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The Famous Spiegeltent announces Edinburgh summer programme

The Famous Spiegeltent opens this week
Expect magic, melodies, and mesmerising performances as the legendary venue celebrates her ‘centenary plus’
The original trailblazing travelling venue makes its grand return to St Andrew Square from 10 Jul – 31 Aug

10 July – 31 August 2025

St Andrew Square Edinburgh

Tickets for all shows are on sale NOW

www.thefamousspiegeltent.com

This week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.

An iconic fixture at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 20 years since 1996, The Famous Spiegeltent has been instrumental in promoting the international careers of variety, cabaret, independent music and new circus arts.

This summer the grand dame of travelling venues opens her doors for 8 weeks of spellbinding performances, hosting the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival before delivering her own mesmerising programme of live performances, magic, enchanting melodies, and maybe a few surprise faces!

Opening its Edinburgh festival season, The Famous Spiegeltent will be hosting the renowned Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival for almost 30 concerts from 11 – 20 July.

Beginning with raconteur and brilliant jazz violinist, George Washingmachine, over 9 days, The Famous Spiegeltent will welcome performances from renowned musicians including leading force on the UK jazz scene, Joe Webb, and one of Scotland’s foremost trumpeters, Colin Steele.

Full programme and ticket details for The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival can be found here.

La Clique

2025 marks both The Famous Spiegeltent’s 105th anniversary as well as the 21st birthday of her notorious, multi-award-winning house show, La Clique!

Since its inception in 2004 in The Famous Spiegeltent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, La Clique has taken the world by storm.

The very essence of live entertainment, the international Oliver Award-winning sensation is a unique blend of daring acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunts, scintillating burlesque and raucous comedy. Visceral, ethereal and in-your-face, each act a masterpiece of artistry and athleticism, La Clique showcases a riotous troupe of crème de la crème artistes from around the world.

From 23 Jul – 31 Aug leave your troubles at the doors of The Famous Spiegeltent, be a part of history and come raise a glass to the 21st Birthday of this trailblazing icon of entertainment! This iteration of La Clique celebrates over two decades of cult status as the true pioneering classic within the cabaret/circus canon, bringing heritage artistes and the next generation of performers together for a spectacular six-week season of subversive revelry.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, La Clique’s birthday show promises an unforgettable night of pure wonder, joy and delight. Sexy, funny, and dangerous, the handpicked cast includes: the iconic Ursula Martinez, Captain Frodo, Tara Boom, LJ Marles, David Periera, Daredevil Chickens, Aurora Kurth, Masha Terentieva, Mikael Bres, Byron Hutton, Heather Holliday, Miranda Menzies and more

Over your head, under your skin, and below the belt! Hang on to your hat and strap yourself in, as we present … La Clique!

Bold Performances

Watch closely … are you paying attention? Introducing The Unfair Advantage (1 – 25 Aug)an intimate,unique and unprecedented hour-long theatrical event. Take a seat at the card table, sign a legal contract of secrecy and Australia’s leading sleight-of-hand magician Harry Milas will reveal the secrets behind the skill that saw him become a security weapon for the world’s top casinos.

Edinburgh’s own Captivate Theatre enter The Famous Spiegeltent to deliver two stellar musical theatre shows. Performed entirely by talented students, Les Misérables (School Edition), running from 1 – 10 Aug,has been seen by an estimated 22,000 people, with sell-out crowds, standing ovations and multiple five-star reviews.

Les Mis is the story of love, compassion and redemption, featuring hit songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home and many more – don’t be put off by School Edition! From 12 – 24 Aug, prepare to be drawn into a dark and ghoulish world as the streets of Victorian London come to life in their thrilling production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd.

Mesmerising Music

The Paris icon and the Glasgow girl, Christine Bovill established her reputation as one of Europe’s finest interpreters of French song with her smash-hit Piaf. With a fresh take on this self-penned work, she now returns with Christine Bovill: Piaf Revisited on the 5, 12 & 19 Aug, to the venue of her original triumphs, looking back on her remarkable journey.

Performing for two nights only, on 11 and 18 Aug, see multi-award-winning vocalist Niki King take to the stage of The Famous Spiegeltent for Time. A deeply connecting musical experience, Time explores universal truths of loss, fear and the power of love and connection, while reflecting the concept of time itself.

