activities – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

All set for North Edinburgh Film Festival

FRIDAY 27 & SATURDAY 28th MARCH at NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS

The North Edinburgh Film Festival is this Friday 27 March & Saturday 28 March, and you can now take a look at everything we’ve got lined up for you.

This year we’re in our brand new home at North Edinburgh Arts, and we’ve packed two days with over 60 films from across the world and right here in North Edinburgh, plus art installations, filmmaking workshops for all ages, a community lunch, and an Audience Awards Ceremony where you pick the best locally-made film.

From short films about working-class lives and social activism to animations, family-friendly screenings and special film screenings from Screen Education Edinburgh, there really is something for everyone.

View the brochure online and start planning your visit – http://northedinburgharts.co.uk/north-edinburgh-film…/

North Edinburgh Arts, 12C MacMillan Square

Friday 27 March 10am–8:30pm

Saturday 28 March 10am–6pm

Entry is free and drop in!

NEFF-2026-Brochure Download

Full details: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/north-edinburgh-film…/

Next weekend: North Edinburgh Film Festival at North Edinburgh Arts

The North Edinburgh Film Festival is next Friday 27 March & Saturday 28 March, and you can now take a look at everything we’ve got lined up for you.

View the brochure online and start planning your visit – http://northedinburgharts.co.uk/north-edinburgh-film…/

North Edinburgh Arts, 12C MacMillan Square

Friday 27 March 10am–8:30pm

Saturday 28 March 10am–6pm

Entry is free and drop in!

Full details: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/north-edinburgh-film…/

NEFF-2026-Brochure Download

Lauriston Castle launches 2026 centenary programme

To celebrate 100 years since the Castle was gifted to the nation by the Reids, this year’s programme has a strong 1920s theme.

The centenary programme was officially launched with a visit from Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, who joined colleagues and volunteers at the castle to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration.

Featuring an exciting and varied selection of events, the programme will include talks, creative workshops, film screenings, and family fun activities. Highlights include:

Immersive heritage experiences inspired by different periods of the castle’s past
Interactive outdoor activities and themed trails for families
Seasonal festivals celebrating culture, craft and community
Costumed interpretation and live performances
Creative workshops, talks and special tours

A highlight of the year will be the original murder mystery plays, composed and performed by Edinburgh Living History, where guests can use their sleuthing skills to uncover the culprit.

In August, the 1920s-inspired scavenger hunt, reflecting popular leisure activities of the era, will have guests following the clues to meet some characters from the past whilst enjoying the beauty of the grounds.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the return of much-loved Japan Sakura, offering another weekend of fun, with the opportunity to take part in traditional crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.

To mark the centenary, guests can also watch a series of film screenings of titles both made and set in the 1920s starting with ‘The General’ (1926).

Many events will be free to attend, with some ticketed experiences available through advance booking. Details of all events are listed on the Culture Edinburgh website.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Lauriston Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured sites, and the centenary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both its past and its future.

“This programme brings together heritage, creativity and community in a way that reflects the spirit of Mr and Mrs Reid’s generous gift.

“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to discover everything that Lauriston has to offer in 2026.”

St James Quarter welcomes the Lunar New Year with Lion Dance performances and Red Envelope Giveaways

2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. St James Quarter will officially mark the arrival of the Lunar New Year with a vibrant programme of celebrations, inviting visitors to enjoy traditional performances, family-friendly entertainment and exclusive giveaways in the heart of Edinburgh.

Taking place on Saturday 21st February, the celebrations will centre around a spectacular Lion Dance, a much-loved Lunar New Year tradition symbolising prosperity, happiness and good fortune for the year ahead.

Back by popular demand, St James Quarter has partnered with Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh for the performances. The lion dancers will journey through the Galleria before arriving at Register Square, bringing colour, movement and energy to the Quarter as they perform to the rhythm of traditional drumming. Visitors can catch the performances at 12noon and 1pm, making it easy to plan a visit around the vibrant festivities.

Alongside the live performances, St James Quarter will be hosting red envelope giveaways throughout the day.

In keeping with Lunar New Year tradition, the envelopes will contain a range of prizes, discounts and special offers from St James Quarter brand partners, giving shoppers the chance to enjoy exclusive rewards while celebrating.

Potential prizes include: St James Quarter giftcards, a £50 Botanist voucher, Moleskine notebooks, bath and body treats from Molton Brown, as well as some beauty favourites including Sol de Janeiro minis.

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter said: “Lunar New Year is an important cultural celebration for many of our visitors and communities across Edinburgh.

“We’re proud to mark the occasion once again with traditional performances and activities that bring people together and add to the sense of atmosphere across the Quarter. We look forward to welcoming guests to join us on 21st February to celebrate the Lunar New Year with friends and family.”

The Lunar New Year celebrations form part of St James Quarter’s ongoing commitment to reflecting and celebrating Edinburgh’s diverse cultural calendar, offering engaging events for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

For more information, please visit https://stjamesquarter.com/

Lectures and exhibitions at Corstorphine Library this month

For all of February, we are hosting an exhibition from the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Police Historical Society about Edinburgh & Leith during World War II.

To tie in with this, we have a lecture on Monday 9th February at 6:30pm delivered by Tom Wood: The Bombing of Edinburgh & Leith – 1939-1942. There is no need to book ahead and it is free to attend.

We are hosting a second lecture on 23rd February on The Memorial Roll about Edinburgh Police and the uncommemorated lives lost during World War II – more details to follow.

The author, Gerard McEwan, has generously donated a copy of this book which is part of our Local History collection. Access this collection in the library and other resources online with your library card!

Yoga Mondays are back at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Yoga Mondays are back in the centre from TODAY!

A gentle way to start the week – everyone welcome!

Celebrate Languages Week Scotland with Edinburgh Libraries

WE invite all Edinburgh residents to celebrate Languages Week Scotland (2 – 6 February) by joining a variety of activities promoting the languages spoken by New Scots at Edinburgh Libraries.

Muirhouse Library, 2 February, 6 – 7:30pm

Bringing together stories and experiences of Syrian and Sudanese New Scots, Join us for an open session that celebrates spoken and written Arabic through poetry, narration and calligraphy workshop.

Gilmerton Library, 4 February, 1 – 8pm

From lines to letters: Multilingual calligraphy

Celebrate one of the languages spoken by the Afghan community in Edinburgh, the library will offer Pashto alphabet pages for practice. Come along with family and friends to test your calligraphy skills. No booking required.

Oxgangs Library 5 February, 10:00 – 11:30am

From speech to mastery: Reading challenge in Arabic

Whether you are an Arabic or non-Arabic speaker, this fun session will provide a variety of activities that celebrate the language and culture through learning and discovery.

Find out more https://zurl.co/lZEeq