Scotland’s People will launch a refreshed website at midday on 3rd September.
The new website will have a fresh and modern feel. It’s been designed to enhance user experience and accessibility. Searching the records will also be simpler and quicker.
The site is compliant with WCAG 2.2 guidelines and has a double AA standard, which means it’s easily accessible for all users.
This allows a wider and more diverse audience to explore their Scottish heritage.
Customers can log in with their current details and previous saved information will continue to be available.
To prepare for these changes, the website will be unavailable from 00.01 on Sunday, 1st September, to 12.00 on Tuesday, 3rd September.
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this weekend will be on a roll at the East Lothian attraction’s brand-new family festival. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands on activities at 360 Fest on Saturday 31 August.
The one-day event offers family fun for all ages. Cycle stunt team The Clan will perform extreme jumps, flips and tricks on the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield. Cycling UK will also be on site with e-bikes, cargo bikes and family friendly kit to take for a spin and visitors inspired to take a turn can try a bespoke pump track, courtesy of The Dirt Factory.
Scotland’s Concorde will provide a unique backdrop for sensational pop-up circus performances from Think Circus. Families can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Zorbing, a pop-up planetarium, giant bubbles and circle-themed crafts and activities complete the packed 360 Fest programme.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: ““We’re excited to launch this brand-new family festival at the National Museum of Flight. This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together.
“Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.”
All of the other attractions at the National Museum of Flight will be available to enjoy on the day including iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its arrival at the Museum this year.
Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly. There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
360 Fest
Saturday 31 August, 11:00-16:00 (Museum open 10:00-17:00) National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick, EH39 5LF
Due to event capacity, advance booking is required to ensure entry. Admission: Adult (16+) £15.50 Concession £13.50, Child (5-15) £10.50, under 5’s free. National Museums Scotland members free with pre-booked ticket.
15% off when you book as a family. Discount automatically applied in basket when you buy up to three Child 5-15 tickets alongside up to any two Adult, Over 65s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets.
EIF attracts new audiences with Affordable Tickets and Innovative Experiences
The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival was more inclusive than ever: more than twice the number of tickets were issued to under 18s, young musicians, and D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audiences compared to last year.
The most expansive affordable ticket offer to date saw over 50% of tickets for the 2024 International Festival sold at £30 or less, with over 5,000 £10 tickets purchased by those who needed them most — a 100% increase on 2023.
Scottish talent took centre stage, with 50% of performers from or based in Scotland, all five national performing companies featured, and over 200 specialist freelancers, demonstrating the essential role of Scotland’s arts sector in delivering the International Festival.
The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival concluded yesterday after an exhilarating 24-day celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital. With over 160 ticketed performances and more than125,000 attendees across the city’s venues, the Festival showcased 21 world, European, UK and Scottish premieres affirming its role as an essential destination for arts and culture.
Under the leadership of Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, the theme Rituals That Unite Us successfully brought together over 2,000 internationally renowned artists from 42 nations, exploring the deep connections which bind us all through live performance.
At the heart of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival was a commitment to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to cultural discovery, making high-quality art accessible to the broadest possible audience.
Over 50% of tickets were sold at £30 or less, and more than 5,000 targeted £10 tickets were sold — a 100% increase on last year. Double the number of free tickets were taken up by NHS staff, charity workers, and low-income benefit recipients through the Tickets for Good programme, marking the highest uptake since the Festival signed up to the initiative.
Additionally, the number of D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent concession tickets doubled, with twice as many people enrolling for the Access Pass, which provides a tailored experience for audience members with access requirements.
The International Festival reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences, with a notable increase in young people attending and participating. This year saw more than triple the number of free tickets to young musicians issued through the Young Musician’s Pass compared to 2023 and U18s ticket purchases rose by 100% from 2023.
Over half of all bookers were new to the Festival this year, the highest level since the pandemic. The International Festival also focused on talent development, with initiatives like Rising Stars providing early career artists with invaluable opportunities to work and perform alongside professional mentors such as the Leonore Piano Trio and Yura Lee.
As an international festival deeply rooted in Scotland, an impressive 50% of the artists were from Scotland in 2024, highlighting the exceptional calibre of local talent alongside their international peers.
This included approximately 250 multigenerational performers in the world-first Healing Arts Scotland Opening Celebrationat the Scottish Parliament, and representation from all five Scottish national performing arts companies—National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
The International Festival also employs over 200 specialist freelancers and relies every year on a pipeline of talented writers, actors, musicians, dancers, singers, producers, facilitators, technicians and cultural workers.