What are synths? Where did they come from? And why are they synonymous with cats in space? Laurie’s got answers. Part live gig, part TedTalk, Laurie Black: Deadly Synths (12 & 19 Aug) tells the history of the sound of the future through seven decades of synth tunes.

Sounds of Scotland

Presented in association with Scary Biscuits Promotions, The Famous Spiegeltent is delighted to announce Sounds of Scotland. From African dancebeats, Americana, Folk, Roots, Funk, Blues, Rock and Indie, this strand of the 2025 programme, running outwith the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, showcases some of the best music being created in Scotland, welcoming artists and audiences to The Famous Spiegeltent for a series of intimate, one-off performances.

Enjoy an evening of exuberant Afrobeat, Mbalax, Ska, Reggae dance grooves with double-bill Samba Sene & Diwan + Makossa (28 Jul). Samba Sene & Diwan is an eclectic mix of musicians, led by charismatic Dakar-born singer Samba Sene.

The music is a thrilling fusion of funky mbalax/Afrobeat grooves, with undercurrents of ska, rock and Senegalese soul. Makossa is a long-standing Edinburgh institution, a feelgood band, led by Peter Akyeampong, with influences from African to Latin, Funk, Reggae and Classic Rock.

BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award nominee, and daughter of Proclaimer Craig Reid,Roseanne Reid, takes to the stage of The Famous Spiegeltent on 29 Jul supported by The Rezillos’ Fay Fife, with her alt country Countess of Fife band member, guitarist Brian McFie.

In a night that promises to be musical medicine for the soul, acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter and one of the brightest stars of the UK roots music scene Adam Holmes performs with some very special guests on 30 Jul.

On 4 Aug enjoy a stunning double bill with Liz Jones & Broken Windows and Steve Ray Ladson. Taking tones dynamically from blues, folk-rock and psychedelia for a classic stage buzzing live performance, Broken Windows will be led by force of nature singer Liz Jones. After blowing audiences and judges (including Simon Cowell) away on his recent performance on America’s Got Talent, singer Steve Ray Ladson brings his specialty Blackgrass Brothercana to the tent.

Award winning troubadour and proud Leither Dean Owens occupies the unlikely common ground between post-industrial Scotland, America’s desert states and the lush Italian hills. On Aug 6, he will be accompanied by his band The Sinners – expect a joyous, melancholy mix of songs and stories from Dean’s 12 album international career.

A darkly magnetic experience as blues meets alternative rock in a cinematic descent through Edinburgh’s shadowy underbelly The Filthy Tongues on13 Aug. Spawned from Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, expect pounding rhythms, brooding melodies, and razor-sharp storytelling.

On 20 Aug, Main Street Blues bring their popular show Kings of the Blues to The Famous Spiegeltent celebrating the music of blues legends BB King, Albert King, and Freddie King. Following their forthcoming sell-out show at The Famous Spiegeltent as part of The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2025, Black Cat Bone bring their raucous, blues infused rock’n’roll to the tent again on 26 Aug.

Experience the primal force of their music: thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, prowling, fuzzing basslines and a haunting voice that carries the ecstasy and agony of a lifetime.

Award winning Kirsten Adamson (daughter of rock legend Stuart Adamson Big Country/Skids) is performing double duties on 26 Aug. She headlines with her band The Tanagers, who have just finished recording the highly anticipated follow up album to her widely acclaimed Landing Place album. She’ll also play a short opening set with her duo band, The Marriage.

Closing the Sounds of Scotland music programme in style, get ready for a night of fearless funk, creative jazzy fire, and groove-soaked energy from Edinburgh- based collective James Brown is Annie on 27 Aug.

Keep an eye out for more special events and some surprise faces yet to be revealed in The Famous Spiegeltent’s grand return to Edinburgh!

Creative producer and Spiegelmaestro David Bates said: “Leave your troubles at the gates to St Andrew Square and step into our world to discover our specially curated spellbinding programme.

“After almost a decade away, we are delighted to return to Edinburgh, where it all began, to salute The Famous Spiegeltent’s 105th anniversary and the coming of age 21st birthday of the one and only La Clique.

“We are honoured to share this celebration with the people and the place that has forever changed all our lives. To our Edinburgh devotees and newcomers alike, we can’t wait for you to join us and raise a glass to this historic season!”

