Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals ‘deliver significant benefits to city and Scotland’

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. 

EWF24-25 – UAL POST EVENT REPORT final May 25Download

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’.

QMU talent set for stardom with coveted Spotlight Prize finalist spot

A graduating Acting & Performance student from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been named a finalist in the prestigious Spotlight Prize 2025 – one of the industry’s most esteemed platforms for emerging talent. 

24-year-old Gregor Curran from Laurencekirk is one of just 20 students to be selected from more than 65 drama schools and universities across UK and Ireland. 

The Spotlight Prize is widely renowned for showcasing the very best of drama school graduates – Gregor’s selection is a testament to his exceptional ability and a shining reflection of the talent QMU nurtures. 

Marion Scott, Lecturer in Acting and Performance at Queen Margaret University, said: “Over the past two years, Gregor has demonstrated exceptional commitment, collaborating with his peers to create work of outstanding quality.

He is a student who perfectly embodies the spirit of QMU—intellectually curious, ambitious, creative, respectful, and genuinely supportive of others.  

“When we invited professionals from the industry to help our students with audition preparation and assess both their live and digital performances, we asked them which three students stood out.

“Gregor consistently appeared in their top three choices, making him a clear front runner for the Spotlight Prize. Having initially stepped away from acting after his HND to pursue a career in Early Years Education, we are absolutely delighted that he had a change of heart and chose to return to acting with us at QMU.” 

Each year, nominated graduates for the Spotlight Prize submit a self-tape audition which is reviewed by an independent panel of experts.

From this, 20 outstanding performers are selected to take part in the annual Spotlight Prize Showcase, where they will present both a screen performance (recorded in advance under the direction of Paulette Randall MBE) and a live stage performance in front of a room of casting directors, agents, producers, and other industry professionals. 

Gregor’s nomination was announced during QMU’s Acting and Performance Showcase at the end of April, where he was recognised as the University’s official nominee. Gregor has now gone on to secure a place in the national final — an exceptional achievement and a testament to his dedication and talent. 

Gregor said: “I’m very honoured to have been recognised by my lecturers and external industry guests from a class with such incredibly talented people who over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.

“To be a finalist and to represent QMU in London is to put it simply, pretty incredible. Right now, I’m feeling a mix of gratitude, nerves, and excitement, but I know that the training I’ve received at QMU, along with the support of my classmates and lecturers, will help me through.

“The BA (Hons) Acting and Performance course provides a real sense of family, where every effort is noticed and valued, and that’s something I’ll carry with me well beyond this experience.” 

The 2025 Spotlight Prize Showcase will take place on Wednesday 2 July in London, where awards will be presented for Best Stage and Best Screen performance. 

Past Spotlight Prize winners and nominees include some of the most recognisable names in the industry today, such as Ben Whishaw, Gwendoline Christie, Jodie Whittaker, and Sam Heughan. The prize, which evolved from the Rodney Millington Award, continues a rich tradition of spotlighting the UK and Ireland’s brightest new talent. 

In 2008, another QMU graduate, Chloe Thorpe, made it to the finals of the acting competition and after wowing the judges, won the prize for best female actor and £1,500 for her performance of ‘Cowboy Mouth’. 

Matt Hood, Spotlight’s Managing Director, said, “I am thrilled to welcome the finalists for the Spotlight Prize 2025.

“The UK and Ireland’s drama training is, rightly, world renowned and selecting the finalists from this year’s nominees proved challenging and exhilarating for our judges. We’re looking forward to welcoming the industry to our annual showcase in July, and to adding two more names to the long list of Spotlight Prize winners.” 

QMU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Gregor and looks forward to supporting him as he prepares for the final stage of this incredible opportunity. 

A full list of finalists and further details about the Spotlight Prize 2025 can be found at: Spotlight Prize 2025 Finalists Announced. 

Tomorrow: Housing Drop-In at Royston Wardieburn

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY from 10am – 12 noon at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Housing information drop in this Wednesday at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 10am-12noon ☺️

Staff/advisors are coming from:

City of Edinburgh Council Housing

LIFT

Granton Information Centre

Changeworks

RIGHT THERE

Grab a cuppa and get some advice!

