Hidden Door 2025 takes place from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th June 2025, and we are now inviting artists to submit proposals.
We open up forgotten urban spaces for the public to explore and discover incredible music, art, theatre, film, dance, spoken word and more. In 2025 we will be transforming The Paper Factory, a huge industrial site in the west of Edinburgh.
You could be part of this immersive, multi-art-form festival celebrating new, emerging, and breakthrough talent in Scotland.
We are now seeking applications for Dance and Visual Art. The deadline is Sunday 26 January 2025.
We will open further calls for other art forms in the new year.
As homes across the country fill with festive joy, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is shining a light on three special residents, Rocco, Roy, and Bear, who are still searching for their forever families.
With the spirit of giving in the air, the Home hopes to find loving homes for these deserving dogs—and to remind everyone that for some pets, Christmas is just another day without a family.
Rocco (one year old, Lurcher): A gentle and playful soul who loves exploring the world and curling up for cuddles. Rocco’s sweet nature would make him the perfect companion for an active household that can offer him all the love he deserves. Rocco’s adoption profile
Roy (three years old, Border Collie): A big-hearted, cheeky boy who adores toys, treats, and adventures. Roy thrives in an environment where he can be the star of the show, with no other pets to compete for affection. Roy’s adoption profile
Bear (eight years old, American Bulldog): Bear is a staff favourite, with his puppy like personality he wins over everyone he meets. Bear’s affectionate nature and love for snuggles makes him the perfect couch companion. He also has a playful side and enjoys dashing around with his toys or learning new tricks, especially when treats are involved. Bear thrives in a quiet home with an experienced owner where he can run around in his own garden or relax if he feels overwhelmed. Despite his age, Bear is young at heart and will make a loyal and loving addition to the right family. Bear’s adoption profile
Rocco, Roy, and Bear’s stories come with a message of hope, as seen in the heartwarming journey of Maple, a rescue puppy who found her perfect home thanks to the generosity of supporters.
Arriving at the Home at just eight weeks old and suffering from severe Sarcoptic Mange due to neglect, Maple required intensive care. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover her treatment, and the community response was incredible. Today, Maple is thriving with her new family, who couldn’t imagine life without her.
Her owner, Hannah, said: “We can’t imagine our home without Maple now, she fits in perfectly. Maple is a cheeky girl who makes us laugh so much. She’s very vocal when she plays with her toys, and it gives us endless entertainment.
“We’ll forever be grateful to the Home for rescuing our sweet girl.”
Maple’s dramatic transformation is a testament to the vital role of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home in providing second chances to pets in need and highlights the importance of community support to make these happy endings possible.
As we indulge in the festivities, Rocco, Roy, and Bear’s stories remind us of the many pets still waiting for their chance at happiness. By adopting, donating, or supporting the Home in other ways, you can be part of creating more happy endings like Maple’s.
To find out more about Bear, Rocco, Roy, or any of the other Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home residents looking for homes, visit www.edch.org.uk.
This winter, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home aims to raise £134,500. Staggering operational costs mean that every penny raised will ensure that the animals of the Home are well cared for this winter and will also help to ensure more happy stories like Maple and the 281 rehomed and reunited pets this year.
Daily service costs at the home amount to £7,000. Donations of as little as £10 can provide essential vaccinations for a cat, while £150 could keep all the Home’s dogs warm for the day.
Founded in 1883, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been a lifeline for the community for over 140 years, relying entirely on public donations to sustain its vital work.
Britain has continued to step up global leadership on Ukraine during 2024, with billions of pounds worth of military, economic, and humanitarian support pledged and delivered.
As the government’s ironclad support continues into 2025, £4.5m is being announced today (Sunday) to aid Ukraine’s efforts in seeking justice for war crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The funding is designed to support Ukraine’s documentation, investigation and prosecution of war crimes, and complements the UK’s work with US and EU partners via the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.
