celebration – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Celebrating Traditional Dance on Screen

Friday 25 April at 18:30 – Scottish Storytelling Centre

The opening night of this year’s Pomegranates Festival of international traditional dance (25 – 30 April), kicks off with a packed programme of ten short films celebrating traditional dance on screen.

Traditional dance is rarely presented through the genre of screen dance, and this exclusively curated programme aims to fill in this gap. It honours multiple types of trad dance styles and diverse cultural heritage traditions, including Scottish Step and Highland, Indian Classical, East African, Chinese, Hip Hop, and Breakdance.

The programme includes three diverse films directed by award-winning Canadian dance filmmaker Marlene Millar, Firstly, To Begin the Dance Once More – the newly revisedTraditional Dance Forum of Scotland’s first-ever screen dance production exploring Scottish and Egyptian stories of motherhood, featuring choreography by Vincent Hantam, andset to the new epic poem about Beira and Bride (the Queen of Winter and the Goddess of Spring) by Scottish storyteller Donald Smith.

Secondly, Offering – inspired by traditional dance processions from the Quebec-based Migration Dance Film collective, world-renowned for their innovative use of vocals and body percussive movement. Offering is directed by Marlene Millar in collaboration with choreographer Sandy Silva with the guest appearance of street dance sensation Omari Motion Carter. And thirdly, Bhairava filmed on the ancient site of Hampi in India, directed by Marlene Millar and Philip Szporer (Mouvement Perpétuel, Montréal) with cinematography by Kes Tagney.

Kes Tagney’s recent short Home featuring Scottish step dancer Sophie Stephenson accompanied by musician Ronan Martin is also featured in the programme.

The Bright Fabric of Life directed by Mare Tralla

Other highlights include The Bright Fabric of Life directed by celebrated Estonian artist and filmmaker Mare Tralla; Deer Dancer which was first released as a major commission at the Edinburgh Art Festival in 2019 and features three dances, including Highland Fling, by Hanna Tuulikki exploring male masculinity in dance; two breakdance shorts Autocorrect commissioned by Sadler’s Wells and directed by this year’s choreographer-in-residence MC, hip hop dance artist Jonzi D; and Second Guessing by Glasgow Bgirl Emma Ready which explores the harm experienced by coercive control.

HOME directed by Kes Tagney

Two other rarely screened films include Chinese short Crowned by Flame directed and performed by Lyuxian Yu; and Echoes of a Taiko Drum which was produced by Billingham Festival Director Olga Maloney, and features a unique fusion of Taiko Drums, Georgian, Irish and Indian Kathak Dance.

This 80-minute shorts film programme will be followed by a Q&A with featured creatives, including Scottish Bgirl Emma Ready, Estonian filmmaker Mare Tralla and Canadian filmmaker Kes Tagney.

Iliyana Nedkova, who together with Wendy Timmons is co-founder and curator of the Pomegranates Festival said: “I am very pleased that this year’s Pomegranates Festival’s opening evening show is all about world traditional dance and music specifically devised for the camera, not for the stage.

“I believe that magic happens where cinematography meets choreography. Following years of curating, judging and producing short dance films and screen dance festivals, I always wondered why we don’t have a dedicated platform for trad dance on screen.

“Well, while waiting for the dance film festival circuit to create such a platform, we decided to launch our own global programme and perhaps sow the (pomegranate) seeds of world trad dance on screen by selecting some of the best and rarest examples in this emerging new genre.”

Mare Tralla, the Estonian-born and Edinburgh-based artist, as one of the creatives featured in the programme said: ‘I can’t wait for the launch on the big screen of the latest Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland’s screen dance production The Bright Fabric of Life at the opening night of the Pomegranates Festival.

“I designed the set and costumes, shot and edited this new film in the summer 2024 with a great team of creatives using the body language of traditional African dance choreographed specifically for the camera by the esteemed Vincent Hantam.

“The film tells stories of motherhood and kinship, love and loss from Sub-Saharan Africa and Scotland. Also on the night we will celebrate the paperback release of Mhairi Collie’s book which inspired our film.

“The book, just like the film, explores the dramatic life story of Sylvie, an Ethiopian patient and Juliet – a Scottish surgeon.’

The dance films featured in the World Trad Dance on Screen programme at the Pomegranates Festival are:

AUTOCORRECT (2022, Dir. Jonzi D)
Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells and directed and performed by Jonzi D, AUTOCORRECT features three male hip hop dancers from New York, London and Kampala. The short film takes inspiration from the cerebral poetry of Saul Williams, supported by Soweto Kinch’s textured soundscape.

