Edinburgh’s Easter event of the year starts early at family run, for family fun Conifox Adventure Park with an eggs-traordinary lineup of activities guaranteed to put the fun into the Spring festival.
From the 1st April meet the mischievous Easter Bunny, journey to Hoppity Hollow and visit the magical maze, hop to it in the Bouncy Burrow’s 14 inflatables or take part in the Easter-lympics. There’s a cracking programme for everyone, including a session for families with children with Additional Support Needs.
The entertainment at the park, at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, runs until 10th April with morning and afternoon sessions for the whole family – toddlers to adults. All tickets include access to the Adventure Park during the chosen session.
Attractions include:
The Magic Shed leading to Hoppity Hollow, home of the Easter Bunny. During an immersive adventure in the magical maze, seek out the portraits of famous rabbits all lost by the Easter Bunny. But beware of the Big Bad Wolf and give him the slip to find safety in the Spring Garden. Instead of a chocolate egg, there’s a cuddly rabbit soft toy for every child who completes the trail.
The Bouncy Burrow – challenge the grown-ups on the exciting bungee run or fly down the helter-skelter for some hare-raising family fun on a total of 14 inflatables.
The Baxter Bunny challenge – he’s been in training for the Easter-lympics and is taking on families in an Easter contest, so get on your marks!
Egg Foot Golf – the mischievous Easter Bunny has replaced all our footballs with eggs! Try to throw or kick them into the holes, but don’t expect this to be an easy task…
DJ Claire Kinnaird from Edge Radio keeping the music pumping and getting everyone involved in the festival fun.
Sessions for children with Additional Support Needs on Tuesday, 4th April between 1.30 and 5pm. There will be limited numbers, more muted music and additional staff to ensure an eggs-tra special experience for everyone.
Have fun in the Adventure Park during your session but make sure to look out for their special golden egg for a chance to win a large Cadbury’s Easter Egg
Jonathan Brown, Conifox Events Manager, says: “We’re all looking forward to some fantastic family fun with all our favourite Easter characters. Spring is in the air and this is a wonderful chance to make some special memories with friends and loved ones.
“We’re confident it will be Edinburgh’s best Easter event and can promise lots of eggs-hilarating activities – all puns intended!”
To find out more and to book tickets, visit Conifox Adventure Park at:
We have news of several events and a couple of requests.
Vote for us, join us in a community consultation and hear what is happening at the Heart.
First of all, please vote for us.
Edinburgh Community Climate Fund – Vote for the Heart
HONC has applied for funding from Edinburgh Community Climate Fund. Over 50 projects have been submitted and those with the most votes will be awarded grants until the fund of £100,000 is exhausted.
Voting is open to all Edinburgh residents over the age of eight, until 12th March.
The Heart’s proposal is the development of a teaching kitchen which will complement the partnership work we are already doing with Homestart in the development of a community garden within the curtilage of The Heart, and with Mwamba in our ‘pots of herbs’ project.
Other organisations and groups keen to work with us in developing and using the facility include Edinburgh Community Food, Leith Pantry and the Ukrainian community. We also have close links to Friends of Victoria Park and Victoria Allotments who would provide a seasonal input of fruit and vegetables to the kitchen for community use.
Please vote for the Heart.
Vote below or head to Leith Library (or any other Edinburgh Library) and they are ready to help.
Are you interested in local history and heritage? If so, we would encourage you to join Museums & Galleries Edinburgh (MGE) for a discussion of how they can best support heritage within the Newhaven community. The views of individuals and groups, old friends and new perspectives will all be welcomed. The event will be led by Diana Morton, Outreach and Access Manager at MGE.
The last community consultation took place in 2010 and in the intervening years, the Wee Museum at Victoria Primary School formed a focus for MGE’s support of local heritage. However the school community has moved to its new premises, some pillars of the community have passed away, new communities have moved to the area and new groups have been formed.
The consultation is to develop a coherent way forward for MGE to find a solution that meets the needs of the different communities and organisations in the area.
Please come along to find out more or contact Diana Morton, Outreach & Access Manager at diana.morton@edinburgh.gov.uk
The event will take place on 23 March, 6 -7.30pm at the new Victoria Primary School 1 Windrush Drive, Edinburgh EH6 4TN
New event at the Heart
Newhaven resident Gino’s bee journey began in 2014 when he took a beginner beekeeping course and got his first colony of honey bees to care for. He now holds a Beemaster qualification in practical beekeeping, is actively involved with the Scottish Beekeeping Community, keeps bees in Edinburgh, East & West Lothian, and is the recipient of several honey awards.
His three-part Thursday evening course will be a summary of all the important things you need to know about bees, beekeeping, products of the hive, plants, the environment etc…
It is aimed at people with no knowledge or experience, ideal for gardeners or people looking to learn something new or get into beekeeping. Gino’s very keen to persuade people away from thinking of honey as a cheap sweetener and to realise the rare and unique product that it is that captures the landscape in a jar.