Next generation of builders and carers ‘set to rebuild Britain’

Westminster government announces radical skills reforms giving young people opportunity to develop skills in priority areas for the country

Young people are set to benefit from 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a ‘radical skills revolution’, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.

More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as the UK Government continues it’s drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent. 

The measures, backed by a record-breaking £3 billion apprenticeship budget, will open up opportunities for young people to succeed in careers the country vitally needs to prosper.

More routes into skilled work means more people building affordable homes, more care for NHS patients and more digital experts to push our economy forward. This includes an additional 30,000 apprenticeship starts across this Parliament. 

This unprecedented investment is a critical step in delivering the government’s Plan for Change mission to create a decade of national renewal. They say they are backing our young people and investing in skills as an engine of economic growth – putting more money in people’s back pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

 Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we’re backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. 

“When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our Plan for Change.

“But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we’re taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it’s now the responsibility of young people to take them.”

To support this, the Westminster government is: 

  • Implementing a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, which will deliver up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration in priority sectors. As announced in the recent Immigration White Paper.  
  • Refocusing funding away from Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026, while maintaining support for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. This will enable levy funding to be rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where it can have the greatest impact.  
  • Launched 13 new Level 2 construction courses for adults in non-devolved areas under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme. 

In addition to the £3bn apprenticeship budget, the government is backing the new generation of workers through:  

  • £14 million of adult skills funding for construction to be devolved to local mayors for next academic year, expected to support up to 5,000 additional adult learners. 
  •  £136 million for Skills Bootcamps across a range of priority sectors in 2025-26, providing training to over 40,000 learners.  
  • £100 million over four years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps. 
  • Ten Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction skills, opening in September 2025. 

 As part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, the reforms are a vital step in delivering our youth guarantee and addressing skills shortages to drive growth while creating better opportunities for young people and adults across England.  

Today’s announcement comes following a dramatic fall in the number of apprenticeship starts over the last decade, and as recent ONS statistics show as many as one in eight 16-24 year olds are not in employment, education or training.

Liverpool parade incident: Merseyside Police Statement

DOZENS INJURED AS CAR PLOUGHS INTO CELEBRATING CROWD

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and partners from last night’s press conference following the incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre:

ACC Sims: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place today.

“I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking events.

“This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.

“Sadly, at just after 6 o’clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.

“A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.

“In addition a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

“Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.

“Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates.

“The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested.  We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.

“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight.

“What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.

“The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.

“We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team. Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP24M59-PO2

“In the lead up to this event we have been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre.

“We will provide any further updates as soon as we have them.”

Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service, said: “All of us at North West Ambulance Service are horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who witnessed the incident and those who have been injured. 

“As large crowds were expected in the city centre to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory, we thankfully had a substantial presence already close to the route, as we would do for any event of this type.

“Our ambulances, hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were very quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.

“St John Ambulance also had clinical teams present to support us, and were quick to respond, our thanks go to them for their assistance.  

“Our emergency ambulances took patients to our NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals. Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families.

“We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries – these did not need hospital treatment.

“27 patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained injuries deemed to be serious. 

“Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained. 

“We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals.

“We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm. This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.

“All of us at North West Ambulance Service share with you the frustration that this wonderful day has ended like this. We hope those who have been injured make a speedy recovery, and would like to extend our thanks to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police, both of whom assisted us in tending to the injured, as did many of the supporters in the crowd. As well as our NHS colleagues who continue to treat the casualties.

“To the people of Liverpool, we are sorry this has happened to you today – we are all thinking of you.”

 Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle, from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening.

“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 1807, we immediately mobilised 3 fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in 4 minutes.

“On arrival the crews were met with numerous injured people and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle.

“Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our Ambulance colleagues. We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. My Fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.”

Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “I’d like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.

“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

“We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.

“I would urge people not to speculate as to the motives behind this appalling incident and to allow Merseyside Police to conduct their investigation.

