Old Town – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Assembly Festival opens Local Residents Discount for 2026

Scheme to reward Edinburgh locals returns with reduced tickets for huge shows including Jason Byrne, Scaramouche Jones, Ted Hill, Susie McCabe, Ben Hart and more

Residents across the Central Belt can also access discounts
Discounted tickets available from 10am 14 July via www.assemblyfestival.com

Assembly Festival has announced the return of its hugely popular Local Residents discount for 2026 with reduced tickets now available to Edinburgh locals for some of the Fringe’s biggest and best shows.

Over 175 shows will offer £8.25 tickets for residents across Edinburgh and the Central Belt including Jason Byrne, Afrique en Cirque, Jess Robinson, Susie McCabe, Ten Thousand Hours, Scaramouche Jones and more.

Edinburgh locals in EH postcodes will have access to discounted shows, plus the scheme opens up to Fringe fans across the Central Belt in Glasgow, Falkirk and more. Music shows and food workshops taking place at Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival from 24 July – 02 August will be included.

Inviting locals to take a chance on something new and discover even more at the Fringe, discounted tickets will be available from 10am 14 July until 11.59pm 26 July (or until allocations run out) for Assembly Festival Fringe performances from 05 – 09 August for residents in EH postcodes FK, G, KY, ML and DG.

Residents across the Central Belt can take advantage of the discounts with postcodes in Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Stirling, Motherwell and Dumfries and Galloway all included in the scheme.

Tickets available via www.assemblyfestival.com using promocode LOCALAF26.

(T&Cs: 2 tickets per performance, max 6 tickets per transaction. £8.25 includes £1.25 booking fees Subject to availability.)

Edinburgh locals can take advantage of the offer in the Fringe’s opening days, meaning they can be amongst the first to take in shows from Ndlovu Youth Choir, Superbowl Salsa, Mythos: Ragnarök, Susie McCabe and more.

Encompassing shows across comedy, cabaret, circus, dance, theatre, family shows and more, thousands of tickets will be available within the scheme.

Comedy fans can see the hottest rising stars including award-winners from Australia Lizzy Hoo, Scout Boxall and Noah Szto making their Edinburgh debuts, plus some of the UK’s biggest comedy stars from Jason Byrne to Frank Skinner, Susie McCabe, Mike Wozniak and more.

Irish comics Grace Mulvey and Gearóid Farrelly are sure to impress, whilst cult hits ‘Underground Monk Show’ and ‘Police Cops in Space’ are all included.

Locals can bag discounted tickets for some of the Fringe’s most impressive theatre shows including ‘Scaramouche Jones’ directed by Olivier award-winning Guy Masterson, ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ starring David Westhead and directed by acting legend Stockard Channing as well as up-and-coming theatre ‘Prophets’ and ‘BearGirl’.

Families can enjoy the last days of summer holidays with reduced tickets for all the family including the Fringe debut of ‘Ndlovu Youth Choir’ whose fans include Tom Holland of Spiderman fame and Simon Cowell, as they perform hits from ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Waka Waka’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Higher Love’.

For bigger kids, families can check out jaw-dropping contemporary circus ‘Ten Thousand Hours’ and ‘By A Thread’.

Music fans can pick up discounts for hit shows ‘27 Club’, diving into the legend and lore of famed musical icons like Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and more whilst ‘Joni Mitchell: Take Me As I Am’ is a must for fans of the Canadian singer-songwriter and more.

For the best of the Fringe, check out ‘Frisky’s Remix Roulette’ and her incredible live band, or Reuben Kaye’s brand-new show. And for mind-bending magic enjoy discounted tickets for the Festival’s most acclaimed magicians Ben Hart, Kevin Quantum and more.

Plus, Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival events including family-friendly shows ‘Circus The Show’ , ‘Explosive Science Show’ and ‘Comedy Club 4 Kids’ will take part in the scheme as well as folk gigs from An Dannsa Dub, Breabach, Dlù and more.

For a full list of shows included see here.

Marking the Edinburgh company’s 45th season at the world’s biggest arts festival, Assembly will return to six venue hubs with over 245 genre-spanning shows featuring international and homegrown acts from 05 – 31 August 2026. Assembly will operate across: George Square Gardens, Assembly Rooms, Assembly Hall, Assembly Roxy and Dance Base, plus Shedinburgh takes over Checkpoint in a new partnership for 2026.

Tickets are now available at www.assemblyfestival.com.

Summertime Streets changes return

With the summer festivals season just around the corner, the city council is making temporary changes to the way some of our city centre streets operate between Sunday 19 July and Monday 7 September 2026.

During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for our residents, businesses and visitors.

These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.

George Street and several streets in the Old Town will be impacted. A full list of streets along with further information is available on the council’s website.

There is also specific advice for blue badge holders, home deliveries, loading and services for businesses, places of worship and special arrangements.

You can find more information and advice on events in the city over the summer on the Council’s website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re ready to welcome the world back to the Capital, and as always, we’re making sure that these higher visitor numbers are managed properly.

“These temporary changes to our city centre streets have proven very successful for many years and I’m sure that this summer will be no different. The planned full reopening of the North Bridge in time for the festivals will also be a great boost for people getting around the city.

“Our residents and businesses have my thanks for their understanding and patience as we prepare to showcase and enjoy our city’s unparalleled cultural offering once again.”

TODAY: Solidarity Against Poverty

COST OF LIVING CRISIS – PUBLIC MEETING

SUNDAY 5 JULY at 4pm – ST AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH

Local Heroes celebrate State Opening of Scottish Parliament

CHILDREN AT THE HEART OF HOLYROOD EVENT

The programme for the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, taking place on Saturday 27 June, has been announced today.

Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, formally marking the beginning of the Seventh Session of the Holyrood Parliament.

The day start with The Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle. Along with the Elizabeth Sword, the Crown of Scotland was processed into the Scottish Parliament through a guard of honour made up of young people from across Scotland.

Following the arrival of The King and Queen, the event in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber began with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble performing a Fanfare composed by Sir James McMillan KT CBE and conducted by John Logan.

The Mace was carried by Robert White, an administrator at the Scottish Parliament. Three Team Scotland athletes who are competing in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were also be part of the procession.

Boxer Nicholas Devlin will carry the Elizabeth Sword accompanied by para-athlete Joanna Robertson who will be racing on the athletics track and Beth Riva who is competing in Bowls.

The Officers of Arms was accompanied by young people from Young Scot, the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland (Haggeye), the John Smith Centre Parliamentary Internship Programme, sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport panel and the Young Women’s movement.

The Crown of Scotland will be borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

The event, which was broadcast live, included opening remarks from the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP. His Majesty The King then make an address to the Chamber and First Minister John Swinney MSP responded to His Majesty’s address.

The event also celebrated the special anniversaries of two of Scotland’s cultural organisations with specially commissioned performances.

The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and members of the NYCOS Edinburgh Regional Choir and NYCOS BSL Youth Choir performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum.

National Theatre of Scotland presented As Others See Us written and directed by Martin O’Connor, incorporating a poem to celebrate their 20th anniversary and an excerpt from their acclaimed production Through the Shortbread Tin and performed by members of The Lyceum Youth Theatre.

Scotland’s Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh [Peter Mackay] also delivered a poem in Gaelic called Let This Hall be Full of Noises.

Ae Fond Kiss, by Robert Burns was be performed by Rachel Groves (clarsach) and Ellie Beaton (vocalist), who are the current and previous winners of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

The Parliament’s piper Stuart McMillan MSP then played Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers from the Members’ Garden to close the event.

Their Majesties then went on to meet Local Heroes, who have been nominated by MSPs for their extraordinary contribution to their local communities.

The King and Queen departed the Scottish Parliament through a Guard of Honour made up of young people.

Hope Keating, 5, from Girlguiding Scotland presented a posy to The Queen.

Edinburgh charity shortlisted for national awards

This Small Charity Week, an Edinburgh chaity has been announced as a finalist for a prestigious national award, recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the small charity world.

Grassmarket Community Project, which supports those furthest from employment, has been nominated for a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Award.

The CSJ Awards seek out the top charities nationwide, highlighting those that excel in innovation and effectiveness in the fight against poverty. The diverse panel of judges includes David Gandy, BAFTA-Winning Actor Toby Jones, and past CSJ Award winners along with cross-sector experts that come together to select the winners.

The Awards celebrate the best of the small charity sector who are providing innovative policy solutions to address the root causes of poverty across the UK.

Grassmarket Community Project exists to support people facing multiple causes of poverty in Edinburgh. The charity offers a long-term, strengths-based community for approximately 450 people each year offering mainstream support to build relationships, develop skills, and create pathways to long-term change.

Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of Grassmarket Community Project, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a finalist in the 2026 CSJ Awards. At Grassmarket Community Project, we are an open door to anyone experiencing social isolation and poverty in Edinburgh and beyond.

“We see every day the extraordinary potential that exists when our members are given the opportunity and support to thrive through our huge programme of activities and social enterprises. To be recognised by the Centre for Social Justice is a tribute to them, staff, our volunteers and supporters across Edinburgh.”