We organised an evening event on February 23rd to welcome people into The Heart and give them the opportunity to connect with each other, to meet the people (artists and organisations) who are based in the building and to try their hand at creative activities. Teas and coffees were on offer and Mwamba provided ethnically diverse hot food which proved very popular.
The evening included a performance by the local Community Choir, taster sessions of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, felting and notebook making, visits to the pottery and violin workshops, as well as the Victorian Schoolroom and Victorian Homelife display. There was even a chance of a free massage and advice from Age Scotland and Ace-It.
Over 100 people attended, not counting the many volunteers helping in various ways, meaning that the demonstrators and tenants found themselves very busy all evening. Visitors loved the “friendly community feel” as well as “visiting each organisation and making connections.”
Here are just a few of the feedback comments we received:
“Watching book binding, seeing the Victorian school and meeting the Heart of Newhaven team!”
“Loved to see the print studio and the pottery.”
“The variety of events available.”
“Ceramics – so lovely and interesting! Ink on Mesh, violin repair specialist, felting, Victorian school. Was really great seeing all. Amazing evening!”
“We loved everything from the Victorian Schoolroom, to the Art, the lovely spaces and friendly members. Food was great.”
“EVERYTHING, BRAVO! Wonderful combination of art, craft, music, history and community initiatives. Also a very welcoming space.”
HONC’s Board is looking for a volunteer with secretarial skills to take on minute-taking for board meetings, etc.
There are also still opportunities to volunteer in various capacities, as well as a couple of places on the Board to fill, in particular for those with legal, financial, marketing or HR experience.
Finally, welcome to the Leith Folk Club, (LFC) which held the first of its revitalised events at the Heart last month.
To kick things off in their new guise and in a new venue, they held a fundraiser in the old gym hall with music and merry-making for what turned out to be a packed audience.
A spokesperson for LFC said “The money raised will enable us to recover from the last three years and will be used to get us back to doing what we do best – presenting regular gigs featuring the best Scottish and international folk and world music in the Heart of Newhaven, just down the road from our previous venue.
“None of the musicians got paid for their services and the venue was staffed by LFC committee and HoN volunteers. The night was an unqualified success and a collaborative effort, with the door-take shared equally between both organisations.”
To keep up to date with all that is happening go to Heart of Newhaven and hopefully we will see you at the Heart soon.
On Saturday 18th Feb we are gonna be EVEN MORE Family Fun than usual!
We will have BOOKBUG, with a visit from the Bug of the Book themselves, a SLIME WORKSHOP, you can make your own BADGE, there will be LIVE MUSIC, a CRAFT event, INFO POINTS from several local organizations, plus TEA & BISCUITS!!!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for that someone special, or you’re planning the ultimate date night, St James Quarter is your go to destination.
From heavenly scents at H Beauty, champagne truffles from Hotel Chocolat, jewellery to treasure at Beaverbrooks, premium beauty at Rituals and Aesop, luxury leather goods at Coach and Kate Spade, stylish homewares at John Lewis and new season fashions at Boss and Zara – there’s plenty of gift ideas that are sure to put you in your Valentine’s good books!
If it’s a memorable date night you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of enticing eating and drinking destinations. There are creative cocktails in The Alchemist, authentic Mediterranean sharing platters at The Real Greek and mouth-watering burgers at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.
For the early birds out there, EL&N are pulling out all the stops, providing the ideal date day with Insta-worthy shimmering mocktails and ruby pink hot chocolates, perfect for Cupid himself, alongside delicious cakes coated in lashings of heavenly buttered cream.
Guests looking to celebrate in style can visit Everyman Cinema to enjoy a first-class movie going experience and cosy up on a comfortable love seat. Those wanting to indulge in a little luxury can visit acclaimed restaurant Duck & Waffle to enjoy a specially curated Valentine’s Day set menu with champagne on arrival, snacks for the table, a choice of specially created dishes and delightful pink truffles to finish.
As part of St James Quarter’s Valentine’s celebrations, from Thursday, 9th February, guests are invited to visit the ‘Crazy in Love’ booth on Level 2, outside John Lewis, to record a video reciting the craziest thing they did for love to be in with a chance of winning an incredible date night experience at St James Quarter; to be enjoyed with your Valentine, Galentine, best buddy or favourite family member – the choice is yours!
On 11th and 14th February, St James Quarter will be sharing its own tokens of affection with guests by giving away a limited number of beautiful fresh red roses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Those who are lucky enough to get their hands on one of these beautiful blooms will also be in with a chance to win a £50 gift card through an exclusive prize draw, redeemable at The Quarter.