“We won’t be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to.

“Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.

“Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times

“I’ve no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks.”

Liverpool Football Club said last night: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”

Prepare to be moved by movement

Dance Base and Assembly announce 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme

31 July – 24 August, Edinburgh

  • Dance Base Festival 2025 in partnership with Assembly Festival will present the landmark venue’s 24th Festival programme, welcoming dance companies from across the globe to Edinburgh, as well as showcasing Scottish talent.
  • Tickets are now on sale at assemblyfestival.com  & edfest.com

Prepare to be moved by movement at Dance Base this summer, as Scotland’s National Centre for Dance announces its 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme.

Delivered in partnership with Assembly Festival, a collaboration now in its third year, the 2025 programme will present 29 shows from 13 countries, forging connections and new narratives in the home of dance at the Fringe.

As well as continuing to celebrate and nurture Scottish artists, including Tess Letham and Malcolm Sutherland, Dance Base is yet again set to become a microcosm of international culture this summer.

2025’s diverse, multi-genre programme explores connection in its many forms; to home, across cultures, self-identity, nationality, history and technology – with Isaiah Wilson’s pioneering work score pushing physicality to the limit with the latter.

The programme brings choreographers from leading European companies in Luxembourg and Denmark together with artists from as far afield as Brazil, Hong Kong and the USA.

This summer’s Festival also strengthens relationships between year-round dance organisations in Scotland, providing a platform for the likes of award-winning youth dancers YDance and contemporary company Barrowland Ballet.

Fringe Fragments returns for its second year with a flavour of fresh tour-ready works set to take flight around the globe. This is complemented by showcases including Made in Scotland, Hong Kong Showcase, Kultur LX, Basque Showcase, Here & Now, São Paulo Showcase, Taiwan Season, #DANISH and Culture Ireland.

Artistic Director of Dance Base, Tony Mills said: “This year’s programme presents the variety, diversity and complexity of dance that exists both right here in Scotland and around the world.

“Witness late-night curiosities and concerts. Calls to action and invitations to reflect. Find that age is only a number and that any body can dance. In short – we invite our audiences to be moved by movement.

“It is a privilege to be able to curate, host and share so many different perspectives under one roof, celebrating dance and its unique ability to move you through feeling, imagination and action.

“We can’t wait to share our programme with the world this August.” 

William Burdett-Coutts of Assembly Festival affirmed: “We are delighted to be working again with Dance Base, which is such an important flagship for the wonderful, varied world of Dance.

“The range of work on offer is inspirational and a hugely important part of the festival that is the Fringe. As part of the wider dance programme, look out for Barrowland Ballet’s second Assembly Festival offering Chunky Jewellery at the Assembly Rooms. For our audiences, have fun with this feast”.

Programme Highlights

Celebrating their 10th anniversary year in 2025, PRIME, Dance Base’s in-house company for over 60s, presents PRIME at 10(1 – 3 August).

They will showcase new commissions by Robbie Synge, alongside a revival of sections of Steinvör Palsson’s Carry on Dancing which premiered in 2016. PRIME will once again be teaming up with Lothian Youth Dance Company (LYDC), Dance Base’s in-house company for young dancers, for a double-bill performance DOUBLE TAKE (5 – 10 August) which showcases new works from both companies including Dance Base’s own Artistic Director Tony Mills.

Another intriguing collaboration to catch is Evolution (5 – 10 August), a celebration of dance that unites Scotland and Estonia’s next generation of talent. Presented by YDance, this international collaboration features the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland, Estonia’s ETA Kompanii, and the 2025 Project Y Evolution Company. Don’t miss this vibrant fusion of movement and culture in an unforgettable performance of innovation, energy, and global collaboration.

Following a successful limited run at the 2024 Festival, Christine Thynne, aged 82, and Robbie Synge return to Dance Base this August to present These Mechanisms (1 – 20 August), as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase. These Mechanisms is a performance of persistence and joy, celebrating the beautiful functions and limits of a human body and the desire to make things happen. Proving, once again, that age can neither limit nor defy us. 

Also crossing generational divides is Wee Man (5 – 17 August) by Barrowland Ballet, created by the company’s award-winning choreographer Natasha Gilmore. A highly physical and dynamic dance-theatre performance by an all male cast of men and teenagers, this candid and compelling work explores the shifting, and unshifting, rules of masculinity across the ages. Inspired by Gilmore’s experience of being a mother of teenage boys, it combines raw movement with evocative sound by Luke Sutherland and poetry by Kevin P Gilday, to unpack the ‘rulebook’ of accepted male behaviour, from the seemingly benign to the dangerous.

A frequent collaborator with Dance Base, Edinburgh-based artist Tess Letham returns to the Fringe with the World Premiere of What ever happened to Harmony Banks? (5 – 10 August). Tracing her story from media darling to public downfall, this playful and poignant new show portrays the rise and fall of a fictional icon, Harmony Banks, through a vibrant blend of dance-theatre and live documentary. In a similar vein, Norwegian company, 71BODIES’, NORMAL ∞ (31 July – 3 August), is an interdisciplinary production merging dance, storytelling and film. NORMAL∞ is about people, bodies and stories that do not belong to mainstream society.

Also fusing text with movement and situational absurdity, Malcolm Sutherland’s evocative work Solitude Without Loneliness (2 – 10 August) delves into the, often misunderstood, distinction between solitude and loneliness. Meanwhile, Lithuanian artist Vilma Pitrinaite presents similar themes in When you’re alone in your forest always remember you’re not alone (31 July – 10 August). This solo performance is a raw cry against the brutality of our times. With indignant voices rising one after another, fragmented movements evolve into a ritual against helplessness.

In an increasingly tech-driven world, Isaiah Wilson’s thought-provoking piece, score (12 – 24 August) examines the relationship between the human body and technology, questioning how advancements meant to simplify life may disconnect us from free will and cognitive abilities. Using electric muscle stimulation (EMS), three performers’ muscles are involuntarily activated, allowing choreography to be driven by computational code.

Set against a backdrop of flowing white sheets, dancers move through ever-changing spaces, exploring new states of being and new homes in Kathryn Gordon: A Journey of Flight (12 – 17 August). Created in Shetland, this visually stunning piece, inspired by the migration of birds, invites audiences to reflect on the delicate balance between nature, movement and our emotional ties to place and each other. Meanwhile, playful and poetic Fields (Extract) by In the Fields Project (5 – 24 August), draws the audience into a textured landscape of stone, where patterns of dwelling are made and unmade, shaped by land, time and human hands. Supported by Dance Base, City Moves, and Tramway.

Exploring the power of nature, caring for ourselves, and reconnecting with the body, through warm temperatures (12 – 24 August) – Mele Broomes’ latest work, affirms castor oil’s legacy as a natural remedy, an elixir, and a historic source that transcends boundaries. Presented as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase, Mele Broomes’ choreography and vocals combine with Simone Seales’ live cello and electronic soundscapes, as performers shift between solos, duos and collective movements; building towards a place of warmth, self-acceptance, release and renewal.

Fresh from his recent residency at Dance Base, Mark Bleakley’s Stepping in… Spilling out… (12 – 17 August), a collaboration with French percussionist Rémy Gouffault, takes a walk back through Mark’s personal history of dance practice. A stroll through the foundational act of stepping; the different people, communities, histories, places and politics that Mark encounters through these movements. Presented as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase. 

The merging of cultures and ancient traditions with contemporary innovation is also showcased in Dance Ihayami’s Dansa Rickshaw’s (31 July – 10 August), which invites audiences to experience the universal language of movement and music. Choreographer Priya Shrikumar’s artistry reflects her dual heritage creating a dialogue between cultures in this vibrant performance which weaves Bharatanatyam’s intricate footwork and expressive storytelling with the soul-stirring melodies of bagpipes and the lively pulse of traditional reels.

Energetic movement inspired by music is further exemplified in Blue Violin’s Candlelight: Classic Rock in the Round (31 July – 24 August), a realm in which candlelight dances with defiance. Among 1,000 flames, Blue Violin shatters musical boundaries, breathing fierce new life into rock’s greatest anthems.

Watch as contemporary dancers emerge from shadows and smoke, their movements painting emotional landscapes through AC/DC’s Thunderstruck and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird.

Wakati is a Swahili word for time. Shelmith Øseth’s Wakati (31 July – 3 August) explores how past, present, and future affect the development of a culture and the life of a human. By using her own experience of immigrating to Norway from Kenya, Shelmith examines the expectations, ideas and limits that come with being an immigrant and multicultural in Norway.

Presented as part of #DANISH, AVIAJA Dance’s Soil (1 – 17 August) is a powerful dance performance about identity, language, and belonging. Through movement and the rhythms of the Greenlandic language it explores how we connect to culture – without words, across borders, and beyond expectations.

This August, Dance Base is set to welcome two performances as part of the Basque Showcase. Created by DAB Company, NOEUD (19 – 24 August) is a proposal, in which we delve into the working methodologies shared by Eduardo Chillida and Cristobal Balenciaga.

The creation of spaces and curvilinear figures are the concepts of both artists that guide the movement of their time towards freedom. Née (19 – 24 August), by Cielo rasO is a work that; moves us, gives roots to the human, caresses loneliness, stratifies loss, accompanies disillusionment, emancipates disenchantment, energises absence, fights for love, virtualises the nearby, sustains magic, frightens off demons, humanises the inanimate, returns from the dark, attacks the imagination, separates fears and puts them in order, crosses the air and strives. 

Inspired by Romulus and Remus’ legend and the symbolic meaning of Rome’s city walls, Hani Dance’s Inlet (1 – 23 August) explores the significance of borders throughout history. Raising thought-provoking questions about walls and their timely relevance, Inlet examines their role as boundaries, fortifications and barriers that influence human interactions and perceptions. Presented as part of Kultur LX.

Presented as part of Hong Kong Soul, artists Blue Ka Wing, Justyne Li, and Panda Waack team up for a triple bill, each exploring different approaches to navigate conflict, similarity, vulnerability and beauty in Hong Kong Soul – Triple Bill (12 – 24 August). Blue Ka Wing’s re-do re-do questions; how can we create changes in repetitions, and can we find certain routines in a series of change? 

Beautiful Chaos sees Panda Waack trying to anchor herself in different cultural and social contexts through exploring the beauty in disorder and confusion. Justyne Li’s Does My Body Represent My Whole Self is a work of exploration and whispered secrets, unfolding in a delicate collaboration with the choreographer.

Choreographer Hsieh Yi-Chun makes an impressive international debut with a brand-new ensemble dance about collective ritual and individual will in Chun Dance’s Taiwan Season: Trace of Belief (31 July – 24 August). Inspired by temple processions and childhood memories, her mesmerizing sextet uses a flow of dynamic movement to pose a key question: ‘What anchors our faith in an ever-changing world?’

Ireland’s dance theatre vanguards CoisCéim Dance Theatre are back in Edinburgh this Fringe with Co-Founder and Artistic Director, David Bolger’s latest hit, Dancehall Blues (12 – 24 August). Presented as part of Culture Ireland’s Edinburgh Showcase this August, the show captivated audiences and critics alike during its premiere at Dublin Fringe 2024. This bold, gripping, and unmissable duet unfolds in a surreal dancehall at dusk, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Part of the São Paulo Showcase, Brazilian company, São José dos Campos Dance Company present Voyeur/ Samba and Love (31 July – 24 August), a double-bill by choreographer Lili de Grammont, which explores vulnerability, control, tenderness and tension. 

Voyeur opens the evening, inviting the audience into a charged, intimate space where private gestures unfold under the weight of being watched. Samba and Love closes with intensity – a visceral response to the burnout of modern life, where samba rhythms become a physical expression of exhaustion, desire, and resistance in a world that demands too much.