Bhairava (2017, Dir. Marlene Millar and Philip Szporer)
This short evokes facets of Shiva, the Lord of Dance, as both the destroyer of evil and the guardian of time. Carried by a strong and deeply evocative musical score and by the singular energy of the ancient site of Hampi, dancer and choreographer Shantala Shivalingappa embodies the presence and distinctive qualities of Bhairava. With her technical mastery and refined expressivity, she alternates between moments of precise symbolic gestures and more abstract body language surging from the powerful and omnipresent persona of Bhairava, creating a vivid incarnation of the deity.

Crowned by Flame (2024, Dir. Lyuxian Yu)
In this work, the artist uses cigarette boxes (the world’s smallest drum), fire, and the traditional Ji Guan Headpiece (Cockscomb Headpiece)—key symbols of the Chinese ethnic minority Yi culture—to tell a powerful story about navigating cultural heritage and personal freedom. The performance contrasts black modern props with vibrant, traditional ethnic objects, creating a striking collision between cultural pride and the push for liberation.

Deer Dancer (2019, Dir. Hanna Tuulikki)
A cross-artform project that grew out of research into the Deer Dance of the indigenous Yaqui of Sonora, Mexico, and their Pascua Yaqui descendants in Arizona, USA; the Highland Fling of the Scottish Highlands; and the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance of Staffordshire, England. The piece was further informed by experiential research into hunting practices and by direct observation of deer in their habitat and explores the mimesis of male deer behaviours, from the capering fawn, to the rutting stag, and how they can inform a ‘performance’ of masculinity by male dancers, and the implications of these gendered performances in society today.

Echoes of a Taiko Drum (2022, Dir. Olga Maloney)A new short screen dance and music film, produced by Billingham Festival Director Olga Maloney, featuring a unique fusion of Taiko Drums, Georgian, Irish and Indian Kathak Dance.Winner of the Best Audience Award at the European Short Film Festival in Berlin in 2022.

HOME (2024, Dir. Kes Tagney)

Shot in Scotland and Cornwall, HOME premiered last year at the Inverness Film Festival. It features Scottish step dancer Sophie Stephenson accompanied by musician Ronan Martin. Inspired by Stepheson’s love for Scotland, at its heart is a real sense of belonging and feeling of deep connection with the place you call Home.

Offering (2023, Dir. Marlene Millar)
Using the traditional dance procession choreography, Offering creates a meaningful and joyful conversation between the body percussion artists featured in all Migration Dance Film Projects to date and new emerging artists from street, hip hop and gigue dance and circus arts. Special guest appearance by the British hip hop artist OmariMotion Carter.

Second Guessing (2023, Dir. Emma Ready and Therese Lynch )
Second Guessing investigates coercive control from the victim’s perspective. Emma Ready is a Bgirl, choreographer, and creative educator. During her 25 years of breaking, Emma has established an international reputation as an inspirational, and empathetic motivator.

The Bright Fabric of Life (2024, Dir, Mare Tralla)Using the body language of traditional African dance choreographed specifically for the camera, The Bright Fabric of Life tells stories of motherhood and kinship, and love and loss from Scotland and Sub-Saharan Africa. It captures the poignant story of Sylvie – a beautiful Ethiopian girl, whose dreams are destroyed when a disastrous childbirth leaves her broken both emotionally and physically, facing rejection and isolation.

To Begin the Dance Once More (2023, Dir, Marlene Millar) Four international dancers based in Scotland and Egypt reimagine the mythological world inhabited by the Celtic and Egyptian mothers of Earth. A beautifully compelling and vital piece of storytelling and movement for the screen. Featuring choreography by former Scottish Ballet Principal Dancer Vincent Hantam, and set to a new epic poem about Beira and Bride (the Queen of Winter and the Goddess of Spring) by Scottish storyteller Donald Smith.

The Pomegranates Festival (25 – 30 Apr) is the annual platform for the diverse 250+ individual and organisational members of the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland to teach, learn and perform in new dance theatre and screen dance shows, as well as new productions and residencies. This is the fourth edition of Scotland’s annual festival of international traditional dance, initiated, curated and produced by the Traditional DanceForum of Scotland. It is presented in partnership with TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Central Library, Dance Base and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

In 2025 the Pomegranates Festival is funded by Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding through TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland); the City of Edinburgh Council and University of Edinburgh through the Edinburgh Local Community Fund.