Are you #CrazyInLove #LoveAroundTheQuarter
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Love is truly around The Quarter this Spring. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or your significant other this Valentine’s Day, St James Quarter is the go to destination for that perfect gift or date night with a difference.
“We are looking forward to hearing all the crazy in love stories and are inviting guests to vote for the winner via our YouTube channel.”
Valentine’s day activities and retailer events will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 14th February.
Come join us for wassailing at Granton Castle Walled Garden on the 19th February from 2 – 4pm. There will be activities, songs and refreshments all inspired by the wonderful apple trees.
Wassailing is an anglo-saxon tradition where the fruit trees are blessed with offerings of song, food and drink to encourage them to provide a bountiful harvest.
We will gather together and give the trees of our orchard a much needed cheer and scare away all of the bad spirits! Bring along some friends and family, and perhaps make yourself a lovely apple themed crown to wear.
Cash donations are appreciated but not required, if you have any questions please ask!
Calling all brave and curious explorers, this February The Real Mary King’s Close is shining a light (or lack of) onto Edinburgh’s history, illuminating the lives of former residents and unravelling truths about their deaths with Lantern Led Tours.
The new Lantern Led Tours are available for a limited time only during Half Term, where guests will descend into complete darkness with the only light source being the flicker of their lanterns, as they explore Edinburgh’s history.
Hidden beneath the Capital’s iconic Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s best underground experience is ready to send those daring to on a time-traveling adventure. The one hour guided tour will transport customers to another era, with eerie interactions from two insidious characters that used to strike terror into people’s hearts at their very sight.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The Real Mary King’s Close is a place filled with excitement and mystery, where strange revelations of Edinburgh’s ominous past come to life.
“We are so excited to launch our Lantern Led Tours and elevate the experience to a whole new level. This is a great activity to do with family and friends over the February holidays, so come along and find out who is the bravest of the bunch.”
The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches following generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
The tours will be running Friday 10th to Sunday 12th February and Friday 17th to Sunday 19th February from 7pm-9pm every 15 minutes. Prices are £25 per adult / £19 per child (5 to 15yo – no under 5 allowed).
It’s the Year of the Rabbit and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year, St James Quarter has unveiled its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.
On Saturday 21st January, St James Quarter will play host to a range of Chinese New Year-themed activities including a traditional Lion Dance procession, on Register Square in an eye-catching and colourful display.
Performed by the talented team at Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh, the Lion Dance is commonly performed during Chinese New Year to bring good luck and guests will be able to enjoy two performances throughout the day at 12pm and 1pm.
St James Quarter will also be taking part in the traditional act of gift giving that is associated with Chinese New Year. Lucky shoppers will have the chance to get their hands on a limited number of red envelopes including gift cards – symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead. These will be handed out by the Guest Services team on Level 1 between 12 – 4pm and can be redeemed at retailers within the Quarter.
John Lewis will be inviting guests to learn the intricate art of Chinese calligraphy and create their own red banner for Lunar New Year on Level 1 of its store from 2pm, and brands including Charlotte Tilbury (located within H Beauty), LEGO, L’Occitane and Coach, will be showcasing Chinese New Year inspired limited-edition items.
If you’re looking to celebrate by indulging in traditional Asian cuisine, Thai Express Kitchen will be offering 20% off food from 20th – 27th January.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh is the multicultural hub for Scotland, and Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to experience the different cultures and traditions that we have here in the city.
“We hope that as many of our guests as possible will get involved in the exciting Chinese New Year activities we have planned at St James Quarter on Saturday, and we look forward to welcoming guests to The Quarter to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with us”.
Ageing Well, run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian is seeking new participants to join various city-wide activities which support people to become, and remain, active in later life.
Available to join are Buddy Swim sessions, a 19-week cycle skills course and a two-week technical skills Nordic Walking course, which is followed by four weeks of walking around Edinburgh.
Cat Wilson, Active Communities Project Officer at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Ageing Well activities have been developed to cater for a wide range of tastes and abilities. All activities are either led by or supported by fully trained volunteers, who are all older adults themselves.
“The emphasis is on meeting new people whilst making physical activity accessible and enjoyable. For anyone who has made a promise to themselves, or their family, to improve their fitness in the new year, now is the time to walk the talk and to register their interest in any of our Ageing Well programmes.
“I can guarantee it will be a lot of fun, will improve their wellbeing and fitness, and all our activities are sociable, with plenty of opportunities to make new friends.”
Buddy Swimming is aimed at older adults, who perhaps lack confidence, to get back in the water. Participants are met and greeted by Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteers and ensure they have the support they require in the water, followed by that all-important chat and cup of tea afterwards.
Ageing Well’s Buddy Swimming takes place in three Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city, moving to four, when Warrender Swim Centre, reopens in early 2023.
