City council pushes forward with controversial Portobello parking controls
The City of Edinburgh Council is set to decide on introducing year-round parking controls in Portobello, based on surveys conducted during peak tourism months – despite widespread community opposition and the possibility of a legal challenge if the proposals proceed.
The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Sub-Committee will meet on 16 December to consider a recently published report recommending that councillors advance the TRO, despite the vast majority of consultation responses opposing the scheme, and with more than 1,900 people having signed a petition calling for its rejection.
Jane Grant, Chair of the local Traders Association, which represents over 50 small businesses, said: “The Council is pushing forward with a plan that will pile yet more financial pressure on already struggling households and lead to fewer people shopping locally.
“If approved, these parking controls will damage a vibrant and welcoming seaside community, make it harder for disabled people and those with caring needs to live fulfilling lives, and force more working class families to leave the area.
“As local residents and business owners we have tried to engage with the Council at every stage and will continue to do so, but if this poorly-designed and unwanted parking plan goes ahead we reserve the right to challenge its legality and process by which the Council has designed this plan.
“We are a strong and united community and will not allow the Council to ignore local people and impose these measures unchallenged.”
A local campaign group, Portobello and Joppa Residents & Businesses Against CPZ claim that the Council’s data used to justify year-round parking restrictions is flawed, inconsistent, and unrepresentative.
In a letter to the committee members (see below), issued ahead of the vote, the group highlighted that the surveys were conducted only in June and September – at the height of seasonal, temporarily heightened traffic levels, and the methodology behind the parking “heat map” remains undisclosed, with no clarity on data sources, weighting, or modelling applied.
The campaigners also highlight that Saturday parking analysis relies on just two survey days, both during peak visitor periods and unusually warm weather conditions. They assert that drawing conclusions about typical Saturday parking from such a small sample is statistically unreliable.
Furthermore, ongoing roadworks during the survey period distorted normal parking patterns, casting further doubt on the data’s reliability.
Local campaigner and resident Nikki Middleton said: “Although the Council report claims sixteen survey events, the actual data covers only seven days, with no surveys in winter, poor weather, or during term-time.
“Summer surveys, conducted during peak tourism months, have been used to justify this scheme, yet no explanation has been provided on how seasonal bias was accounted for.
“Portobello’s year-round parking pressures are very different from the summer months. This is not only unethical but goes against every principle of good governance and objective data validation.”
The proposals suggest implementing parking controls in the western part of the proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), while the eastern section (Joppa) would be reviewed within the first year.
In practice, this allows council officers to introduce controls in the eastern areas without further legal process if deemed “necessary,” effectively keeping the door open to expand the scheme at any time, but preventing proper scrutiny and input from local people.
Nikki Middleton added: “The Council pretends to reduce the CPZ boundary, but in reality, they are only temporarily shrinking it while leaving the door wide open to extend it back to their original plans within a year – a cynical ploy intended to gather more cash from local people already struggling amid a cost of living crisis.”
The proposals also adjust CPZ operating hours to Monday–Saturday, 08:30–17:30, removing Sunday restrictions – an apparent attempt, the campaigners argue, to soften public perception without addressing core concerns.
The Council received 2,341 consultation responses. While the report acknowledges strong community opposition, it omits the exact percentage of objections.
The most significant concerns cited include the cost of parking – described by about 35% of respondents as “unaffordable, unwanted, excessive, or penalising residents”- and over 15% expressing the belief that the scheme is a money-making exercise for the Council.
Nikki Middleton added: “While the Council insists this isn’t about revenue, the report itself confirms that, after operational costs, the Portobello CPZ is expected to generate an annual surplus of around £500,000.”
Community members, traders, and campaigners continue to call on the public to attend the Sub-Committee meeting next week and urge the Council to halt the CPZ proposals and respect the clear, overwhelming opposition of those who live, work, and spend time in Portobello.
New partnership set to change lives and help the planet
MAN v FAT Football has embarked on an exciting new partnership, having teamed up with Utilita Energy’s Football Rebooted campaign – the beautiful game’s biggest ever environmental movement.
Football Rebooted launched in May 2021 after findings from a Utilita-commissioned report into the combined impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living-crisis on grassroots football.
The response from fans was immediate and within the first few weeks, thousands of pre-loved football boot donations had flooded in, not only reducing potential landfill but also making a difference to the lives of children and adults in the UK.
MAN v FAT, the UK’s leading men’s weight loss programme, guides over 8,000 men every week on their wellbeing journey – with MAN v FAT Edinburgh meeting up on Thursdays at 6:30pm at Powerleague Portobello.
Having joined forces with Football Rebooted, the scheme will not only be saving families a few quid but will be reinforcing the importance of upcycling and reusing items that still have a lot of life left in them.
Pro-pocket, pro-planet
Sam Cook, Utilita’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, commented on the environmental impact of rehoming boots: “Since its launch in 2021, the Football Rebooted campaign has collected and reallocated thousands of quality football boots, saving hard-pressed families a small fortune and helping to reduce landfill and carbon emissions.
“To put the environmental benefits into context, our aim is to prevent at least a million pairs of boots from ending up in landfill and saving 136,000 tonnes of carbon – the same as taking 7,000 cars off the road for a year.”
Chris Hawkins, Utilita’s West Bromwich Energy Hub Supervisor, helped to instigate the partnership, having recently joined the MAN v FAT Dudley League in May 2025. Chris said: “Given the financial hardship that families are facing, we understand that it may be challenging for people to be able to take part in team sports.
“The 2025 MAN v FAT National Football Tournament, held at the Lilleshall National Centre, provided a perfect stage to launch the partnership and I was delighted to take along the Football Rebooted collection boxes.
“As a regular MAN v FAT Football competitor, I consider the partnership to be a natural fit as we share so many goals to help adults and youngsters be active, participate and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of team sport.”
Community focus
Matt Hudson, Associate Director of Marketing and Partnerships at MAN v FAT Football, commented on the why the weight-loss initiative is supporting the campaign: “The Football Rebooted scheme delivers an extremely fun and unique claim system that avoids any family needing to feel embarrassed at taking second-hand items.
“If you have any spare or unused football boots, please consider donating and helping us make football accessible to everyone in the local community!
“We’d like to thank our players and their supporters for getting behind the Football Rebooted scheme, which plays a vital role in giving both children and adults the opportunity to take advantage of the physical, mental, and social benefits of playing a sport.”
How can you get involved?
Anyone with a spare pair of football boots (or astroturf boots) should simply give them a clean and drop them off at their local Football Rebooted collection point.
Boots can also be donated at the Edinburgh Utilita Energy Hub – located at 41 Newkirkgate in Leith – keeping them in the local eco-system to ensure they’re re-used.
Anyone requiring football boots, including individuals and families, can simply reach out to their local collection point to check what sizes are available before coming to collect them.
Schools and clubs in need of football boots can also submit their kit requirements via the Football Rebooted website.
To get a FREE Football Rebooted box and start collecting and redistributing boots within your sports club, school or local community, visit:
NSPCC Scotland is launching a new Community Fundraising Group in Musselburgh, Portobello and East Edinburgh. We are seeking enthusiastic and creative volunteers to play a crucial role in raising vital funds for our services such as Childline and Speak Out, Stay Safe.
We will only need volunteers for one to two hours a month, and we offer a flexible arrangement designed to fit around work, family and social life. Key activities include engaging with neighbours, local organisations and businesses to spread awareness, organise small-scale events or campaigns, and inspire donations that ensure our services remain free for those who need them most.
Participants will receive comprehensive support, including practical fundraising advice, promotional materials and ongoing guidance from our dedicated Community Fundraising Team. Beyond the personal reward of helping to keep children safe, volunteers gain valuable experience in communication, organisation and leadership, all while connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
If you would like to play your part in protecting young people and have a couple of spare hours each month, we’d love to hear from you. If interested, contact me via email at arlene.main@nspcc.org.uk or call 07891 598 086. Together, we can fight for every childhood and create safer communities for all.
Residents and business owners in Portobello and Joppa have united in a forceful joint objection to the City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), issuing a formal legal warning and threatening court action if the scheme moves forward in its current form.
Community momentum is building ahead of the Traffic Regulation Order Sub-Committee’s meeting this autumn, where a decision on whether to proceed with the controversial plan is expected.
In a detailed letter submitted to local councillors, council officers, and members of the Sub-Committee, the group accuses the Council of advancing a “procedurally flawed, substantively unsound, and potentially unlawful” plan.
The residents and traders argue that the proposal lacks public support, is built on unreliable data, and would inflict lasting damage on the local economy.
The objection highlights the Council’s 2021 informal consultation, where a clear majority of respondents expressed opposition to the Controlled Parking Zone. Despite these results, the Council proceeded to the statutory consultation phase, leading to accusations of a pre-determined outcome and disregard for public opinion.
One of the campaign’s organisers, Nikki Middleton, said: “Not only did the vast majority of people consulted reject the proposals, but the Council ran the consultation during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel and parking patterns were completely unrepresentative. How is that a fair reflection of public opinion?
“The Council also failed to consult Joppa residents at all, despite extending the CPZ boundary to include this area. Drawing lines on a map without considering those communities undermines people’s voices and is not a fair representation. These are not just technical errors – they represent a fundamental disregard for transparency and democracy.”
The group also raised alarm over the Council’s failure to document a public meeting held in May this year at Portobello Town Hall. The meeting was attended by more than 500 residents and business owners, many of whom voiced strong opposition to the plan directly to the Council’s Transport Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.
Despite the turnout and significance of the discussion, no formal minutes were taken, a decision campaigners say further undermines transparency and public confidence in the veracity of the Council’s commitment to meaningful democratic engagement.
Adding to concerns, the Council instructed a new street survey in June this year to inform the Sub-Committee’s forthcoming decision. This was despite traffic levels being unusually high, due to major roadworks which are scheduled to continue into October. The objectors argue that the resulting traffic and parking disruption renders the data entirely unrepresentative.
Local resident Jane Grant, who is owner of the Velvet Easel Gallery and Chair of the Portobello Traders Association, said: “The surveys were conducted during major roadworks and the height of the tourist season, when Portobello’s popularity as a seaside destination creates unusual, short-term parking pressure. Basing permanent changes on data gathered in such distorted conditions is not only methodologically flawed, it’s legally questionable.”
The community group also criticises the Council for ignoring existing alternatives already in place. Since January 2024, citywide enforcement of pavement parking, double parking, and obstruction at dropped kerbs has been in effect.
In addition, double-yellow lines have been introduced at known pinch points such as Marlborough Street and Regent Street. These measures, they argue, directly address any concerns raised during consultation without resorting to the sweeping restrictions of a CPZ.
Local businesses have voiced particularly strong opposition. Karen Mackay, the owner of Cahoots, an independent store supporting local designers and artisan makers, said: “This scheme is a direct threat to local businesses, it will kill footfall, disrupt deliveries, and drive our customers elsewhere.
“We’ve worked hard to bring life back to the High Street with independent shops, cafés, and services, and now the Council wants to sabotage that progress.
“If these businesses start closing down, it’s not just livelihoods that are at stake – it’s access to essential amenities for local people. We’ve seen the damage these schemes have done in places like Leith. Why is the Council determined to repeat the same mistakes here?”
Legal arguments underpin much of the group’s letter, which sets out a clear intention to seek judicial review if the Council fails to reconsider. They argue the scheme fails the Wednesbury test of reasonableness and cite legal precedents from England, where courts have overturned traffic schemes due to poor consultation and misuse of evidence.
The letter concludes with a list of demands, including an immediate halt to the CPZ proposal, a rejection of the flawed consultation and survey data, and a fresh, legally compliant consultation process that includes all affected areas. The group also calls for full disclosure of the financial, legal, and traffic modelling used to justify the plan.
Jane Grant added: “We are not opposed to reasonable parking controls, but this plan has been pushed through with disregard for local voices, credible evidence, or economic impact. If the Council refuses to listen, we are fully prepared to take them to court.
“Portobello has a strong sense of community, with many examples of residents and businesses coming together to fundraise for causes that matter to them. If the Council believes we lack the means or resolve to pursue legal action against blanket measures that will harm our businesses, livelihoods, and make local people poorer, they should think again.”
If the Council fails to respond within 21 days, the group has indicated it will initiate legal proceedings in the Court of Session, seeking to have the Traffic Regulation Order quashed and to recover legal expenses.
A petition opposing the CPZ has already attracted over 1,300 signatures:
On Saturday, Community Officers and Special Constables from our North East Support Team (#NEST) patrolled Portobello Beach throughout the day, robustly challenging and addressing any antisocial behaviour.
During a foot patrol, NEST officers engaged in a foot pursuit. They apprehended an individual who has since been charged with multiple drug supply offences involving Class A and B substances. The individual has been issued police bail, banning them from returning to Portobello, pending a court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Officers will continue visibly patrolling Portobello and engaging with the local community over the summer period.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is celebrating one of its dedicated team members and volunteers, Wendy Loftus, who has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to animal welfare at this year’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards.
Wendy, who serves as a Data Analyst & Pet Food Drive Volunteer at the Home, has dedicated countless hours as a Data Analyst. She works closely with the Fundraising Administrator on data input for various campaigns, often managing time-consuming tasks.
Recently, Wendy also signed up as a Pet Food Drive volunteer, fundraising at local supermarkets to support the Pet Food Bank.
Her ability to engage with the public passionately about the Home’s work has been invaluable, and her collaborative spirit and innovative ideas have significantly contributed to the success of the charity’s different initiatives.
At a special ceremony at the City Chambers, Wendy received a certificate presented by Robert Aldridge, The Rt. Hon. Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the Home and the wider community.
Wendy commented: “I was brought up with the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home being part of my life.
“It is nice to be able to give something back to a Charity that has given three generations of my family so much joy & pleasure over the years, with the dogs we’ve been allowed to rehome.”
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, added: “Wendy truly embodies the spirit of volunteering. Her dedication and warmth have brought comfort to countless animals and inspired our entire team.
“We’re thrilled that her efforts have been recognised at such a prestigious event.”
The Inspiring Volunteer Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals who make Edinburgh a better place through selfless service. Wendy’s recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the power of community-driven support for animal welfare.
To learn more about volunteering opportunities at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, visit www.edch.org.uk.
Boscombe Pier has been named the best place in the UK for paddleboarding with a score of 9.73.Located in Bournemouth, the beach has an excellent water classification making it an ideal spot for paddleboarders.
With almost 1,700 hours of sunshine each year and an average wind speed of 8.63 m/s per 10m, the conditions are well-suited for getting out on the water.
Lessons and equipment are available at local rentals such as Sorted Surf School and there are several cafes and restaurants along the pier which are perfect for refuelling after a paddleboarding session.
Best paddleboarding spots in the UK:
Rank
Location
Local Authority
Country
Water classification
Average annual sunshine hours
Average annual rainfall (mm)
Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m
Paddleboarding lessons
Paddleboarding score /10
1
Boscombe Pier
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
England
Excellent
1,694
919
8.36
Yes
9.73
2
River Dart
Devon
England
Good
1,729
901
8.35
Yes
8.82
3
Whitby
North Yorkshire
England
Excellent
1,567
906
9.41
Yes
8.73
4
Wardie Bay
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
Excellent
1,428
933
8.56
Yes
8.37
5
Cotswold Water Park
Cotswolds
England
Excellent
1,514
790
9.98
Yes
8.00
5
Marazion Beach
Cornwall
England
Good
1,753
1,003
8.50
Yes
8.00
7
Cullen Beach
Moray
Scotland
Excellent
1,455
1,005
9.73
Yes
7.55
8
Portobello Beach
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
Sufficient
River Dart follows in second place with a score of 8.82. With over 1,700 hours of sunshine each year, the area benefits from plenty of bright days which are perfect for heading out on the water.
The location also has relatively low average annual rainfall and a mean wind speed of 8.35 m/s per 10m, making for stable paddleboarding conditions. Paddleboarding gear can be hired nearby from providers such as Totnes Kayaks and Paddle Devon.
Whitby completes the top three with a score of 8.73. Known for its excellent water quality, it offers clean and safe water conditions for paddleboarders to enjoy. With mean wind speeds of 9.41 m/s per 10m, it is a great spot for those looking for more challenging paddleboarding conditions.
Visitors can hire equipment and lessons from local experts, including providers like the Whitby Surf School.
Edinburgh’s WARDIE BAY comes in a fine fourth and Portobello also features in the UK top ten, featuring eight on the list.
Sam Chadwick, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors comments: “As the weather gets warmer, many are looking to go outside and enjoy the UK’s water.
“Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to experience the outdoors and there are several places across the UK to enjoy this activity, but safety is the most important thing.
“Since paddleboarding can involve being in deeper water, always wear a buoyancy aid no matter your swimming ability. Weather conditions can change quickly, and waters can rapidly become rough, so check the forecast before going out on the water. While on the paddleboard, keep the paddleboard leash securely attached to your ankle to ensure your board stays close by if you fall in.
“Even on warm days, deep water can be cold so always opt for a wetsuit to keep your body warm in case you fall into the water. It’s also important to stay within designated paddleboarding zones and be mindful of other people enjoying the water nearby.
“Always paddleboard with a buddy, let someone know your plans and expected return time and remember to only paddleboard within your capabilities.”
Tumbles Soft Play at Portobello has reopened following a refurbishment that has transformed the much-loved venue into a dynamic new world of adventure—Explorer Island.
The reopening was marked with a special celebration attended by friends, family, and the 15 winners of the recent sandcastle photo competition.
These lucky young adventurers were treated to an exclusive party, complete with fun activities, party bags, and the honour of being the first to explore the reimagined play space.
As part of the festivities, the Tumbles team selected 15 “Star Guests”—children from across different age groups—who joined beloved characters Emma, Fox, and Squirrel on their first expedition through the upgraded soft play environment.
“Our Explorer Island is a whole world of fun—an island where anything is possible, and adventure awaits,” said Ashliegh Murray, Manager at Tumbles. “We’re so excited to welcome families back to a space that’s been designed to spark imagination, creativity, and active play.”
The refurbishment is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive spaces for children and families.
Key upgrades at Tumbles include:
New light and video features in the baby and toddler zones
A reconfigured layout for enhanced play experiences
Upgraded versions of favourite features
Extended café seating with fixed options
New flooring throughout the soft play and café areas
A refreshed reception area
A redecorated birthday party room for the return of celebration packages
Tumbles is one of three soft play centres operated by Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to helping everyone in the city lead more active, healthy lives. With over 30 facilities across Edinburgh, the organisation continues to invest in spaces that inspire movement, imagination, and community connection.
Open 7 days a week from 09.15 – 17.00, Tumbles offers wonderful adventures for kids aged 0 – 10 with designated baby, toddler and junior play areas.
For more information about Tumbles at Portobello and upcoming events, visit:
Today, Tuesday 03 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme. The programme celebrates the diverse selection of work at the Fringe, with performers from across the world and work from 58 countries.
This year’s programme features work from 3,352 shows across 265 venues, with themes tackling some of the most topical issues in the world today.
From rebellious women to the paranormal; the apocalypse to nostalgia; queer joy to life with illness; rave and club culture to science and technology.
Edinburgh Fringe Programme Launch 2025
Launching the 2025 Fringe programme, Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘Programme launch is such an exciting moment for everyone involved making the Fringe happen.
“Thank you to all the Fringe-makers – the artists, venues, workers, producers, technicians, promoters, support staff and audiences that bring their un-matched, exceptional energy to Edinburgh in August.
‘This year’s Fringe programme is filled with every kind of performance, so whether you’re excited for theatre or circus, or the best of comedy, music, dance, children’s shows, magic or cabaret; get ready to dare to discover this August.
“Jump right in, book your favourites, shows that intrigue you and take a chance on something new.’
At Traverse Theatre,Gary McNair’s ‘award-winning show’ A Gambler’s Guide to Dying returns ‘back home for a special run to mark its 10th anniversary’.
‘Four generations of Northern Irish women, reunited’ in Consumed (Traverse Theatre), ‘a tale of twisted family dynamics and national boundaries’.
‘Inspired by his involvement in the Egyptian revolution of 2011, and experience of the counter-revolution that followed, Khalid Abdalla brings together the personal and the political’ in Nowhere (Traverse Theatre).
At Scottish Storytelling Centre, join the Loud Poetsfor ‘fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, heart-wrenching fusion of poetry and live music’ or ‘Scottish and Welsh traditional storytellers Ailsa Dixon and Ffion Phillips as they weave folk music, language and story across these isles and between worlds’ in Aderyn/Bird.
Also at Scottish Storytelling Centre, Cassandra ‘blends Greek myth, Scottish folklore and personal narrative to explore prophecy, protest and survival across time and space’.
At Summerhall, Amazons is a ‘gripping new solo show about the Amazon rainforest and the generations of women who have fought to protect it’.
‘From Parisian hysteria to the glowing Radium Girls’, Fragile Creatures at theSpaceUK ‘reveals gripping stories of women’s rebellion, resilience and their relentless fight for bodily autonomy and equality’.
In Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette at the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, ‘Peter Barratt gives a stirring and passionate account of his great-grandmother’s hard-fought campaign for the vote’ while VOTE the Musical at Paradise Green takes a ‘gripping look at the Suffragette movement exploring imprisonment, activism and the fight for electoral freedom’.
Three resilient Scottish sex workers, dream of escaping the lives they’ve been trapped in, but the patriarchy stands in their way in Happy Ending Street at Leith Arches.
In Well Behaved Women at Gilded Balloon, in 1888 ‘three chaotic twentysomething women decide to host a séance’ and make ‘a bit of a mess of things.’
‘Get ready for a powerful performance’ at Women in Socks and Sandals at ZOO, ‘filled with quirky stunts, mental courage and celebration of the right to be oneself’.
With ‘history, sermons and singalong’, Church of the Clitori at Paradise Green aims to ‘satirise and crash-tackle anatomy, religious ads and female sexuality politics’.
At Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge, Fallen Angel by Liam Rudden tells the story of Angel, who’s been ‘tortured’ by angels for ‘500 years’, while ‘startling revelations about Edy Hurst’s relations have set him on vision quest to contact his ancestors’ in Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself at Assembly.
Do Zombies Dream of Undead Sheep? is a ‘one-man (and one puppet) musical journey through a zombie outbreak, combining live performance, puppetry and animation’ at ZOO.
‘Get to know Frankenstein’s Monster like you’ve never been able to before’ at Fatherless Monster (Paradise Green), ‘face to face with only a mic and some stage lights between you and him.’
0.1% Accurate: Magdalena the Fortune Teller Show ‘will predict the future, summon the spirits, answer your life questions and send you home smiling’ at Alchemist Cocktail Bar and Restaurant.
Listen to the tales of Haunted Edinburgh at Arthur Conan Doyle Centre ‘and discover a host of terrifying stories of hauntings from the city’s dark past’ or visit The Mother Superior to ‘unveil women’s role in shaping the history of alcohol, including sharing how some were framed as witches’ in Whisky & Witches.
A Haunted House at Assembly is a ‘hysterical, terrifying and surreal tale, about one hair-raising night in a haunted house’ ‘for those who like their laughs big and their scares spine-chilling!’
‘The world-renowned paranormal expert Baron Vordenburg and his helpers, Gothic and Grotesque, give away trade secrets and expertise on hunting the unknown’ in Baron Vordenburg’s Guide to the Paranormal at theSpaceUK.
‘A man commits the ultimate act of cowardice’ and ‘a woman’s spirit gains terrifying embodiment’ in ‘dark, twisted folk horror tale’ Tom Hiccup’s Well at Greenside.
At theSpaceUK, ‘apocalyptic anti-romcom’ Horny for the End of the World follows ‘Gen Z, try-hard, pick-me Ebeth gets dumped by the man of her dreams the day before everyone realizes the world is going to end’.
Apocalipsync is a ‘high-energy solo show blending physical theatre, mime, dance and lip-sync mastery’ ‘exploring themes of isolation, hyper-connectivity and human expression’ at Assembly.
Original musical The Real Housewives of the Zombie Apocalypse at Greenside asks if the ‘OGs of reality TV’ can ‘survive the hordes, and each other, and self-produce their way to the end?’ while 4’s a Crowd (Or What Not to Do When Stuck in a Bunker During the Apocalypse) at theSpaceUK ‘follows the idiots left behind after the world ends’.
Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World (Underbelly) is a ‘powerhouse Fringe debut packed with original songs, pop bangers, audience interaction, and existential musings’ following ‘a lonely karaoke jockey is the sole survivor at the end of the world and decides to go out singing.’
Scenes of Unfathomable Horror brings ‘absurd, twisted and entertaining take on modernity, celebrity and existential dread’ to Just the Tonic.
At Underbelly, A Small Town Northern Tale is a ‘Y2K coming-of-age story, charting life in a small Northern town as a mixed-race boy’ and WANTED tells the story of ‘two girls from opposite worlds’ ‘fated to meet on the 00s queer scene’.
At Club NVRLND (Assembly), ‘where the party goes on till morning’, ‘Wendy and Peter reunite for an unforgettable night of adventure, nostalgia and staying forever young, featuring the biggest 2000s anthems’
‘All set to the soundtrack of the 2000s’ Jake Donaldson Is The Fifth Weezer at Laughing Horse is set to be ‘packed with nostalgia, punchy jokes and stories about finding your place in the world’.
‘The perfect nostalgic show for pop fanatics and chart aficionados’, Margot and Martha’s Chart Show Mixtape at theSpaceUK will ‘take you on a journey from mixtapes to Spotify wrapped, celebrating pop music through what was in the charts on the 18th of August – the very week they’re performing at the Fringe’.
‘Party like it’s 1999’ at MASSAOKE: 90s Live (Underbelly) with ‘an epic 90s sing-along’.
‘Through everyday conversation, hilarious comedy, and music-hall style songs’ at The Steamie (Gilded Balloon) ‘we learn from four working-class women about their lives, husbands, technology and the approaching New Year in this time capsule of Glasgow in the 1950s’.
A ‘love letter to the queers, the weirdoes, the trailblazers, the fringes and the night-walkers’, Anatomy of a Night at Summerhall isan ‘exploration of personal identity through a reflection of memories from queer and club spaces’.
‘Queer, chic and outrageous’ – head to the Big Gay Afterparty at Just the Tonic for the ‘biggest, gayest party at the Fringe (fun straights allowed)’.
‘A queer love story but no one dies at the end? Welcome to the world of’ Blooming at Greenside.
Join a ‘plus-sized, 72-year-old lesbian’ sharing ‘intimate stories celebrating inclusivity’ at Tales From Your Queer Elder (Greenside).
At Carpet Muncher at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, ‘the contemporary folklore of the Mothman is brought to life, using vibrant surrealist costuming to explore themes of queer alienation, metamorphosis, cross-border solidarity and homoerotic hot-hub encounters’.
Follow a young trans girl as she navigates the hilarity of rural Argentina during the 1900s at Cecilia Gentili’s Red Ink at Underbelly.
‘Expect chaos, drag, stand-up, glitter, queer joy and an ever-changing line-up of LGBTQIA+ acts’ at Comedy Queers (Laughing Horse) or check out Midnight at the Palace (Gilded Balloon) for a ‘night of radical joy and glitter-encrusted anarchy’.
3 Kidneys No Colon at Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge is ‘the medical diaries (or rather… diarrheas) of Dave who suffers from chronic kidney disease, ulcerative colitis and has had multiple organ transplants’.
Learn about ‘narcolepsy from a true-life perspective’ at theSpaceUK, Fragments of Fatigue is a ‘coming-of-age story to transform your world and prove just how much fight is required to beat the fatigue’.
‘Artfully weaving between generational trauma and chronic illness’, Robyn Reynolds: What Doesn’t Kill You at Assembly will have you ‘roaring with laughter’.
In The Nature of Forgetting at Pleasance, ‘Tom is living with early onset dementia’ and ‘we meet him as he prepares for his 55th birthday party and past memories come flooding back’. At theSpaceUK, Ah-Ma is ‘a hauntingly beautiful new play, weaving together natural and social disasters, bodily deterioration and family sorrow’.
At Assembly, Ohio tells the story of ‘when Shaun turned his back on the church’ and ‘found a new home in music’ before he is ‘confronted now with acute degenerative hearing loss’.
Yvonne Hughes: Absolutely Riddled is ‘a fresh and bold dive into the reality of living with cystic fibrosis (CF) – a journey that’s as phlegmy as it is funny’ at Gilded Balloon.
At Summerhall,TheButterfly Who Flew Into The Rave is ‘the atmosphere and culture of a three-day rave condensed into an hour’ while PUMP ‘drops you in the middle of a nightclub dance floor in a desperate search for validation, intimacy and identity’.
Her Raving Mind is ‘a Greco-British rave tragicomedy unravelling the complex mind of an abuse survivor’ at Just the Tonic.
‘Loud, lawless, and laced with naughty bits’, Watch Me Die! is ‘rave theatre: performance, film, stand-up and pounding basslines, dragging Shakespeare into a civil war where star-crossed love and vengeance make their scene’ at theSpaceUK.
At Rave, Colin and Rosie ‘are battling through their own worlds of crisis using the music of the rave club to help, encourage and solve their problems’ at Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge.
Created by an AI researcher, AI: Save Our Souls at Greenside features ‘an immersive future world of AI, polystylistic music and a dynamic plot’ while at Paradise Green, Rise of the Solar Punks asks ‘what can we learn from ancient cultures regarding climate adaptation, and how can we fuse this with technology and AI?’
As part of the Made in Scotland showcase, MUO Live at the French Institute in Scotland is ‘a unique fusion of music, science and unseen cosmic forces.’
Head to Just the Tonic, Excel Comedy and Mathem-antics for a ‘themed stand-up show for spreadsheet experts and rookies alike’ or check out Sci-larious – Science Stand-up at Laughing Horse for ‘bi-lol-ogy or pharm-ha-cy’.
Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show at Gilded Balloon is ‘science like you have never seen it before’ exploring ‘the magical properties of matter’.
At PBH’s Free Fringe, Freya McGhee: Experimental blends ‘science, comedy and dating into one unforgettable experiment’ investigating ‘the chemistry of attraction to the mechanics of mixed signals’.
Check out Hot Rubber (Gilded Balloon) to see ‘eight comedians pit their homemade remote-control cars against one another in the world’s smallest demolition derby’ or ‘form a team, select a knockoff Roomba, customise it, then pit it against a dozen rivals’ at Robot Vacuum Fight Club (Outhouse Bar).
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge ‘on busy George Street’ is new with a number of shows this August, including well-known musicals Little Shop of Horrors, High School Musical and Footloose, as well as a range of theatre, cabaret and children’s shows.
Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine, ‘a mini-festival to celebrate Palestinian art and culture’, takes place in new venue Portobello Town Hall.
Citadel Youth Centre is ‘hosting two fundraisers for the Citadel’s valuable work with young people and families in Leith’ Storm in the Citadel and Punchline on Leith.
The Bowlers Rest in Leith is home to Beggared, ‘the story of a privileged white South African whose life collapses into homelessness’.
Easter Road Stadium joins the Fringe as a venue, hosting two shows: Dropped, in which ‘former Chelsea FC trainee Alfie Cain tells his moving story of dashed football dreams and explores the darkness and pressures young men go through trying to make it as professional footballers’ and Frankie Mack Showman – The Next Stage: The Leith San Siro ‘a high-energy, show-stopping night of swing, rock’n’roll and modern classics’.
All the way from Italy is Mirage Spiegeltent at Gyle Shopping Centre, hosting Spirit of the Favela, a ‘dynamic fusion of circus and theatre showcasing Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant culture and communities’.
Gilded Balloon have introduced a new space at Appleton Tower for twenty shows, including Frances Floats and Not My Grandmother’s Daughter.
Now in St. Andrew’s Square, The Famous Spiegeltent returns, offering theatre, cabaret, music and musicals, including La Clique – ‘the global phenomenon that redefined a genre, with its mélange of cabaret and circus’.
Josie Long: Now Is the Time of Monsters is ‘a new show about extinct, gigantic, charismatic megafauna from three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee’ at Pleasance.
Gilded Balloon marks their fortieth anniversary with ‘a series of special in-conversations featuring comedy greats’ including Jenny Eclair and Michelle McManus.
Also at Gilded Balloon, Rosie O’Donnell: Here & Now ‘reflects on her life in the present, including why she moved to Ireland from the USA, and how that shift has shaped her future’ and Michelle Brasier: It’s a Shame We Won’t Be Friends Next Year is a ‘show for the theatre kids, the freaks, the queers; for anyone who’s spiralled about something they did years ago’.
Fringe favourite Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? is back at Underbelly, with ‘an unparalleled, unscripted show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp’.
‘Direct from a sell-out West End season’, Bill Bailey is at Edinburgh Playhouse with Thoughtifier while Miriam Margolyes brings ‘more characters, more Dickens and more fascinating stories about the man behind the classics’ to Pleasancewith Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits.
‘The talented comedian, writer and host of A24 late-night variety sketch show’ Ziwe brings Ziwe’s America to Pleasance.
At The Stand Comedy Club, ‘expect to hear the glorious mess of being a professional polymath – from medical school to quiz championships, comedy clubs to Parkinson’s advocacy’ at In Conversation with… Paul Sinha or ‘jokes, rants, politics, swearing and possible nudity’ at Mark Thomas: WD40.
At Monkey Barrel, there’s ‘new material from the Rose d’Or, Southbank Sky Arts and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner’ Bridget Christie. Also at Monkey Barrel, ‘the Taskmaster treasure, Live at the Apollo star and voice of Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle presents a new hour about our bodies corporeal and politic, and what remains through ascension and destruction’ with Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath.
‘A love letter to people pleasers everywhere’, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares at Underbelly is ‘a hilarious, heartfelt and sometimes brutally honest tribute to recovering ingenues, mothers and anybody working on themselves’.
‘Comedy veteran’ Karen Dunbar ‘returns to the Fringe for a limited run of her stand-up tour’ at Just the Tonic.
At Assembly, David O’Doherty: Highway to the David Zone has ‘has got the lot’ with ‘talking, songs, talking during songs, talking while walking around’.
There are 325 free shows and 529 Pay What You Can/Want shows in this year’s programme.
10,001 Ideas by Robyn Perkins at Laughing Horse offers a ‘uniquely different hour of critically acclaimed stand-up and storytelling’.
Huge Davies: Free Work in Progress is at PBH’s Free Fringe with ‘his wearable keyboard for a free hour-long work in progress’. Also at PBH’s Free Fringe, Escape the Rat Race is a ‘a must-see for anyone who has ever worked in an office’.
At Laughing Horse, Three Bad Sisters is a ‘cacophony of the best and darkest materials from these three female rising stars of Irish comedy: Aideen McQueen, Shinanne Higgins and Louise O’Toole’.
‘Imagine an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman in the same bar as a therapist’ and you’ll imagine 5 Mugs, No Tea at Leith Depot. At the Mother Superior, you can ‘expect a fever-dream of love, loss, and existential dread’ at Crying at the Meat Raffle.
Disco Picnic at The Three Sisters is a ‘Fringe fiesta serves up a delicious mix of toe-tapping disco tunes’.
The Fringe Society are grateful to the many partners, supporters, funders and sponsors this year. In particular, they would like to thank the official Education Partner of the Fringe Anthropic, the official Beer of the Fringe Innis and Gunn, Cirrus Logic and Baillie Gifford.
They would like to thank the UK Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their Keep it Fringe Fund support, the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council for strategic funding support, the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund support for the Made in Scotland programme; and Screen Scotland for supporting Screen Fringe.
The Fringe Society would also like to thank accommodation partners who provide much needed affordable accommodation to artists – Queen Margaret University and the University of Edinburgh, Theatre Digs Booker. Health in Mind are also returning in 2025 to support the delivery of mental health and wellbeing services within Fringe Central, which is once again kindly delivered in partnership with Grassmarket Community Project.
Early-bird tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession on sale Friday, 30 May at 10am
Ahead of releasing early-bird tickets for this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and the ever popular Torchlight Procession on Friday at 10am, event organisers Unique Assembly today publish the report on Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2024-25.
Encompassing both Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay New Year festival, the report highlights the substantial positive impact these events have on both the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.
Created and designed by Unique Assembly on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council, the seven weeks of winter events and attractions not only brought festive cheer to residents and visitors to the city who came together to enjoy the capitals world famous celebrations, but also provided significant economic and community benefits which continue to impact positively year-round.
Visitors to the city centre enjoyed a feast of festive fun in the heart of the capital – discovering the traditional Christmas Market including the iconic Christmas Wheel and Around the World Starflyer, visiting the outdoor Ice Skating and new Ice Bar experience, enjoying family funfair rides and illumination trails, watching live music concerts, festive shows and community events, and of course that all-important visit from Santa himself.
Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals continues to support local communities with over 160 local community groups and charities engaged with through the Edinburgh’s Christmas Schools & Communities Initiative, distributing more than 8,000 free community tickets and ride tokens to people across the city.
In addition, being a platform for local talent and community events is an important part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, including the Winter Windows Schools Competition, which showcased artwork by pupils from 24 schools, displayed beneath the Castle in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens.
While many people want to join and enjoy the city centre festivities it is not that simple for some and therefore a new Silent Light Projection Show brought Christmas cheer and festive illumination to communities across the city.
In 2024, working with the Council’s Education Team, the Winter festivals were able to bring that cheer to Granton Primary School, Stockbridge Primary School, Gilmerton Community Centre and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
The report underscores the Winter Festivals’ commitment to the local community through its charity partnerships.
This year, Edinburgh’s Winter Festival directly raised funds for local charities One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland, supporting crucial work in fighting inequality and homelessness within Edinburgh.
Furthermore, the festivals continued their support, both financial and operational, for Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness and When You Wish Upon a Star through the annual Santa Fun Run, confirming the commitment of both organisers and festivalgoers to giving back.
The Concert in the Gardens also played a role in charitable giving, with donations from ticket buyers for supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Overall more than £15,000 was donated by visitors through both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay events.
While audience and sales data for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was impacted by the cancellation of the major outdoor events, pre-cancellation data confirms that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay continues to attract local audiences (33%) as well as visitors to the city (31% international and 36% from the rest of the UK).
Edinburgh’s Christmas data shows that a similar mix of Edinburgh & Lothians residents (37%), visitors from Scotland (21%) and elsewhere in the UK (32%), while a good number of international visitors (10%) attended this winter.
Across a total attendance of over 2.8million to Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, strong attendance from international visitors demonstrates the international appeal which not only boosts the local economy but also enhances Scotland’s global tourism profile.
In addition, 74% of market stall traders in the Christmas Markets were Scottish, supporting the local creative crafts, drinks, food and gifts industries both financially and through profile. While 76% of artists and creatives who took part in Edinburgh’s Winter festivals events were local.
In the annual audience survey over 70% of visitors from out with the city cited Edinburgh’s Christmas as the primary reason for travelling to Edinburgh, staying an average of 1.85 nights.
Over 90% of respondents were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their experience with over 95% agreeing that Edinburgh’s Christmas is a valuable and iconic part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, bringing a festive spirit to the city.
90% also said they are more likely to return to Edinburgh during the festival season because of their experience. The average spend was £537 across eating out, attractions, retail and in bars and pubs.
An increasing number of local residents are taking up their special ticket offer at Edinburgh’s Christmas with 101,500 discounted EH postcode tickets sold this year.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The findings of this report demonstrate that Edinburgh’s world-famous winter festivals don’t only draw a huge international crowd, boosting the economy and adding to the city’s vibrant calendar of events, but, crucially, they deliver significant benefits to Edinburgh’s local communities, businesses and charities.
“This is despite the cancellation of last year’s outdoor events, showing just how far reaching the programme events is. I look forward to finding out more about this year’s plans, which look set to brighten the city in the winter months.”
Roddy Smith, CEO of Essential Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals are a crucial period for our city centre and again it is very pleasing to see our residents and visitors coming in such large numbers.
“With such a varied and appealing Festival programme, combined with the high quality hospitality and retail offering in the city centre, Edinburgh continues to be an attractive destination to enjoy the festive season. We are already looking forward to what’s in store for this year.”
Louise MacLean, Business Development Director, Signature Group, said: “The Winter Festivals in Edinburgh provide a vital boost for hospitality in December. The surge in footfall, driven by visitors seeking festive entertainment, food, and drink, brings a much-needed increase in sales to all our venues across Edinburgh but particularly George Street and the New Town.
“Since the eastward shift in footfall with the appeal of St James, the Winter programme is not just welcomed by us, it’s crucial to our Christmas trade which often sustains us through the hard month of January.
“We can plan for this due to knowing that Unique Assembly’s festivals will bring revellers to the city. From there, we must ensure these visitors become our guests.”
Despite the cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to weather conditions over the four days, the festival still welcomed significant numbers to its many sold out indoor events with over 25,000 attending over the four days including The Night Afore Concert with Idlewild and the Bairns Revels and New Year Revels in Assembly Rooms, the ever popular Hogmanay Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral, as well as a late addition with Hot Dub Time Machine playing a quickly arranged intimate Hogmanay gig in Assembly Hall.
The new first of January club nights in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches closed this year’s festival on New Year’s night.
The popular free New Year’s Day First Footin’ Cultural Trail attracted an audience of over 15,000, including many family groups to 18 venues across the Old and New Towns, this year extending its footprint welcoming Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches into the programme.
First Footin & Sprogmanay presented 44 acts with 298 performers for the event programme, and as part of its participatory music event, Come Away In, renowned folk artist Karine Polwart welcomed 150 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances on New Year’s Day at St. Giles’ Cathedral.
Sprogmanay welcomed a family audience of 5,500 to take part in lots of New Year arts, crafts and activities, including magic, dancing unicorns and giant I-puppets through a collaboration with National Museum of Scotland. Free family ceilidhs took place in Assembly Roxy and Portobello Town Hall offering a truly Scottish experience for families on New Year’s Day both in the city and beyond.
Despite the cancellation of outdoor events, a survey of attendees at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay saw 71% say they were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their festival experience, 93% agreed it is a valuable part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, 89% said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations and 90% would recommend Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to friends or family.
Those who travelled to join the celebrations stayed an average of 2.25 nights spending £958 on their stay. 87.5% of visitors spent money on eating out, 79.5% in bars and pubs, 56% on attractions or tours, and 56% on retail.
The total economic impact of the Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals was calculated last year at £198M, combining the financial impact of both Edinburgh’s Christmas (£150M) and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (£48M).
This represents a return of £244 for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC funding contribution of £812,456 towards Edinburgh’s Hogmanay), whilst making a significant contribution to the year-round health and prosperity of the city.
Alan Thomson from Unique Assembly said:“We take a lot of heart from this report that even having lost our outdoor events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to weather, the Winter Festivals have still delivered not just wonderful and joyful opportunities for people to come together, but also huge benefits for the people of Edinburgh and for Scotland across traders, local families, communities and charities and our tourism businesses.
“We are working on our plans for this coming winter’s celebrations and look forward to sharing those with you very soon.”
This report demonstrates that Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals ‘continue to be a vital asset to the city and Scotland, providing not only memorable experiences but also significant economic benefits and valuable support to local communities and charities’.