Book your tickets now at www.thefamousspiegeltent.com

July Climate Bites at Earth In Common

EDINBURGH COMMUNITIES CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK

Summer is here and our July Climate Bites event will be hosted by … Earth in Common!

When? Thursday, July 17 at 12.30pm

Where? Leith Community Croft

Whether you’re interested in learning more about our hosts, having a catch-up with other network members or talk about a climate issue that is important to you, this is the place to be!

As always, lunch is on us.

Book your place now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/climate-bites-at-leith…

#climatebites

#sustainabilitynetworking

#eccan

#edinburgh

#julyevent

The Watsonian Football Club honours it’s legacy by celebrating over a century of it’s iconic kits

MEMBERS OLD AND NEW CAME TOGETHER TO SHARE MEMORIES OF THE CLUB’S HISTORY, INSPIRED BY MAROON AND WHITE STRIPES

As The Watsonian Football Club celebrates its 150^th year, former players and current members came together at the Pavilion at Myreside, adorning variations of the club’s famous maroon and white kit.

With every kit telling a story and sparking memories both on and off the pitch, the opportunity was created for newer members to hear about the ‘Sonians’ that came before them, and for some of the club’s greats to be remembered for their contributions.

From recent triumphs like the Sarah Beaney Cup victories to the rich history of rugby legends who proudly wore the Watsonians crest, the significance of The Watsonian Football Club was brought to life through a remarkable collection of classic jerseys, many of which were rediscovered after years tucked away in attics and drawers. These kits serve as powerful reminders of the club’s lasting impact on generations of players and supporters over the past 150 years.

Marking its 150th year, The Watsonian Football Club is committed to reigniting and energising the community that has shaped its storied journey. A series of ongoing celebratory events and initiatives will complement the club’s on-field achievements, including four successful senior teams and a thriving youth section.

Through sharing their memories made in maroon and white, it quickly became clear that no matter where life has taken people, being part of The Watsonian Football Club is something that leaves a lasting impact.

With a framed shirt by his side, former Club Captain, John Macdonald, reflected on his time playing for Watsonians, saying: “This is all very nostalgic.

“I remember that at my peak, we were playing Melrose with a crowd of 7,500 watching. My sons still think I am winding them up when I bring it up, but they’ve seen some of the old footage. It was a different day, a different game, and obviously things move on, but it was a really golden period to be a part of the club.”

The game of rugby and the landscape of the sport in Scotland continue to be ever-changing, but The Watsonian Football Club has been able to enjoy its long history by adapting and growing with the game.

Notable ways that the club has done so in recent times include the introduction of Watsonian Women’s in the late 90s and success being enjoyed at the semi-professional level with the introduction of the now disbanded Super Series.

Kath Vass, a stalwart of Watsonians Women’s for 17 years, repping a stitched-together 2005 Watsonian Women’s kit, shared memories of success: “When we won the top league in Scottish women’s rugby, it was something truly special.

“Being able to bring the trophy here, to Myreside, is something that I will never forget. When I joined what was known as Watsonian Ladies in the year 2000, it was perfect.

“Having previously played elsewhere but living a stone’s throw away from Myreside, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately wowed by the community and professionalism of the club.”

Departing Club Captain and Super Series winner, Neil Irvine-Hess, reminisced on recent memories, adding: “Having played for Watsonians as a teen, I returned to the club in 2022 after a stint in the Borders.

“It was an honour to get asked to captain the Super Series team two years ago, and it’s something that I have taken seriously ever since. It is special and helps you appreciate the long history of the club.

“When I finish playing, I will look back with pride on my name being amongst so many great Watsonians players. The community at Watsonians is brilliant, from being dragged to the ground by the minis at a family day to winning the Super Series Championship, it is special to be part of The Watsonian Football Club’s history.”

With multiple Watsonians teams across different generations enjoying the highs of success and battling through tougher seasons, it has been important for the club to welcome players from across Edinburgh and further afield to sustain competitiveness and create a growing community.

By rediscovering the magic and the memories possessed by old stripes of maroon and white, The Watsonian Football Club continues to inspire its community to come together during its milestone 150^th year.

With a full calendar of events planned in the lead-up to the 150th Gala Dinner in November, The Watsonian Football Club warmly invites past and present members to be part of this historic 2025 celebrations.

For more information on Watsonian Rugby Club, please visit:

https://watsoniansrugby.com.

USDAW calls for attacks on retail workers and theft from shops to be given priority

RETAIL CRIME IN SCOTLAND CONTINUES TO INCREASE

Retail trade union Usdaw is concerned by the continued growing trend of shoplifting incidents, which have more than doubled since the pandemic, alongside a persistent decline in police ‘clear-up’ rates for the offence.

The union welcomes that the protection of retail workers law has been effective in nearly 8,000 assaults, but calls for greater priority to be given to retail crime.

Police recorded retail crime in Scotland:

Shoplifting increased from 20,557 during the pandemic to 44,730 last year (2024/5), which is a 118% increase and includes a 16% rise on the previous year (2023/4).
The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen every year over the past 10 years from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 49% in 2024/5, an overall decrease of over one-third.
Since the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into effect on 24 August 2021, there have been 7,861 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker.

www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2024-25

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats. No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers are.

“Usdaw’s own survey shows that nearly three-quarters of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.

“The scale of the epidemic of retail crime is laid bare in these shocking police recorded crime statistics. It is increasingly common for retail stores to be targeted by organised crime gangs stealing to order.

“This is in no way a victimless crime, with weapons and violence used to ensure these criminals are not stopped.

“Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers.

“Scotland’s protection of retail workers law has made a difference, having been used for nearly 8,000 assaults, but more needs to be done.

“We continue to work with retailers, the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to help ensure that legislation is fully utilised so that all retail workers receive the protection and respect they deserve.”

Holyrood Committee agrees general principles of Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill

More work is needed if the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process. This is the recommendation in a new report issued by Holyrood’s Rural Affairs & Islands Committee.

Publishing its Stage 1 report, the Committee says that it supports the general principles of the Bill. However, should the Bill progress to the next stage, the Committee sets out areas for reconsideration and development.

The Committee says that, although the creation of a specific statutory offence of dog theft would recognise that dogs are sentient beings and reflect the impact on animal welfare, there is no clear evidence to suggest that a statutory offence would be used more in practice than the existing common law.

In addition, without a dedicated budget for raising awareness of the statutory offence, and with similar penalties as are currently available for the existing offence, the Committee say it is unlikely to act as a strong deterrent.

The report also says that making the theft of an assistance dog an aggravated crime does not seem a ‘proportionate provision’. To date, no instances of dog theft have been reported, and the court system can already consider the impact of any theft, if a case does come to court.

The Committee recommends however that, if the proposed aggravation proceeds to Stage 2, a broader definition for dogs providing support and assistance, for example working farm dogs, should be included.

The Committee says that it does not support allowing victims of dog theft to make victim statements to the court.

During scrutiny, stakeholders said that courts already consider the impact of crimes on victims and that providing this opportunity to victims of dog theft, would create an anomaly with other crimes which do not allow victim support statements.

Instead, the Committee asks the Scottish Government to include dog theft within its broader commitment to expand the range of offences where victim statements are allowed.

Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP, said; “This is a well-intentioned Bill which merits our support at this stage in the legislative process. We agree that dog theft is a terrible crime, and that appropriate legislation should be in place to reflect this.

“However, evidence provided to us during our scrutiny suggests that many of the Bill provisions are already available within the current court system and procedures. It’s important to ensure legislation and enforcement procedures do not create untended consequences or further bureaucratic burdens.

“It’s now for the Scottish Parliament to consider the reservations we have set out in our report and to decide the best route forward.”

£22 million to tackle waiting times in NHS Lothian

Additional funding to build on progress in clearing longest waits

Health Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed progress in reducing waiting lists at NHS Lothian as he confirmed the health board will be allocated an additional £22 million for the year ahead – as part of a £106 million investment across the NHS to tackle the longest waits.

Latest figures show a 14% decrease last year in inpatient/daycase waits for all specialties at NHS Lothian – down from 26,462 at 31 March 2024 to 22,762 at 31 March 2025.

The reduction in ongoing waits was driven by reductions in:

General surgery -19.6%
Gynaecology -20.6%
Orthopaedics -17.9%
Urology -27.9%

On a visit to the Day Surgery Unit at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the Health Secretary met with staff and patients and saw first-hand the positive impact Scottish Government investment is having on waits. The Day Surgery Unit carries out 30 – 40 scheduled procedures every day – this helps allow patients to leave for home from 2pm onwards with a focus on same day discharge.

A huge variety of procedures are performed with patients from a mix of five specialties, including gynaecology, general surgery, vascular, neurosurgery and orthopaedics. Last year, around 4,500 procedures were carried out by the Unit.

Mr Gray said: “This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists and we are determined to make it easier, faster and fairer for patients to get access to the treatment they need.

“I was pleased to meet the team at the Royal Infirmary’s Day Surgery Unit who are carrying out fantastic work to help target long waits and making significant progress. We want to build on this success and drive that improvement across Scotland – our additional investment of £106 million support this work across all health boards.

“Figures published today show monthly A&E performance at its best since July 2023 and delayed discharge at its lowest since October 2023. Our plan to improve our NHS is working and we will build on this progress by increasing capacity and investing to tackle the longest waits to ensure patients get faster access to care.”

Sheltered housing tenants in Leith celebrate ‘Glastoldbury’!

Tenants at Jameson Place in Leith are celebrating ‘Glastoldbury’ this weekend. The festival line-up includes Edinburgh Festival Fringe singer Sean Mearns and Leona Corio.

The tenants’ outdoor space will be transformed with tents and festival decorations with around 40 festival-goers expected to attend Glastoldbury. There will be a BBQ lunch, mocktails, fun tattoos and a photobooth to enjoy between sets.

A slot has been carved out for games and chip butties before the party continues into the late afternoon.

Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “Our tenants have a varied social calendar and, with so many music fans here, we decided to bring a little bespoke festival atmosphere to our doorstep in Leith.

“A big thank you to the singers who are performing at Glastoldbury and to all those involved in making this idea a reality. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a little sunshine on Leith this weekend!”

Your wish was granted, Maureen!

The east remains dry as SEPA urges the country to stay vigilant

This week, the rain has brought relief to the west and northwest of the country, but some levels of water scarcity are still being felt in large parts of Scotland, particularly in the east. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are asking that water users remain vigilant.

Although the rainfall in late May and early June brought localised relief, it has not reversed the underlying dry conditions. Eight river catchments – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don, Dee, Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne – remain at Moderate Scarcity, while a further six – Wick, Helmsdale, Findhorn, Forth, Almond and Tweed – are at Alert. The Naver has seen some light relief and recovered to Early Warning.

SEPA started issuing warnings about the chance of water scarcity in March, after an exceptionally dry autumn and winter. Spring 2025 was the second driest in more than 100 years, and the driest since 1964 in parts of eastern Scotland. With rainfall in the east still well below average for the year, river conditions could deteriorate quickly even without the presence of a heatwave.

With the rivers already stressed after months of below average rainfall and summer only just beginning even brief periods of rain over the summer often will not soak in properly or evenly enough to reverse the pressure. This means warmer temperatures, lower oxygen, and shrinking channels will increase pressure on fish, aquatic life, and habitats.

Scotland’s water scarcity levels are grounded in current data, not forecasts. SEPA’s team of specialists maintain and calibrate a national network of river flow stations — a science-led system that gives an accurate picture of pressures on our rivers, lochs, and water supplies.

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “Many abstractors have already been planning ahead and taking steps to use water efficiently, especially in areas of Alert and Moderate scarcity.

“We’ve talked to over 400 licence holders across the last few months and welcome the steps that have been taken by farmers, distilleries, industry and others to use water efficiently. We urge them to continue to do that. We don’t wait until the situation reaches crisis point to act, and we don’t expect water users to either.

“We’re still contacting abstractors where rivers are low to ensure they have all the information they need to make decisions about their water use, and to make sure nothing comes as a surprise if further action becomes necessary. If you hold an abstraction licence and you’re in an area of Moderate Scarcity, don’t be concerned if we get in touch.”

SEPA will continue to monitor conditions and publish weekly water scarcity reports to help businesses make informed decisions about their water use.

Access to the reports, and SEPA’s DRAT station information, is available at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Remember, remember …

FIREWORK CONTROL ZONES

Is your community being considered for a Firework Control Zone in November?

Streets in Balerno, Calton Hill, Corstorphine, Gracemount, Longstone, Moredun, Niddrie, Seafield and Sighthill have been nominated.

We’d like to hear your views at http://edinburgh.gov.uk/firework-control-zones…