Tuesday – Glenogle Swim Centre – 10.00 – 10.45am
Wednesday – Warrender Swim Centre – 10.00am – 11.00am (date of Warrender reopening is still to be announced)
Thursday – Drumbrae Swim Centre – 10.30am – 11.15am
Thursday – Royal Commonwealth Pool – 12.05pm – 12.45pm
The 19-week Cycle Skills course will start at the beginning of March 2023 and takes place on a Monday at 10am.
The initial level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material is an 11-week course, which will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, in a dedicated area at Saughton.
Level 2 lasts 8-weeks and gives participants the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle path network, from the leisure centres at Ainslie Park and Meggetland.
Suitable for anyone who hasn’t been on a bike for ages or for those that don’t currently own one, Edinburgh Leisure can provide bikes, helmets, and hi-viz vests, but people are welcome to bring their own.
Ageing Well’s six-week Nordic Walking course launched in March 2022 and will start again in Spring 2023, day and date to be decided.
Nordic Walking is for everyone. Its origins are Finnish and it provides a total-body version of fitness walking with specially designed poles, not to be confused with trekking poles. It can be enjoyed at many levels, at low, medium, or high intensity. The poles mean that effort is shared between the upper and lower body, so it feels easier than normal walking, particularly uphill. More than 10 million people globally enjoy this outdoor activity all year round.
Participants will meet at Brighton Park in Portobello and would be expected to attend the first two technical sessions to graduate. Each session will last 1-hour, and poles will be provided, if people do not already have their own.
Once group members have graduated from the 2-week introductory course, they will be eligible to join the Nordic Walking 4-week course, visiting various locations. These walks would take between 1.5 – 2 hours.
The Nordic Walking course complements Ageing Well’s already popular regular walks which take place in different locations around the city each week.
Ageing Well relies on external funding and donations to deliver its programmes across Edinburgh. A contribution of £3 per week for each activity is appreciated. This can be paid in one go or each week. People’s generous support means Edinburgh Leisure can provide a range of activities to reach more older adults in need of their support, protecting their health and wellbeing and improving their quality of life.
In 2018 the Ageing Well programme was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), which is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE. The award reflects the tremendous contribution of Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well volunteers and the positive difference they make to the lives of participants.
To find out more about any Ageing Well activities, visit:
Athletes relish challenge as historic New Year’s Day race event makes its return
New Years day Races 010118
Picture: Alan Rennie
ATHLETES will compete in one of Scotland’s oldest sporting competitions as it makes a highly-anticipated return to its traditional place in the sporting calendar.
The annual sprint at Musselburgh Racecourse is now in its 154th year, but the pandemic forced it out of its New Year’s Day slot where it has been a popular annual fixture since 1999.
However, the first day of 2023 will see the New Year Sprint return to Musselburgh, as it welcomes athletes to compete in a 110m race with the winner receiving a top prize of £3,500.
It has been a top event on the open athlete sporting calendar since the 1870s, but was forced to take place mid-summer in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the Covid pandemic.
Now, finalists will be shortlisted after a day of heats on 30 December at Meadowbank Sports Centre, before the main event at Musselburgh Racecourse’s New Year’s Day Meeting supported by Fitzdares (1 January).
Since the sprint has been held at Musselburgh it has been a huge attraction for the venue, which is typically packed with race-goers for the New Year’s Day horse racing fixture.
Frank Hanlon, promoter of the New Year Sprint, said: “During its long history, the ‘Sprint’ has produced many top-class competitors and this year is no different. Its even more special as the event returns to Musselburgh Racecourse after a two-year break.
“For this event, a handicap starting system has been designed to ensure that any runner, no matter what their ability, age or gender, has a chance of scooping the big first prize.
“We’re looking forward to getting the heats underway and uncovering who will be competing in this year’s main event.”
The sprint final will be televised as part of ITV’s racing coverage of the day’s events, with runners taking place on the outer horse racing circuit used for flat racing, in front of the crowds gathered at the Grand Stand.
The Highland Fling marquee will host entertainment from ‘The Funkwagen’, a Volkswagen campervan which has been converted to include DJ decks – with racegoers able to enjoy many other entertainment options, including a wide range of bars and street food outlets.
Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse said: “After two years without the New Year Sprint, it is hugely exciting to get it back in front of a roaring crowd.
“The course is in fantastic condition for both horse and human racing and its set to kick off the New Year with a bang.”
The racecourse is also laying on a fleet of “first footer” ticketed buses from Penicuik, Dalkeith, Galashiels, Gorebridge, Dunbar, Haddington and Edinburgh which will ferry revellers to and from the East Lothian venue, which is a VisitScotland 5-star visitor attraction.
Advanced Adult tickets currently cost £40 – book before midnight 31st December to save £5 per person – on the day, will cost £45. Children 17 years and under go free
A timetable for the full New Year’s Day Sprint programme is available here:
