THURSDAY 16th APRIL at 11am
This week Corstorphine Library are happy to be hosting children’s author Fiona Lowry for a great workshop for wee ones.
Come along at 11am on Thursday 16th April for a story, craft and scavenger hunt!
It is free to attend and perfect for 3-5 year olds.
Our usual Crafternoon schedule has been extended for October!
Free drop-in craft sessions, all ages welcome! 
A new colourful and vibrant exhibition bringing together historic objects and contemporary protest material to explore the recent explosion of ‘Craftivism’ in Edinburgh is now open.
Running until 26 January 2026, the exhibition will explore Craftivism – the practice of using traditional craft techniques like knitting, sewing and collage to address political, social, and cultural concerns. Over the past two decades, the movement has gained significant momentum, especially in the wake of the global pandemic.
Edinburgh has become a centre of Craftivist activity due to its position as Scotland’s capital and the home of its Parliament, as well as its strong heritage in teaching and nurturing craft skills.
The exhibition shines a light on how these humble, time-honoured practices have been repurposed as powerful forms of expression, from political protests to expressions of personal identity.
It will feature a rich variety of items from Edinburgh’s collections, including pieces from the People’s Story, Museum of Edinburgh, and the Museum of Childhood.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: Edinburgh has strong craft heritage so I’m delighted that the Museum of Edinburgh will be showcasing how the tradition of craft has evolved into a powerful form of activism.
“It’s wonderful to see historic examples of work from across our museums displayed alongside the work of talented contemporary makers. The range of creativity displayed, and the issues engaged with, shows what a vibrant city Edinburgh is.
“This exhibition is a testament to the resilience and spirit of communities who are using their craft to advocate for change, from environmental justice to mental health awareness.”
Curator Vicky Garrington said: “It’s been a fascinating experience, diving into Museums & Galleries Edinburgh’s historic collections to explore the history of crafting and protest in the Capital.
“We hope viewers will enjoy seeing objects from our collections alongside works by talented contemporary makers.
“From quiet explorations of wellbeing through lacemaking to bold knitted panels demanding climate justice, there is something for everyone on display.”
Highlights include crocheted protest banners, a Victorian scrap screen, and even a Jacobite drinking glass, each providing a unique lens through which to understand Edinburgh’s history of activism.
Alongside these historic items, the exhibition will present the work of contemporary Craftivists, with pieces that touch on topics such as politics, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and mental health.
Among the featured works are those made in collaboration with MindRoom, a charity that supports neurodiverse young people, and the City Art Centre South Asian Youth Group.
The exhibition will also host a variety of public programmes, lacemaking demonstrations, interactive workshops.
It runs from Wednesday 17 Sept 2025 until Monday 26 Jan 2026.
Museum of Edinburgh 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD
Pop along to Telford Road McDonalds on the 2nd November for a charity fun day. There will be face painting, arts and crafts and you can even have a chance of winning a jar of sweets if you guess how many’s in it correctly! 
This is to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
This event is completely free however there is still a chance to donate
This event will run from 12 – 3pm, hopefully see some of you there! 
ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, PALMERSTON PLACE
Has a loved one died from HIV-related causes?
As we approach World AIDS Day, anyone is welcome to come to one of our drop-in quilting workshops to add a friend or family member’s name to the HIV quilt, housed in the Cathedral.
Free. All are welcome on a drop-in basis, no need to book.
More info: https://tinyurl.com/2j947me9
Next week, join us for some arts and crafts activities!
These are free, drop-in sessions running morning and afternoon, Monday to Friday, and all ages are welcome. 
Happy to announce
Benji and the PlayTalkRead team are coming to Millennium Centre TODAY – Wednesday 24th April
Hop on board from 10am-1pm or 2pm-4pm, for lots of fun activities that you and your wee one can do together.
Lots of arts and crafts, messy play, and a load of books for you to enjoy. Our activities are aimed at families with children 0-4 years old.
No booking necessary and entry is free!
What can you expect from the festival this year?
80 stalls from local organisations, charities and groups hosting interactive activities such as glitter tattoos, hair braiding, craft workshops, facepainting, games, help, advice, storytime.
Edinburgh festivals – Edinburgh Science festival with their cargo tricycles and science demonstrations.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society – street performers.
Edinburgh Book Festival – free books and talks.
Colla Castellera – building human towers.
Edinburgh Equi Centre returns with their horses.
Obstacle course from North Edinburgh Childcare, and activities from Royal Air Force, Army and Scottish Fire Services.
Art and craft workshops with North Edinburgh Arts, National Galleries of Scotland, video games and scavenger hunt with Tinderbox Collective.
We have Granton Giants Dodgeball, Super strikers and Blast Boxing.
And things to buy include, tie dye clothing, pocket money toys, wax melts, cupcakes, dog accessories etc.
As for food we have RRT handing out free burgers again but we also have cupcakes and cookies, Indian food, hotdogs plus several other stalls to purchase food from.
We have 2 Music Stages this year – the park stage filled with community music and performances and the North by North West stage inside the WPNC for up and coming young musicians.
The parade will kick start the festival, starting at North Edinburgh Childcare and heading along Ferry Road Drive, round the park and into the park. Everyone welcome to join in the parade – theme is Superheroes!
There is so much going on at the festival, with something for everyone. I hope that you will all come along and enjoy the day.
The festival is free to attend. Many of the activities/food/items will be free but there will also be some that require payment.
Please feel free to share this and spread the word.
LAUNCH PROMISES MORE STALLS, MORE MUSIC, MORE FOOD and.. SUNSHINE!
Next month’s North Edinburgh’s Community Festival will be even bigger than last years event, organisers announced at Tuesdays launch at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Around 6000 people attended last year’s gala event, and with at least SEVENTY marquees (up from 50 last year) and and not one but TWO music stages there promises to be even more for the local community to do, see and enjoy on 13 May.
Highlights include:
Disney-themed LIFT Parade from Muirhouse Millennium Centre to West Pilton Park to launch the Festival.
More than 70 local organisations and charities with Community Stalls
Two music stages: the open air Park Stage and the Green Room stage in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
The music line-up features a wealth of local talent. Performers include local youth orchestra Tinderbox, Granton Youth’s Mixtape Music Club and a session from ever-popular Fischy Music.
There’s a musical medley from the Edinburgh College Musical Theatre Group, performances from local choirs including Ama-zing Harmonies, AUGB Ukranian choir, Craigroyston High School Choir and a high-energy performance is guaranteed from local punk rockers Yer Local Bams. Low Tide, Rai Williams, Laurent and Abigail Kerner will also be performing live on the day in a musical feast.
Family events and activities will include Bookbug with Muirhouse Library and a Storytelling session with Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen writers.
Fancy some sport? You’ll be spoilt for choice as Access Parkour, Spartans Community Football Academy and Inverleith Rugby Club will all be there. And there will be children’s Zumba classes.
North Edinburgh Arts will be organising arts and craft activities and Screen Education Edinburgh will offer film workshops. There’s an Army obstacle course, too.
There will also be learning and upskilling opportunities provided by local organisations including Edinburgh College will be offering course taster sessions.
All in all, there really should be something for everyone. And with sunshine (almost) guaranteed, it promises to be a great day.
Local activist Willie Black, a member of the Festival planning committee, introduced Tuesday’s launch. “We are very excited about this year’s Festival and it promises to be a really great event, a community celebration for everyone to enjoy.
“We have a wealth of diverse talent in this community and we want to share that talent far and wide. We’re looking forward to offering a warm North Edinburgh welcome to thousands of visitors next month, and the hope is that the Festival will be a great success and that it can become an annual event.”
North Edinburgh Community Festival is on Saturday 13 May from 12 – 5.30pm. Free event. All welcome.
IMAGES FROM LAUNCH EVENT:
Hello there!
Together with Granton Goes Greener we created a programme of up-cycling workshops for you.
Come and learn how to make jewellery and basic macrame knots which will enable you to create amazing designs of your own.
Places are limited, so book your place by emailing Ola on: aleksandra@elrec.org.uk
See you soon in Granton!