For tickets and more information visit https://www.tdfs.org/pomegranates/

Party in the Park!

SATURDAY 5th APRIL 11am – 1.30pm at GASHOLDER 1 PARK

Join us for the official launch of Granton’s newest public park at Granton Gasholder 1!

Enjoy a day for all the family and celebrate with the community. Activities will include:

A one-off community singalong with Pianodrome at 11am
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.15am
Family arts and craft activities
Penalty shoot-outs with Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club
Free ice cream from Lucas
Free facepainting
Exhibition stalls

Bring your family, friends and a picnic blanket for a fun day out. All are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there!

By Creating We Think – Celebrating Patrick Geddes

Saturday, 22 February 2025

To celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19^th and 20th century Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in partnership with the Sir Patrick Geddes Trust is holding a day of workshops, screenings, talks and discussions as part of Edinburgh’s 900 programme on Saturday, 22 February.

Patrick Geddes by Kenny Hunter on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre

The day looks to the future, structured around Geddes’ key sayings including ‘By Creating We Think’ and combining ideas with practical initiatives that can open pathways into ecology, culture and creativity to create a city rich in local, national and international identities.

Speakers include environmental artists Kenny Munro and Claudia Zeiske; Murdo MacDonald who is a leading writer and original interpreter of Patrick Geddes; environmentalist and nature writer Mandy Haggith; Bengali storyteller Neel Debdutt Paul; Samuel Gallacher who is Director of Sottish Historic Buildings Trust and has had close involvement with the ideas and legacy of Geddes; and many other writers, activists and thinkers.

Patrick Geddes was an ecologist and town planner who believed that our future lies in the merging of the natural world with human culture. He also championed the need for science and society to work together, citizen action, creative learning, and the need for green space.

Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Festival and Programmer of ‘By Creating We Think’ said: “Geddes would have loved to be at this event.

“His method was to bring people together and let the ideas and passions flow. Of course in a sense he will be there, and I can’t think of anyone more important to have at Edinburgh’s 900th celebrations.”

Samuel Gallacher, Director of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust said: “Geddes’ revolutionary thinking has influenced more than a century of practice, and yet still, his ideas and methods have still so much to offer to society today as we reflect, as Geddes did in his own time, on our rapidly changing world.”

‘By Creating We Think’ is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of Edinburgh’s 900^th year celebrations and The Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust. It will be the final event in the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s programme of over 40 community events across the city that have been attended by more than 1600 people.

By Creating We Think
Saturday 22 February from 10.30am to 5pm
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.

A day of talks, workshops, screenings and lively discussion to celebrate the life and learnings of revolutionary 19^thcentury Scottish social thinker Patrick Geddes,

The event is ticketed on a ‘pay as you can’ basis.

For more information visit https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:5814/913:25318/

Programme

By Leaves We Live

Introduction and hosting by Andrew Bachell, environmentalist and Chair, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.

Re-Naturing a Nation:Mandy Haggith, poet, novelist and nature writer. Greening the City: Bridgend Farmhouse with John Knox and Will Golding.

Think Global, Act Local

Cultures in Conversation: environmental artist Kenny Munro and storyteller/writer Neel Debdutt Paul explore a web of connections between Patrick Geddes and India.

Cultures in Conversation: Tom Hubbard writer and researcher; Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator; and Iliyana Nedkova Curator of the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland, explore a web of connections between Geddes, France and Europe.

Place, Work, Folk

Remaking and restoring – a participative session led by Claudia Zeiske, environmental artist, producer and community curator.

By Living We Learn

Geddes, Tagore and Education – the work of Stewart A Robertson and Bashabi Fraser introduced by Donald Smith

The Making of Books: By Publishing We Think – Murdo MacDonald, Art Historian and Essayist.

A Geddes Future in Edinburgh’s Old Town Sam Gallacher, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust

By Creating We Think Final Programme Download

Mercat Tours kick off 40 years celebration by looking to city’s next generation

Mercat Tours has launched its 40th-anniversary celebrations with a transformative programme designed to inspire the next generation of local storytellers and tourism professionals. “A Day in Edinburgh”, the inaugural event in a packed year-long calendar of birthday events, took place on Wednesday [29 January], with Mercat Tours and seven partners welcoming 90 second-year pupils from Holy Rood High School.

The event was attended by the Minister for Business Richard Lochhead MSP, who joined the pupils to explore Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the career opportunities within its thriving tourism sector.

