The importance of embedding a national isolation strategy across all areas of government is key to alleviating loneliness in Scotland, says Contact the Elderly’s head of service in Scotland, Morna O’May (above). Continue reading National Isolation Strategy ‘key to combating loneliness’
Police have confirmed that the body of missing man Stanislaw Zajac has been found.
The 51-year-old was last seen on Saturday 31st August in the Leith area.
On Sunday (15th September) officers responded to a report that a body had been found on an East Lothian beach. The body has now been formally identified as that of Mr Zajac and his family have been informed.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Violent crime in Scotland has risen by 10% in the year to last March, official figures revealed yesterday. It’s the highest level for seven years, with a 16% rise in robberies.
The figures show there was also an 8% increase in sexual crimes, including rape, to to the highest level ever recorded.
Despite these statistics the Scottish Government says violent crime is much lower than a decade ago. Continue reading Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures
Some of the biggest names in rock and pop music, from 80s legends to current chart-toppers, are coming to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall this Autumn.
The Autumn gig season highlights exactly why the Usher Hall is one of the best places to catch the biggest names in music, from modern popstars to veteran legends. Continue reading Stars old and new set to take the stage at the Usher Hall this Autumn
Active Ageing event at Hibernian’s GameChanger Centre, Easter Road
2nd October: 12 noon – 4pm
Hosted by Port of Leith Housing Association
Activities include Body Boosting Bingo (12 noon), tour of Hibs Stadium (1pm), Tea Dance (2pm), stalls and refreshments.
For more information or to book transport, call 0131 553 2559
Little monsters can actively enjoy Halloween this year and have a frightfully good time at Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft-play centres across the city! Continue reading Spooktacular events at Edinburgh Leisure this Halloween
This Recycle Week, the City of Edinburgh Council is urging residents to get into the food waste recycling habit with a new video showing how easy it is to do.
Continue reading City council encourages residents to get the recycling habit
We’re excited as our new sewing group, led by artist Jessica Howarth, is starting very very soon!
A Stitch in Time‘s first session is on Wednesday, 2 October, 10am – 12pm. Continue reading A Stitch in Time at North Edinburgh Arts
THURSDAY 3rd OCTOBER from 11am
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival
4 – 6th October 2019
Music, dance, storytelling, films and audio visual celebration of Edinburgh’s multicultural communities (the newest event on Edinburgh’s festival calendar)
African Connections CIC (an Edinburgh-based community interest company promoting diversity through performing arts) is delighted to announce the very first Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, on 4-6 October 2019.
Website www.edinburghmulticulturalfestival.co.uk (www.edmcf.co.uk)
The festival programme features a bright array of Edinburgh’s diverse talent with spoken word, poetry, music, dance and visual arts created by African, Asian and Eastern European artists living in the capital.
The festival will also present two international acts: albino Malawian singer and canjo player Lazarus, and Sowhereto Africa, a South African dance and music show promoting street talent from the township of Soweto (previously performed at Edinburgh’s Dance Base and the Studio).
A poetry and storytelling programme (on Friday afternoon) will be curated by Nadine Aisha Jassat, with storytellers Fong Liu and Daiva Ivanauskaitė, while the weekend will feature musicians including Samba Sene & Diwan (Sengalese Mbalax/Afrobeat/ska fusion), rappers Billy Got Waves & Joell, Moroccan grooves from Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion and Bollywood//Indian classical music from Swaryatra; the dance programme on Saturday includes Scotland’s leading Indian dance group Dance Ihayami, a range of African dances from Sankofa Beats, plus Olga Kay, Iraya Noble, Pirita Tuisku, and many more.
There will also be a specially curated short films programme and a specially created installation by Polish audio visual artist Robert Motyka, inspired by diverse cultures and identities.
The events will take place across two venues in north Edinburgh – creative writing, poetry and storytelling at Drumbrae Library and Community Hub (4th October only), with the main programme taking place at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus (5 & 6 October), in the open café space (unticketed) and the PASS Theatre.
There will be opportunities for audiences to mix with performers and community organisations, to share their experiences and find out more about how to be involved in cross-community activities.
All events are free to attend, and all age groups are welcome.
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, Morgan Njobo, said: “With this programme we would like to celebrate Edinburgh’s diverse multicultural talent and its contribution to the cultural life of the city.
“As a South African artist living in Edinburgh, I feel privileged to be able to present an eclectic programme that aims to engage local communities and increase access to arts and entertainment in the north of Edinburgh.
“We are collaborating with artists whose work is influenced by African, Asian and Eastern European cultures and we wish for all Edinburgh residents engage with our diverse performing arts and visual arts scene and enjoy the benefits of diversity brought by the artists involved.”
It is hoped that Edinburgh Multicultural Festival 2019 will be the first of many, growing over the years, contributing to promoting tolerance and inclusivity across Edinburgh and beyond.
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival is delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College, PASS Theatre and Drumbrae Library and Community Hub and supported by City of Edinburgh Council.
LISTINGS
Fri 4 Oct 2 – 5pm Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, 81 Drum Brae Dr, Edinburgh EH4 7FE
Storytelling, poetry and creative writing
Sat 5 Oct Noon-5pm Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE
(Doors 11am) DANCE inc Dance Ihayami, Sowhereto, Sankofa Beats
Sun 6 Oct Noon-5pm Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE
(Doors 11am) MUSIC inc Lazarus, Samba Sene & Diwan, Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion
All events are free, and tickets can be reserved in advance via Eventbrite
