to Poppy Quest – it’s a great way to spend time together and see Edinburgh in a new light.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and a chance to rediscover this great city. We’re encouraging families, groups and individuals of all ages to challenge themselves, stretching their minds and legs and finding hidden gems along the way.

“Starting in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic en-route. Participants are welcome to bring their four-legged friends as well.

“Intrepid teams of cadets can also join the race against the clock to complete the course with all questions answered correctly.

“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work with Scotland’s Armed Forces community. As we emerge from the pandemic, veterans and their families need support more than ever, whether that’s with housing, employment, or mental or physical health.

“No one who has served their country should be disadvantaged, and we want to make sure Poppyscotland is always there when they need us.”

Registration costs are £16 for adults and £5 for 13-18 year olds, while children aged 12 and under are free. All participants will receive a Poppy Quest medal, t-shirt, map and quiz, as well as a unique pin badge for those who raise over £100. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Street Assist Edinburgh celebrates six year anniversary

On 15th April 2016, 23 people launched a project to help protect others. We obtained the loan of a vehicle, designed a logo on the back of a napkin and used a lot of donated money from the volunteers to start the project.

We sat underneath a bridge at King Stables Road and offered a drop-in service on a converted bus, on occasions being able to walk or attend calls using our own cars.

This was done all with the aim of helping others and reducing the pressure on the emergency services.Fast forward six years, we now have a fleet of 5 vehicles, a team of 140 registered volunteers, an agreed amount of regular funding, have delivered copious amounts of training, wear a standardised 4 piece uniform and employ 1 paid member of staff.

Most importantly, we have safeguarded thousands of people from harm, eased the workload of the Scottish Ambulance Service and Edinburgh Police Division, reduced the number of people attending at A&E and have on at least 2 occasions, contributed to saving peoples lives.

The demand on our service has increased dramatically, now dealing with double figured jobs almost every night we’re operational.

We thrive in being able to relieve the workload of the Police and Ambulance Service, by providing the services we do and although he would argue otherwise, the success is primarily down to the hard work and perseverance of our charities director Neil, who was fought tirelessly to keep us going through challenging times. All of the team are extremely grateful for his contribution.

As we celebrate our 6 year anniversary weekends🥳, we would like to say a wholehearted thank you to everyone that’s made our success and development possible, in both the past and present times💚.

#HereToHelp

#SixYearAnniversary