Since the start of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and our support will continue to reach Ukrainians who need it most. On 4 February 2025, the Home Office will open applications for eligible Ukrainian visa scheme holders to remain in the UK for an additional 18 months under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
Those eligible can apply online, and the scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements as the existing Ukraine Schemes, to access work, benefits, healthcare and education.
Since the government took office, the UK has continued to step up support and international leadership on Ukraine, including a commitment to provide £3bn of military support to Ukraine every year for as long as it takes.
The government has accelerated the delivery of critical military support, provided crucial funding to help meet the Ukrainian people’s most urgent needs, trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops, and boosted international capability coalitions to provide equipment to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.
The UK has now provided Ukraine with more than 400 different types of military capabilities. These include the delivery of the first 100 of a package of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (announced in September) in recent days, as well as advanced maritime equipment through the UK-Norway co-led Maritime Capability Coalition to bolster Ukraine’s naval capabilities, which have proved critical in denying the Russian navy access to the western Black Sea and enabling Ukraine to restart grain exports.
Through the UK-Latvia-led drone capability coalition, the UK has enhanced Ukraine’s uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities, with work ongoing to provide more drones enabled by a further £7.5m investment announced in November for the latest drone technology.
During a visit to Kyiv on 19 December, the Defence Secretary announced a new £225M military package with a mix of funding from the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine and the UK’s own funding. The new package will increase Ukraine’s military capability with air defence systems, new maritime drones and boats, counter-drone technology, and munitions.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Throughout 2024, the fierce courage of the Ukrainian people has continued to inspire the world. As we enter 2025, the UK’s resolve to reinforce support for Ukraine is unwavering.
“I’m proud of UK leadership on Ukraine. From delivering cutting-edge equipment to training tens of thousands of troops, we have shown the UK stands with the Ukrainian people in the face of Putin’s brutal, illegal invasion. Because the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.
“This is underpinned by our £3 billion funding promise for Ukraine, next year and every year, for as long as it takes to enable the Ukrainians to defend themselves and restore their sovereignty, security and freedom.”
The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “While in Kyiv, I saw first-hand the inspirational bravery of the Ukrainian people. I’m immensely proud of the support this government is providing them as they resist Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
“The atrocities we have witnessed in Ukraine are unspeakable – there can be no lasting peace without accountability, and UK support will help Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes.
“As we look ahead to 2025, our message is clear: we will stand with you in war, we will stand with you in peace, and we will stand with you as you fight for your security and that of all of Europe.”
In the final week before the Christmas recess, the House of Commons passed the Third Reading of the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, which will enable the delivery of a further £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine, to be paid back by profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets.
The UK’s £2.26 billion loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine’s military spending, enabling the Ukrainians to invest in key equipment to support their efforts against Russia. It comes on top of the UK’s existing £3 billion a year military aid for Ukraine.
In July, the UK and Ukraine signed the Defence Industrial Support Treaty, expanding cooperation and enabling military equipment procurement through £3.5 billion in UK Export Finance-guaranteed loans.
Additionally, the UK administers the International Fund for Ukraine, which has seen over £1.3 billion pledged by international partners to date. This funding has enabled the rapid procurement of military equipment, including a £300 million artillery ammunition order.
The UK-led Operation Interflex also passed the milestone last month of having trained over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits since its launch in 2022. The programme, supported by 12 nations, has been extended throughout 2025, ensuring Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills before being deployed to the front line.
Alongside military aid, the UK Government has responded to the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian people and committed over £282m in bilateral funding to support humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction programmes over the 2024-25 financial year.
This includes £70m allocated for the Ukrainian energy sector as it endures relentless Russian strikes and at least £120m in humanitarian assistance through to the end of the financial year, complementing the UK’s facilitation of a further $1bn in World Bank lending for Ukraine.