Chris Murray MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: “‘It is fantastic to see the Grassmarket Community Project named as a finalist for the 2026 CSJ Awards. The Project is a true cornerstone of our community, providing vital space and services that support so many people.

“It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose to make a positive difference.”

Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, said: “While political uncertainty continues at home and global challenges mount, there’s an army of small charities in some of our most deprived communities across the UK quietly rolling up their sleeves and changing lives.

“The CSJ Awards are the Oscars of the small charity sector where we celebrate the very best of those unsung heroes who rarely get the recognition they deserve.

“Today we are proud to announce our twelve 2026 finalists. We will be revealing the winners at our CSJ Awards ceremony in the heart of Westminster this November.”

Granton pupils bring 30 years of Capital’s heritage to life

Granton Primary School children using the 30th anniversary of the Old and News Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh as inspiration to create an exhibition to help mark this important milestone.

The children’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibition for residents and visitors to view in the Museum of Edinburgh later this year to celebrate three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995.

The class of primary four pupils are working with local artist Stephanie Walker on their ‘Imagine if…’ project to help the children put together artwork using the Old Town to help spark excitement and curiosity for the world around us. The aim of the project is to create a connection and a sense of wonder for the valuable heritage Edinburgh is so famous for.

Local artist Stepanie Walker said: “The project has been designed to guide the children through a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their final piece to display on canvas.

“Before our visit to the World Heritage Site we explored what we know about Edinburgh. The children brainstormed and shared ideas about famous buildings and drew them to create a class exhibition.

“We visited the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile and learnt about why the city has a World Heritage Site, explored artefacts in the museum and shared what we had discovered.

“We visited the Site twice walking around the cobbled streets and narrow closes in and around the Royal Mile. The children looked carefully at the old buildings, monuments and skylines as well as all the nature we found in the historic area. We visited the Canongate Kirk, and I encouraged the children to imagine what the people who lived there long ago were like.

“The pupils then made sketches and used water colours to create paintings of their favourite scenes, buildings and objects to use as reference material for the final piece they will put together back in the classroom.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This project is both creative and educational as it allows pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.

“It’s wonderful to see the work they have produced and I’m very much looking forward to the final exhibition in the Museum of Edinburgh later this year. It’s important that we teach children the value of preserving our World Heritage Site for future generations to come.

“I’m hoping this class of primary four pupils will remember the project in years to come holding onto what they’ve learned about what’s special about the history of their city and will pass this on.”

Photography enthusiasts are also being encouraged to enter a competition to celebrate the 30 years milestone running until October

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

Edinburgh Festival Carnival’s back!

We are thrilled that this year’s Edinburgh Festival Carnival will return to the streets!

Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Visitor Levy, the 2026 Carnival will see over 1,000 performers parading down The Mound and along Princes Street in a breath-taking display of music, dance and carnival costumes from local, national and international artists.

Following the parade, the party continues with performances across West Princes Street Gardens.

More information coming soon!

Underbelly’s 2026 Comedy Line-Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find out more on the Culture Edinburgh website.

The King and Queen to attend the opening of the Scottish Parliament’s new session

Their Majesties The King and Queen will join MSPs at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament, taking place on Saturday 27 June.

The Opening Ceremony will include an address by His Majesty, to formally open the Parliament’s Seventh Session.

The event will also include several performances that celebrate Scotland and our rich culture and heritage. They include aspecially commissioned poem for the day delivered by Scotland’s national poet, Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh.

The poem Let This Hall Be Full of Noises will be read by the Makar in Gaelic with an English translation. The National Theatre of Scotland and the NYCOS BSL Youth Choir will also perform.

Their Majesties will then join a reception to meet with “local heroes” who have been chosen to represent constituencies and regions across the country.

Our “local heroes” have been nominated to attend as a special guest of their MSP for making an extraordinary contribution to their community.

Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson MSP said:  “The start of a new Parliament is all about optimism, hope and a renewal of what the Parliament means to the people of Scotland.

“Their Majesties’ support for this institution has been steadfast.

“It’s an honour to have The King and The Queen join us at the start of that journey alongside people from across Scotland, who are at the centre of our plans to commemorate this milestone.

“I look forward to celebrating the very best of Scotland, reflecting on our heritage, acknowledging our traditions but most importantly with a focus on our future.”

Young people from across Scotland will also be represented in various roles throughout the day.

Further details of what to expect from the Opening Ceremony and all those who will be contributing to the event will be announced shortly.