In the precarious funding landscape currently faced by the Scottish arts sector, the Festival remains committed to supporting and advocating for the indispensable community of creative individuals and organisations of which Scotland can rightly be proud.
Under the theme of ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, the 2024 International Festival programme also reimagined ways in which live performance could bring audiences and artists closer together.
Audiences sat in beanbags to enjoy six informal concerts at the Usher Hall, including Brazil’s Ilumina, The Hallé, and the European Union Youth Orchestra, while The Hub series once again welcomed audiences into the home of the International Festival for intimate and unforgettable performances from around the world.
Six artist rehearsals were made accessible to the public and schools, offering a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process, while 20 Q&A sessions were offered by artists after their performances to deepen the experience for attending audiences.
Offering a deeper look into the Festival’s inner workings, 36 audio introductions, hosted by Kate Molleson and Nicola Benedetti, featured insights from artists, programmers, and creatives behind the programme’s performances.
Listened to 32,794 times by audiences, The Warm Up invited artists to discuss the unique rituals they undergo before creating a piece or stepping onto the stage. Nicola Benedetti also made her BBC Radio 3 presenting debut in a six-part series focusing on the origin story and impact of the International Festival, which continues to broadcast until 7 September.
Additionally, nineteen concerts from the Festival were recorded for BBC Radio 3 and will be available on BBC Sounds. More than 130 behind-the-scenes videos shared across the International Festival’s social media channels garnered 1 million views from online audiences.
Additionally, over 300 people enjoyed a free VR experience with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub, held this year in the Edinburgh suburb of Broomhouse. Following this, 2,000 attendees attended a Family Concert at the Usher Hall, where young music lovers had the chance to experience the Philharmonia Orchestra in person, with Festival Director Nicola Benedetti performing on violin.
Over 7,000 people joined together for a new ritual for the city and the International Festival at the highly anticipated Opening Event: Where to Begin, presented in partnership with The Macallan. Where to Begin launched Edinburgh’s festival season with an immersive experience at the historic Old Town site of George Heriot’s, brought to life by the creative team at Pinwheel.
Festival Director, Nicola Benedettisaid, “Our Festival has been an outstanding success this year. The theme, Rituals That Unite Us, resonated in profound ways with our visiting artists and home community. Although we bring stories from around the world, they change when they interact with the unique spirit of Edinburgh, artist upon artist expressing their awe and desire to return.
“We diversified the experiences in our venues, making the Festival as accessible and affordable as possible. Beanbags returned, as did the intimacy of our home, the Hub. We programmed exceptional international premieres, doubled the number of Under 18 tickets on last year, and tripled the Young Musician’s Pass attendees – an initiative that offers free Festival tickets to young musicians.”
“Against a tumultuous backdrop of funding crisis, two aspects of our identity were reinforced and strengthened. We are deeply rooted in Scotland, and will continue to present the best of Scottish talent alongside our international counterparts.
“Most importantly, we are making an indelible impact on access to culture for our local community. To present the world’s greatest art to the broadest possible audience is what we are here to do.”
Chief Executive, Francesca Hegyisaid “Our theme for this year’s programme, Rituals that Unite Us, beautifully captured the sense of togetherness felt throughout this past month. There’s something profound and powerful about this shared experience that brings people from every corner of the world and all walks of life together.
“As we celebrate this year’s Festival, we must also recognise the current fragility of the Scottish cultural sector. With 50% of our 2024 artists hailing from Scotland, the Festival relies on exceptional local talent both on and off the stage and we are deeply concerned about the ongoing survival of our creative community.
“The International Festival is the original spark that lit this city’s path to becoming the world’s Festival City. “Now, 77 years later, we thank you for joining us once again for the ritual that we look forward to each year: the Edinburgh International Festival.”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo now turns attention to next year and its 75th Anniversary with tickets on sale now
Following an odyssey of awe-inspiring performances featuring acts from across the globe, 2024’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has officially come to an end.
The Edinburgh Castle’s hallowed Esplanade hosted over 800 performers, wowing packed crowds night after night, and with its increased capacity, the Tattoo hit an impressive 96% attendance cross the 26 Shows performed.
The third, and final instalment, of Creative Director Michael Brathwaite’s tenure with the Tattoo, Journeys capped off the successes of Voices and Stories. Framed by a time in which togetherness is as important as it has ever been, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, connected audiences, taking them on a voyage of shared histories and cultures from across the world.
In a dazzling display of lights, dance, music, colour and precision, the Show merged the traditional elements the Tattoo is known and loved for, with modern twists and fresh, creative elements. All brought to life by the wonderfully varied cast from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK.
With a host of offerings, packages, and experiences, Tattoo fans enjoyed the show in myriad ways, including the 10-year anniversary of our partnership with Contini – hosts of our Cannonball hospitality package. The Tattoo also proudly hosted Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn and Official Vehicle Partner, John Clark Motor Group.
As one fantastic journey ends, another begins, with the Tattoo prepared to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year under the direction of new Creative Director, Alan Lane. The upcoming year promises to be filled with excitement and spectacular performances, with tickets on sale now.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This year’s Tattoo had been teed up by two phenomenal performances in Voices and Stories, setting the bar exceedingly high.
“However, between the incredible cast, team and all those who came out to see the Show, Journeys exceeded all our expectations. This was a spectacle that will not just go down as a tremendous performance of the Tattoo, but truly one fitting of the title as one of the greatest shows on earth, and for that, we couldn’t be prouder.
“But as the 74th year of the Tattoo comes to a close and we say a fond farewell to our Creative Director Michael Braithwaite, we look ahead excitedly as Alan Lane takes up the role and takes us to even more dynamic and immersive levels.
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary and a raft of exciting growth plans, it’s truly set to be a phenomenal year, and I’d urge fans to snap up tickets now to come and enjoy the magic of it all with us.”
Next year, the Tattoo Show will run from 1 -23 August 2025, with further updates to come across the Tattoo website and social channels.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 performance and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
This Halloween season, Craigies Farm is thrilled to announce its biggest and most thrilling event yet, promising to be the ultimate destination for Halloween fun in Edinburgh.
Building on last year’s success, the event is expanding to a whole new level, with an incredible 900 square metre haybale trail added to the already spectacular lineup of spooky activities.
Get ready for a spook-tacular experience as Craigies unveil their two fang-tastic events: the family friendly Craigies Pumpkin Festival by day, and Craigies Pumpkin Festival; After Dark, delivering spine-tingling adventures on the farm by night! A memory making family day out or a date night for the brave – you decide. These immersive, family-friendly experiences are sure to create unforgettable memories.
There are tricks, treats and a lineup of activities not to be missed including target paintball shooting, a haunted harvest maze, barrel ghost train and lots more.
Craigies Farm are once again partnering with Scotland’s leading event producer NL Productions to deliver Edinburgh’s best family Halloween experience. NL Productions have delivered a number of high-profile events across the UK, including Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktacular and will this year be delivering Dundee’s Christmas Village.
New This Year:
A 900 Square Metre Haybale Trail
The centrepiece of this expanded Halloween offering is a 900 square meter haybale trail, adding even more thrills and excitement to the event. The Monster Bale Trail will provide a maze-like experience perfect for all ages. Get ready to navigate your way through twists and turns while encountering unexpected scary surprises around every corner and a spectacular sensory light experience.
Craigies Pumpkin Festival
Building on the success of last year’s Spooky Days and the hugely popular PYO Pumpkins, Craigies Pumpkin Festival will offer delight and frights to families during the day. Tickets include entry to the pumpkin patch so you can get your hands on the best ones for carving (Pumpkins are purchased at an additional cost). As one of the closest pumpkin patches to Edinburgh, and with countless home-grown pumpkins of every shape and size Craigies is the perfect place to pick your own pumpkin.
Visitors can also access the Monster Bale Trail, lots of Halloween themed photo opportunities and the chance to enjoy tasty farm fresh food and drinks. It’s the perfect Halloween fun for the whole family.
Craigies Pumpkin Festival: After Dark
Building on 2023’s inaugural Haunted Tunnels, as darkness falls, the farm transforms. This scarier, nighttime experience is designed for older children and adults. As the sun sets, the fear factor heightens.
Visitors can navigate the brand-new haunted maze experience – Haunted Harvest – with spooky characters and immersive effects lurking around each corner. Visitors can also enjoy the pumpkin patch brilliantly illuminated and step foot in the Monster Bale Trail.
Book Now to Avoid Disappointment.
With the incredible new addition of the Haybale Trail and popular returning events, Craigies is set to host the biggest and best Halloween event in Edinburgh.
John Sinclair, Managing Director of Craigies commented, “At Craigies Farm, we have always prided ourselves on delivering quality events and we wanted to expand on the success of last years hugely successful Halloween event with more on offer this year.
“This is Edinburgh’s top Halloween event, and we have taken on board all feedback from 2023 to create something bigger and better that delivers high-quality immersive fun for families.”
Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so don’t delay—book your spot today for a frightfully fun day out!