The FCDO funding will provide Ukrainian authorities with Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) training, helping to ensure investigations and prosecutions take a survivor-centred approach. UK funding will also equip Ukrainian prosecutors and law enforcement officials with vital open-source information gathering skills, allowing them to more effectively collect evidence and build comprehensive legal cases.
This new funding will build on a range of existing UK-backed initiatives designed to support accountability efforts in Ukraine. To date, UK support has enabled hundreds of police officers, investigators, prosecutors and judges to work more confidently and effectively on complex investigations and forensic responses.
The new support package announced by the Defence Secretary John Healey on 19th December includes:
£39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint-procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Explosive charges to propel more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the dozens of AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided.
A £186m package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including:
£92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway.
£68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.
£26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary has also set out the five priority areas for UK defence support in 2025, underlining the government’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability; build on the success of Operation Interflex by enhancing the training offered to Ukraine; strengthen defence industrial cooperation; increase cooperation with our allies to support Ukraine; and increase pressure on Russia.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary have all been clear that the UK’s defence starts in Ukraine, and that providing military support is essential to promote both the UK’s national security and stability in Europe.
The Prime Minister has stressed that defending the country is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change.
Only 2% feel private parking companies enforce rules fairly
Two-thirds of drivers believe private parking ‘fines’ are excessive
Nine-in-10 don’t believe the private parking industry’s own code is fair to drivers
Drivers are frustrated that the Private Parking Code of Practice is still not in force five years after an act of parliament was passed to clamp down on rogue operators.
Eight-in-10 drivers (84%) questioned by the RAC* say it’s not right that, due to legal challenges from private parking operators and debt recovery companies, the official code still hasn’t been introduced.
Asked if private parking firms treat those who contravene parking rules fairly, only 2% of respondents agreed. Similarly, just 3% agreed with the statement ‘private parking companies charge a fair price and operate reasonably’.
More than half (55%) of those surveyed felt private parking companies’ enforcement policies were too heavy-handed, with 40% saying there is no justification whatsoever for the way they enforce their rules. This is undoubtedly why almost eight-in-10 (78%) believe private parking companies are only interested in making money from drivers. A fifth (18%), however, felt private parking operators were necessary to stop a parking free-for-all.
When questioned about the costs of parking charge notices issued by operators, nearly two-thirds (65%) say they understand fines were necessary but that they are excessive or disproportionate to the parking contraventions.
While the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is working to finally introduce the government-backed Private Parking Code of Practice, the two major private parking trade bodies – the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community – launched their own code on 1 October.
Not backed by law, the private parking industry’s own code differs substantially from the proposed official government code. In its survey of 1,847 drivers, the RAC discovered that nine-in-10 (87%) don’t trust the private parking industry’s code to be fair to drivers.
When introduced, the official Private Parking Code of Practice should put a cap on parking charge notice ‘fine’ amounts, a cap on debt recovery fees and provide a single independent appeals service for drivers to use should they feel a private parking company has wrongly rejected an appeal.
It will also force operators to follow a code of conduct, with those that don’t potentially losing the right to operate. The rules firms will have to follow include a robust appeals process, a means of identifying vulnerable customers, issuing parking charge notices lawfully and not misleading drivers, providing photographic evidence of contraventions, not engaging debt recovery companies too soon, providing clear signage and terms and conditions that are easy to understand.
When asked about the visibility of private parking signage – that which explains the charges drivers must pay when parking on private land, along with terms and conditions – a quarter (27%) of those surveyed by the RAC said they didn’t see the signage indicating charges. Just over a third (35%) said they saw and read it while almost four-in-10 (38%) admitted they saw it but didn’t read it.
Among those who read the signs, nearly eight-in-10 (76%) had issues with seeing or understanding it, with only a fifth (20%) saying the terms and conditions were both clear to see and easy to understand.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s blatantly apparent from our research that drivers continue to have severe misgivings about the way private parking companies operate and are therefore very frustrated that the official government-backed code of practice has still not been introduced more than five years after it became law.
“While this lack of trust may be partly addressed by the launch of the industry’s own code of practice, we suspect it’s unlikely to be enough as it’s not worded to be in the interest of drivers and, crucially, isn’t backed by law.
“We feel only the introduction of the real, government-backed code will bring much-needed fairness to the entire private parking sector. We badly need an acceptable cap on parking charge notices, along with a cap on debt recovery fees as, in our opinion, both are disproportionate to most parking contraventions.
“Finally, a truly independent single appeals system is needed for those who feel their initial appeal to the company concerned has not been listened to.”
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Thousands of state schools to receive boost as the VAT break for private schools ends, raising £1.7 billion a year by 2029/30
Next year there will be an additional £2.3 billion to help deliver the government’s education priorities, such as bolstering student skills, improving Special Education system and hiring 6,500 new teachers
VAT change marks next step to help achieve Prime Minister’s Plan for Change by giving every child the best start in life.
Thousands of state schools are set to receive a funding boost next year as the VAT break historically enjoyed by private schools ends on New Year’s day (1 January 2025).
The core schools Budget will increase by £2.3 billion next year and the VAT change will raise £1.5 billion next year, rising to £1.7 billion a year by 2029/30.
The Prime Minister’s Plan for Change has set out the priorities for government funding which includes giving children the best start in life, as a key milestone within the Opportunity Mission. As part of this Mission, the government is committed to hiring 6,500 new teachers, driving up standards and improving the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system.
Through the introduction of 20% VAT to all education services, vocational training and boarding services provided by UK private schools, the government is raising revenue which can help the 94% of school children who attend state schools and deliver on its mission to break down barriers to opportunity.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:“It’s time things are done differently. Ending the VAT break for private schools means an additional £1.7 billion a year that can go towards our state schools where 94% of this country’s children are educated.
“That means more teachers. Higher standards. And the best chance in life for all our children as we deliver on our Plan for Change.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:“High and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them, and we must build an education system where every child can achieve and thrive.
“Our ambitious Plan for Change sets out our clear mission to break the link between background and success and ending the VAT break enjoyed by private schools will provide much needed investment in our state schools, to help recruit and retain expert teachers.”
The policy sets out that any fees paid from 29 July 2024 – when the policy was first announced by the government – relating to the term starting in January 2025 onwards will be subject to VAT. This is expected to raise £1.5 billion in 2025-26, rising to £1.7 billion by 2029-30.
Where a private school in England has charitable status, the government will also remove their eligibility to business rates charitable rate relief from April 2025. The business rates change will raise around £140 million per year, bringing the total raised by these policies to £1.8 billion a year by 2029/30.
With the change coming in on New Year’s Day, the Chancellor visited the Harris Academy state school in London alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to talk to students and teachers about the government’s education priorities, including £1 billion for the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system, increasing per pupil funding in real terms and taking core schools funding to £63.9 billion in 2025-26.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns from 29 December 2024 into New Year’s Day, welcoming the world to party into 2025 at the ‘Home of Hogmanay!’
Launching the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival and signalling the start of global New Year celebrations, the Torchlight Procession will take place on 29th December from 18:30 hours from the Meadows.
If you have plans to attend any of the Hogmanay events please make sure to plan ahead , being mindful of weather forecast and travel arrangements.
For all the latest updates and FAQ’s regarding Edinburgh’s Hogmanay please visit:
10 weeks, 22nd Jan to 26th Mar 2025 from 3pm – 5pm.
Unleash your creativity and take your painting skills to the next level in this engaging and supportive class!
Price: £96.60 for 10 sessions (two hours each)
Course Overview:
This Painting class is open to anyone aged 16 and above who wishes to explore or deepen their painting skills, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or refining your techniques, this class provides a supportive and inspiring environment to develop your artistic voice.
Participants will learn foundational techniques, experiment with various mediums, and explore the interplay of colour, light, and composition.
Bradford to deliver a spectacular year of events in 2025, supporting a legacy of cultural regeneration and economic growth
2025 UK City of Culture expected to create 6,500 jobs across the district
Government provides £5 million cash boost taking total government support for Bradford to £15 million
Bradford is set for a major boost to economic growth including thousands of new jobs as final preparations are made for its year as UK City of Culture 2025, Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant has announced.
An additional £5 million in funding takes the amount of economic support for Bradford’s year to £15 million, helping the Bradford Culture Company deliver a programme of events and support a legacy of cultural regeneration.
It will also encourage the next generation of creatives with 6,000 training opportunities expected across the district and Bradford expecting to create 6,500 new jobs as a result of being UK City of Culture.
This includes opportunities to work in the Bradford Culture Company itself with more than 20 positions dedicated to people under 25 through apprenticeships and a Young Creatives scheme, which will help local young people gain valuable experience working on a national event of this scale.
This Government says it is breaking down barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change with investment and reform to deliver growth, creating more jobs, and rebuilding Britain in a decade of national renewal.
Today’s additional investment is helping to kickstart economic growth, investment and reform and the extra funding will go towards the development of key venues that will host next year’s events, such as Bradford’s touring venue – The Beacon.
It will provide key equipment for Bradford Theatres, who run one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, St George’s Hall, as well as Alhambra Theatre, The Studio, Kings Hall & Winter Garden and will support the development of new spaces for the National Science and Media Museum.
Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “I cannot wait to experience the spectacular programme of cultural delights next year that will tell Bradford’s story to the world, showing off the district’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic talent, from the Brontë sisters and David Hockney to artist Deepa Mann-Kler’s interactive cookbook celebrating Bradford’s best recipes.
“I am delighted to be able to announce this funding to help make Bradford’s dream a reality and ensure that everyone across the district has the opportunity to get involved in next year’s events, whatever their interests.”
Approximately 1,000 events will take place in 2025, developed alongside and in collaboration with local artists and creatives. They are expected to attract an additional 3.3 million visitors and bring in a visitor spend of nearly £140 million into the local economy over the course of the year.
It is also estimated that the increased cultural and economic activity as a result of being UK City of Culture 2025 could leverage and accelerate an extra £700 million of growth for the Bradford district by 2030, whilst helping to get more people involved in cultural events across the city.
More than 3,000 volunteers are being recruited to ensure that events run smoothly. This will boost civic pride as part of Bradford’s year in the spotlight by engaging communities right across the district and upskilling people wanting to get involved in events happening throughout the year.
Bradford’s programme of events will be a celebration of Bradford-born artists, writers, musicians, performers and local cultural organisations, many of which will be free to attend.
Highlights include an opening event curated by magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), a year-long celebration of drawing supported by David Hockney, the annual Turner Prize being hosted at Cartwright Hall, the immersive Marshmallow Laser Feast (experiential artist collective discovering our connection to the universe) at the newly reopened National Science and Media Museum.
There will also be a re-imagining of the Jungle Book by the Akram Khan company, a celebration of the sounds, stories and voices of the South Asian creative underground – Dialled In, visual artworks on display in the moorland that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and a residency with Opera North.
Dan Bates Executive Director at Bradford 2025 said: “By working together with DCMS we are not only creating new opportunities, but also equipping local people with the skills needed to thrive.
“This commitment to Bradford to enhance and develop its infrastructure, and ensuring our creative venues are accessible for all, will leave a lasting impact on generations to come. This investment is helping to shape a brighter, more dynamic future for Bradford and beyond.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council said: “It’s great to see more funding coming from Government to support UK City of Culture. We know the programme of events is going to be amazing and residents and visitors alike will have a great experience throughout the year.
“This latest funding will help to ensure that beyond the great events, our UK City of Culture designation leads to more jobs and economic benefits which will be felt positively for our residents for years after 2025.”
Rest and get plenty of sleep
Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol
