South Side – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Sumo Wrestling comes to the Festival Fringe for the first time

Underbelly George Square – Udderbelly: 6 – 31 August: 6:00pm

For the first time ever, Sumo Wrestling comes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

Following a successful run in Osaka and an international debut, selling over 10,000 tickets, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia, The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA will make its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut this summer, bringing audiences an introduction to one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions through a live theatrical experience.

The Sumo Show HIRAZUKA gives audiences the chance to see Sumo demonstrated and performed by former professional sumo wrestlers, whilst offering audiences the chance to discover the history, rules, rituals and techniques behind sumo, Japan’s national sport.

Performed in a dohyo, or sumo ring, the production combines authentic demonstrations of the sport with theatrical staging, dramatic visuals and immersive sound, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the athleticism, discipline and traditions of sumo up close.

Alongside competitive bouts between former professional wrestlers, audiences will learn about the customs and etiquette that surround the sport, from its ceremonial traditions to the techniques used inside the ring.

“We’re excited to bring the weight of more than 1,500 years of Japanese tradition to Edinburgh this summer.

“Our performers have competed at the highest level of sumo, and this show is an opportunity to share the history, rituals and excitement of Japan’s national sport in a way that’s accessible and fun.

“We hope audiences will laugh, learn, cheer and maybe even discover they have what it takes to step into the ring themselves.” Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA

Sumo has been practised in Japan for more than 1,500 years and remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is recognised as the country’s national sport. Originating in ancient Shinto rituals, it developed from ceremonial contests performed to pray for good harvests into the professional sport seen today.

While modern tournaments attract audiences from around the world, many of the traditions established centuries ago remain unchanged, from the purification rituals before each bout to the use of the traditional dohyo, or sumo ring.

The Edinburgh production gives audiences the opportunity to experience both the athletic competition and the rich cultural heritage that continue to define the sport

HIRAKUZA is a Japanese entertainment company dedicated to presenting live sumo performances and cultural experiences featuring former professional sumo wrestlers.

Based in Osaka, the company was created to introduce visitors from around the world to the history and traditions of Japan’s national sport in an accessible way.

Reflecting Osaka’s reputation as a city known for its entertainment culture, HIRAKUZA combines authentic demonstrations with a welcoming and engaging presentation, making the experience suitable for audiences with little or no previous knowledge of sumo while remaining rooted in the sport’s traditions.

What the press have said about The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA:

“Culture, entertainment, and the overwhelming strength of the sumo wrestlers. An unforgettable experience that exceeds expectations in every aspect.” ★★★★★ My Adelaide Tribe

“Authentic, incredibly powerful, and outstandingly entertaining. Definitely a must-see show at this year’s Adelaide Fringe.” ★★★★★ What’s On In Adelaide

“It flamboyantly conveys the power and intensity of sumo while also deepening the understanding of tradition and culture.” ★★★★★ Glam Adelaide

Listings Information

Show: The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA

Dates: 6^th – 31st August

Time: 18:00

Venue: Underbelly – Udderbelly

Address: George Square Gardens, EH8 9LH

Price: £16.50 – £31.50

Box Office: https://www.edfringe.com/ / https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/the-sumo-show-hirakuza

Kids eat free this summer at Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard

As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.

Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together.

More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.

Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer.

Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

To find out more or book a table, please visit: https://www.canopyedi.com/

Intertwined: Inspiring climate action through this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival

As we take in the fearful effects of the worsening climate crisis and the uncertainty that takes hold of the many challenges we are facing around our planet today, looking ahead to a hopeful future can be a very daunting task.

For this, we find great importance & delight in announcing the return of this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival, a free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

A day that brings together numerous climate related organisations, projects and individuals, all looking to help positively raise awareness & work towards creating a brighter future!

The festival will be taking place at the Edinburgh Meadows, Melville Dr EH9 1ND, on Saturday 27th June 2026, from 12 to 7pm.

During the day, attendees can find a variety of free lively performances, fun workshops, art installations & themed talks, as well as wellbeing activities, facepainting and activities aimed towards younger audiences as we welcome everyone of all ages.

The festival will also be welcoming stallholders that cover topics related to circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more.

As a special feature to this year’s edition is our theme: Intertwined. Following last year’s theme of Root & Rise, the question remains: what makes a forest truly strong, resilient, and nourished?

The answer lies beneath our feet, in mycelium. Mycelium is an underground root-like network of entangled threads of fungi. It creates vast connections between plants and trees serving as a shared resource for nutrients, supporting growth as well as being a magnificent communication highway, sending signals and protecting one another.

The 2026 theme embodies this ethos – supporting connection between ourselves, those around us and nature, expanding from local action to global solidarity.

A reminder that fundamentally, we are all nature.

Facing climate challenges alone can feel overwhelming. But when we recognise how deeply intertwined we are, we also recognise our shared strength.

Through collective action we can exchange ideas, re-energise, and cultivate meaningful change. Whether you’re beginning your sustainability journey or deeply rooted in climate work, you can join the festival to build a hopeful and connected community – forming a vibrant, intertwined network.

With the aim to become more sustainable as an event itself, this year the festival is also promoting different initiatives in hopes to achieve better waste reduction & improve its practices overall.

A few to highlight, is their additional single use packaging fee that will be implemented by all food vendors as well as a free raffle that aims to encourage attendees to bring their own containers, rewarding their commitment by offering a chance to win one of three prizes (which are valued at 60, 50 and 40 pounds).

Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless. However, when we intertwine, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.

“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”

Scott Davidson, Deputy Director for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and Head of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, said: “It’s a privilege to be the Climate Champion Partner for this year’s festival.

“As climate projections become more severe, society is increasingly in a race between opportunity and dire outcomes. The University of Edinburgh is committed to playing its part in this race.

“Our sector-leading regenerative sustainability strategy ensures all students have access to meaningful education on climate and nature, and our research drives action in the circular economy, ecological regeneration and in the transition to renewables, to name just a few.

“Supporting the Festival recognises the importance we place on supporting our local community too, and our role in creating a more sustainable future for Edinburgh and beyond.”

The attractions and activities will include various artwork, free workshops, such as yoga, musical performances from Àirdan Band, SNR, Fava Beats, a circular economy fashion show, an energetic Ceilidh & much more! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future!

You can find the full programme here

Confirm your presence on the event here, with the option to give a donation here.

The Edinburgh Climate Festival is brought to you by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) & Networking Key Services (NKS), through the Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (C3R) Project.

The festival is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and is supported by the University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture.

Edinburgh Climate Festival programme revealed

And our programme is LIVE!

We are excited to share with you this year’s free performances, workshops, talks and activities – including our wonderful art installations (and of course our many fabulous stalls during the day)!

We are really looking forward to seeing you all there, keep an eye out for further info and easy read versions being released soon!

Indicates activities and areas that are estimated to have a higher noise level

Edinburgh Climate Festival

SATURDAY 27th JUNE at THE MEADOWS 12 – 7pm

Join us Saturday, June 27th for this year’s climate festival at the Edinburgh Meadows from 12 – 7pm Come along to enjoy one of our many free performances, workshops, talks and art installations as well as the festival’s stalls and vibrant atmosphere!

You can find out more at edinburghclimatefestival.com

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supported by The University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture

#ClimateAction #community #festival #nature #edinburgh #June

Man arrested following major diamorphine recovery

Drugs worth an estimated £325,000 have been recovered following the search of a property in South Edinburgh.

Officers searched an address in the West Powburn area around 6.25pm on Thursday, 21 May, 2026 and discovered a large quantity of Diamorphine.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Callum Mill said: “Drugs cause misery in communities and we work tirelessly every day to prevent them being circulated on our streets.

“We are committed to addressing the concerns of local people and information from the public is vital to helping us tackle this type of harmful criminality.

“If you have information or concerns about drugs activity in your area please contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Meadows Festival scam warning

The Count down has started and The Meadows Festival Edinburgh Posters are out for this years Festival 6& 7th June 2026!

Be scam aware

please note that all applicants must go through our website we will only contact you through our association email addresses (we don’t use gmail, yahoo, hotmail, outlook etc).

Thank you

MFE Team

Monday coffee deal offers a brighter start to the week

Edinburgh café launches reusable cup offer with sustainability at its heart

MONDAYS could soon feel a little brighter in Edinburgh as a city centre café launches reusable cups alongside a new half-price hot drinks offer.

Located beside Surgeons’ Hall Museums in the heart of the capital, Café 1505 is encouraging customers to switch to its reusable cup by offering 50% off hot drinks every Monday.

The discount is available exclusively to customers using the café’s own reusable cup, combining value with a more sustainable choice.

The campaign is being introduced by Surgeons Quarter, which manages Café 1505 as part of its wider commercial activity across the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh campus. Profits support the College’s charitable work in surgical education, training and improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Scott Michell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, said: “Monday can be the toughest day of the week for customers and for hospitality businesses, so this is a simple way to give people a lift while also encouraging a more sustainable choice. It is about making the start of the week a little brighter, while reflecting the values behind Café 1505.

“We know people are thinking more carefully about the choices they make every day. This offer gives them a good reason to come in on a Monday, while also shining a light on the ethical and environmental thinking already built into the café.”

Café 1505 serves Caffia Grown by Women coffee, using beans produced by female farmers in cooperatives across regions including Peru, Nicaragua and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Used coffee grounds are also recycled at Cyrenians Farm for composting.

The reusable cup launch forms part of a wider sustainability drive across Surgeons Quarter’s commercial operations.

Its four-star Ten Hill Place Hotel has held a Gold Green Tourism Award since 2008, with further environmental measures including the removal of single-use plastic bottles and the use of 100 per cent renewable energy.

By linking value with sustainability, Café 1505 aims to give workers, students, visitors and local residents another reason to rethink their Monday routine.

The Café 1505 reusable cup is available to purchase for £19, which includes the first hot drink free – with every Monday thereafter offering 50% off for cup holders.

For more information, visit the Surgeons Quarter: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/

Police appeal for witnesses following serious assault

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in Edinburgh.

Around 4.35pm on Friday, 16 January, 2026, police received a report of the serious assault of a 20-year-old man at a bus stop on Nicholson Street.

The suspect approached the victim and seriously assaulted him, before making off towards Nicholson Square.

The suspect is described as white, of stocky build, around 6ft 2ins and aged between 25 and 32. At the time he was wearing a long black Nike coat, a black hoodie with his hood up, black trousers and dark coloured shoes.

The 20-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “This incident left a man with serious injuries, and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the person responsible.

“We know that the area was very busy at the time and would encourage anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to speak to officers to come forward.

“Anyone with information, or concerns, is asked to contact officers locally or call 101, quoting incident number 2461 of 16 January, 2026.

“Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Happy 15th Anniversary, NEN blog!

NEN PUBLISHED OUR FIRST BLOG POST ON THIS DAY IN 2011

The very first NEN blog post was published on this day in 2011. The post read:

Hello, and welcome to the brand new NEN blog.

For those of you not already familiar with the newspaper, we are a local community paper serving the North Edinburgh community. We’ve been here for over thirty years.

This blog, along with our new Facebook page and Twitter stream, represents our first foray into the world of social media. We really want to encourage more participation, more questions and ideas from the North Edinburgh community – both online and offline – and hope that these new tools will help us to do that.

We already have a good website, where you can always find the latest edition of the printed newspaper. The blog won’t be replacing that, but will instead be there to show people the latest news about the area, and also to help us cover the current funding crisis we are facing as an organisation.

Above all, we want to include your input on the blog – be it ideas for stories, comments, pictures and events. So get in touch!

The NEN’s website was sadly deleted when funding ceased but our social media presence continues on both Twitter and Facebook and the blog is still going strong with 10 – 12 posts daily.

2025 was the NEN blog’s busiest ever year with 36,000 visitors. As I write this we’ve published more than 38,000 posts – all of these remain accessible online – and we’re currently on a run of publishing on 2749 consecutive days.

When the NEN office in Crewe Road North closed much of the NEN archive material was lost, but thankfully some of our picture library was salvaged and can now be found at granton:hub (Madelvic House), where the volunteer archive team has also collated all remaining hard copies of the North Edinburgh News newspaper.

Hopefully, between the physical archive and the NEN blog, you can find all you need to know about our community’s rich history – and we’re adding to that history every day!