Also from Brazil, choreographer Alice Ripoll and dancer Hiltinho Fantástico present the premiere Puff (19 – 24 August). Puff explores disguise in African Diaspora dances, where silenced cultures, messages, and traditions are transmitted. Samba, capoeira, and passinho showcase speedy footwork and body dissociation, creating illusions that suggest something is being concealed. Presented as part of the São Paulo Showcase.

Two dancers specialized in acrobatics and floor technique have become tools of the classical artist’s genius, but inspiration is running low, and the choreography is not progressing in Kinetic Orchestra’s Bolero (12 – 23 August). The pressure is high, and emotions are heating up as they struggle to create something final. This duet is a combination of black comedy and skilled fast-paced dance, full of techniques from different acrobatic disciplines.

Presented as part of the Here & Now Showcase, SERAFINE1369’s IV (19 – 24 August) considers cycles, time, divination and decomposition. A quartet that fractures and unfolds from calm tranquillity into moments of blissed out dancing, four dancers engage in a detailed and expansive practice of constant movement, energetic tuning and impossible stillness. SERAFINE1369 is a dancer, choreographer and body-focused researcher. Cycles, time and haunting are recurring themes in their work.

Dance Base’s unique pitching platform showcase Fringe Fragments returns for the second year on 18 –19 August. Designed as both a public event and industry showcase, audiences can see excerpts from tour-ready performances from artists from Scotland and abroad.

Whether you’re an industry professional or simply a lover of dance, this is not one to be missed! This year’s showcase features a line-up of all-female creators from across the world including Luxembourg and Quebec.

The return of the showcase also affirms Dance Base’s commitment to working towards a more sustainable Festival for both artists and venues alike, helping to strengthen bonds and facilitate new connections.

Continuing Dance Base’s commitment to providing a home for Edinburgh’s thriving dance community throughout the Festival, the venue will also host a vibrant programme of public dance classes from 28 July – 24 August.

Members of Edinburgh’s professional and public dance communities can also dance alongside several artists from the programme including Kinetic Orchestra and Alice Ripoll Company in a series of Masterclasses running from 2 – 23 August.

Friday: Hard Rock DJ Night

As Robbie Williams prepares to take to the Murrayfield stage at the end of May, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is kicking things off early to celebrate his arrival in the capital. 

On Friday 30th May, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh turns back the clock for one night only to host the exclusive Hard ‘Rock DJ’ Night, celebrating the best of 90s music and nightlife.

From 7pm until late, the iconic George Street venue will come alive with a high-energy DJ set packed with 90s floor-fillers, sing-along classics and Robbie’s top hits, perfect for those who can’t make the concert the next day. 

More than just a night of music, the restaurant will be serving up its full menu, available until 10:30 pm, featuring favourites such as the Legendary® Burgers, spicy wings, and signature cocktails, making it the perfect fuel for a night on the dancefloor. 

Whilst the event is free to attend, reservations are highly recommended and can be made through OpenTable or Event Brite. 

Clothing choices may influence where skin cancer develops

  • In Scotland, 38% of melanomas in men are found on the torso and 36% in women are found on lower limb, according to new analysis from Cancer Research UK.  
  • Melanoma skin cancer cases expected to rise again this year, with a projected 1,800 cases in Scotland in 2025. 
  • Cancer Research UK urges people to stay safe in the sun as the weather gets warmer, and to go to their doctor if they notice any unusual changes to their skin. 

New analysis by Cancer Research UK suggests that clothing choices may influence where skin cancer develops.

The latest data for Scotland (from 2018-2021) shows that 38% of melanomas in men were diagnosed on the torso (back, chest and stomach) – more than any other part of the body. This translates to around 280 cases every year.  

However, in women, the most common location is the lower limbs (from the hips to the feet) – with more than a third of cases (36%) diagnosed here – around 270 cases every year.   

The charity says people’s behaviours in the sun, like what they wear or how much sunscreen they use, could be influencing where skin cancer develops on their bodies. For example, men might be tempted to go without a shirt, while women might wear shorts or skirts as the weather gets warmer. Surface area could also be playing a role as men’s torsos are typically bigger than women’s and women’s legs take up a larger proportion of their body surface area. 

Although wearing less clothing in hot weather can help people stay cool, it also means that more skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage the DNA in cells and cause skin cancer.  

In fact, 81% of melanoma cases in Scotland – that’s around 1,300 each year – are caused by overexposure to UV radiation, which is why it’s so vital to take steps to stay safe while enjoying the sun and avoid using sunbeds.** 

Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “As the weather gets warmer, it’s really important to look after yourself in the sun.

“Getting sunburnt just once every couple of years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt.

“And it’s not just the hot, sunny days you need to watch out for – UV rays can be strong enough to cause skin damage between mid-March and mid-October in the UK, even when it’s cloudy or cool. 

“That’s why we encourage people across Scotland to take some simple steps to stay safe. Try to stick to the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, wear clothes that help cover up your skin, with a hat and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. The key is to apply it generously – and remember to top it up regularly, especially if you’re sweating or in water.” 

Nearly 100 years ago, Cancer Research UK helped prove that UV radiation can cause skin cancer. Since then, the charity has learnt more about how skin cancer starts and spreads and is pioneering ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease. 

UK melanoma survival has doubled in the last 50 years and, today in Scotland, more than 9 in 10 adults diagnosed will survive their disease for five years or more. 

But rates continue to rise, with a projected 1,800 cases in Scotland in 2025 – the highest on record. Since the early 1990s, melanoma skin cancer rates have doubled in Scotland.

In women, rates have increased by almost three quarters and in men, they’ve increased by two and half times (157%).

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Improvements in skin cancer survival rates highlight the remarkable progress driven by our research. But the growing number of people diagnosed with melanoma in Scotland is still concerning, especially when we can see that rates are rising faster in men. 

“If you notice anything different on your skin like a new mole, a mole that’s changed in size, shape, or colour, or any patch of skin that looks out of the ordinary – don’t ignore it, speak to your GP. We want to beat skin cancer for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from – early diagnosis is key and could make all the difference.” 

With the weather getting warmer, more people will head outside on high UV days, so Cancer Research UK and NIVEA Sun are – in partnership – urging the public to protect their skin and enjoy the sun safely.

When the sun is strong, they recommend three simple steps to reduce cancer risk:  

  • Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. 
  • Cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses 
  • Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars generously and regularly. 

For more tips and advice visit cruk.org/sunsafety 

MICHELLE HARRIS’ STORY 




Mum of two Michelle Harris understands the impact of a skin cancer diagnosis all too well. 

Complex needs teacher Michelle who was diagnosed with melanoma in November 2019 was on a family holiday to Finland when her husband Alistair Harris, 45, first flagged that a mole on her back had changed shape and was growing larger. Michelle had also noticed the mole had become itchy.

She visited her GP and was referred to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie for tests which confirmed she had cancer. Breaking the news to her children Abby, 17, and Kaden, 13, was tough. 

Michelle, 38, of Motherwell said: “Cancer turns lives upside down, steals precious moments and affects far too many of us. 

“I was very matter of fact and open when I told the children I had cancer. I explained that doctors had told me it was stage 2b melanoma so they had got the cancer early. Although I had to go through an operation I was going to be okay. I just had to get on with things. It was good the NHS were there to look after me so well and my GP was fantastic.”   



Michelle had day surgery on 30 November 2019 to remove the mole as well as lymph nodes from under her arm. She recovered well but has regular check ups on other areas of her body where there are moles. 

Michelle said: “I think it’s really important to raise awareness about skin cancer. I have a lighter skin tone and I take extra care in the sun, make sure I’m covered up and I seek shade when the sun is at its strongest.” 

35 winners share prize fund of £1.5 million at 25th Scottish EDGE Awards

Scottish EDGE returned for its 25th round as 35 winners with high-growth potential took home £1.5 million in prize money.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Royal Bank of Scotland at Citation in Glasgow city centre and united entrepreneurs who made it through the competitive pitching process to secure funding.

There were 8 different winners from Edinburgh, each benefiting greatly from their share of the £1.5m prize find. Those Edinburgh businesses are:

  • GoodBridge App LTD
  • Amytis
  • Broonie Limited
  • Swift Aeronautics Ltd
  • Raygonal Ltd
  • VibraSpex
  • Glitchers Lab
  • JAC Trades ltd, Trading as The Cycling Gardeners

Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, delivered a special message congratulating the winners and acknowledged the vital role entrepreneurs play in shaping Scotland’s future economy. In her remarks, she highlighted the passion, creativity and determination of all the entrepreneurs who made it to the finals.

The biggest winner at the awards was Vanilla Farms, who cures and supplies premium-quality vanilla using sustainable, high-tech agriculture. The business received a total of £150,000 from the newest addition, Missions EDGE, supported by Scottish Enterprise.

Veteran awards categories also returned for the 25th round, with the £100,000 Scale EDGE Award, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, going to accredited Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre, Ardent Training.

Meanwhile, Shifted Group and Swift Aeronautics secured funding as the top £15,000 Young EDGE Winners, supported by Techscaler and IOE Foundation respectively.

Those successful in Wild Card, which provides grants to pre-trading businesses, included digital game apparel designer, Haggis Studios, who received the category’s top £15,000 award.

The STV supported award of £70,000 plus £75,000 worth of ad airtime was given to innovative kitchen provision maker, Goat Rodeo Goods, while Green Crop Tech, an agritech start-up developing a dual-action biostimulant, emerged as winner of the Scottish Government backed Pathways category, winning £70,000.

Round 25 also saw the return of the £100,000 Circular Economy EDGE Award, which is supported by Zero Waste Scotland, and went to New Found Hope for its therapeutic footwear innovations to address the issue of toe-walking in neurodivergent children.

Narture CIC, who bakes artisan sourdough while supporting community, creativity, and social inclusion, won £75,000 in the Social Enterprise category, supported by the Postcode Innovation Trust.

Elsewhere, the Creative EDGE Award, facilitated by support from Creative UK, which champions, connects and promotes the development of the creative industries across the United Kingdom, gave a boost of £75,000 to SaaS live concert streaming service, Everyday People.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: ““Scottish EDGE has played a central role in supporting emerging entrepreneurial talent and innovative business ideas for many years and I am proud that the Scottish Government continues to be long standing partner of the awards.

“I am also pleased that a growing number of businesses and private investors are supporting the vision behind Scottish EDGE. Scotland’s entrepreneurs and start-up businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and we must do all we can to encourage and foster the incredible talent and innovation in evidence right across the country.”

Judith Cruickshank, MD Commercial Mid-Market at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Congratulations to Ardent Training and all the winners of the 25th round of EDGE. Ardent is a fantastic example of a business that continues to scale and grow.

“We know that entrepreneurship is key to unlocking economic growth across the country and, through our involvement with Scottish EDGE, we celebrate these successes as well as the innovation and creativity taking place across the ecosystem.”

Jane Martin managing director of innovation and investment at Scottish Enterprise said: “Congratulations to all of the winners as well as the innovative team at Vanilla Farm the winner of the new Mission EDGE award and it will be exciting to see what is next in store for these agritech entrepreneurs.

“Mission EDGE reflects Scottish Enterprise’s focus on priorities around energy transition, boosting capital investment and scaling high-growth industries of the future such as industrial biotechnology.

“We are targeting our support to help deliver transformational change for Scotland’s economy and the Scottish EDGE awards uncover talented innovators that will shape the business landscape for generations to come.”

Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE added: “Reaching our 25th round is a true testament to the resilience, ambition and creativity of Scotland’s entrepreneurial community.

“With every round, we continue to see businesses not just innovating, but actively contributing to a better future, whether it’s through sustainability, social impact, or cutting-edge technology.

“We’re incredibly proud to support them on their journeys and excited to see what the future holds for this new group of winners.”