The initiative highlighted the collaborative efforts of eight award-winning partners, including Mercat Tours, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, Rabbie’s Small Group Tours, Dovecot Studios, and Holyrood Distillery.

Launched in 2016 as the brainchild of Managing Director Kat Brogan, “A Day in Edinburgh” has grown into a powerful initiative, providing over 685 pupils and 120 staff with memorable, confidence-building experiences.

Working alongside leading tourism institutions, the programme connects young people to Edinburgh’s stories, while giving pupils the opportunity to meet passionate industry professionals, who share insights into their careers, demonstrating how tourism can offer a dynamic, fulfilling career path.

Survey results show 95% of students leave the programme with a stronger connection to their city and a greater appreciation for its vibrant history and cultural offerings.

Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours, said: “As we celebrate 40 years of giving Edinburgh’s history ‘a damn good telling,’ it’s fitting to kick-off our anniversary year by investing in the future.

“‘A Day in Edinburgh’ is more than an educational day out—it’s about igniting pride, ambition, and curiosity in young people while showcasing the vibrant, rewarding and diverse careers available in tourism. This initiative embodies what Mercat Tours stands for: connecting people to their past while inspiring their future.”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “We know that careers in tourism are fulfilling and integral to communities across Scotland. Which is why I find this programme, which seeks to inspire future generations to consider a career in this vibrant sector, admirable and valuable.

“Of course, we want there to be even more jobs for tomorrow’s generation. That’s why the Scottish Government is committed to helping the tourism sector to grow, allocating an additional £2 million to VisitScotland in our draft Scottish Budget to continue attracting visitors which supports the economy.”

Joan Daly, Head Teacher at Holy Rood High School, said: “This initiative provides an opportunity for our pupils to enjoy the rich cultural experiences our city has to offer with no cost barriers to consider.

“This provides a real sense of equity for accessing school excursions, making them accessible for all.”

James Campbell, Acting Depute, Holy Rood High School, added: “Not only will it provide an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful cultural sites our city has, but we feel it will go some way in raising their aspirations and developing the skills and confidence to become engaged in society as the new young workforce of the future.”

One participating pupil from Holy Rood High School expressed a newfound aspiration to “be an architect who restructures old buildings like the Georgian House or write about animals for the zoo.”

Another noted the valuable skills they learned: “You have to be friendly, good at socialising, patient, and energetic – a people person, know languages and be polite.”

“A Day in Edinburgh” sets the stage for Mercat Tours’ broader anniversary programme which will feature a packed series of initiatives, events, and a few surprises throughout 2025, with a warm invitation to all to join the celebrations.

The local family business has designed a programme to honour its legacy while thanking the local community, Edinburgh’s tourism industry and its visitors from around the globe for their support over the last four decades. Further details will be revealed soon.

As the UK’s first and only Certified B Corporation™ visitor attraction and a Living Hours Employer, Mercat Tours exemplifies the ethos that “good business does good.”

Passionate advocates that history should be accessible to everyone, visitors and locals alike, programmes like A Day in Edinburgh, demonstrate Mercat’s investment in its community, ensuring Edinburgh’s stories endure while inspiring young people to help shape the city’s future to benefit all, equally.

To find out more about Mercat Tours planned 40^th celebrations and “A Day in Edinburgh” programme visit: www.mercattours.com

PICTURES: TONY MARSH

Forth 50 – Live! details announced

Forth 1 have announced details of Forth 50 – Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station’s 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.

Taking place on Saturday 31st May, Forth 50 – Live!, with Eastern Western Motor Group, will welcome dance icons including Whigfield, Robin S, Mary Kiani, Haddaway, Heather Small, Corona and more for a daytime disco party like no other.

Tickets on sale 9am Friday 31st January via forth1.com

Celebrating Forth 1’s first 50 years, the incredible live gig will welcome fans to The Royal Highland Centre from 2pm- 10.30pm for the station’s biggest ever daytime disco. Forth’s most legendary presenters will join in the birthday celebrations with Boogie and Arlene, Marty, Garry Spence, Steven Mill and Callum Gallacher all presenting live on the day.

The one-off gig will have fans dancing throughout the decades with the sound of the 90s dance scene taking to the stage in Ingliston. Filling dance floors around the world from Ibiza to Edinburgh itself, the full line-up includes legends of the scene:

Haddaway, Heather Small (below), Whigfield, Snap, Corona, Robin S, K:Klass, D:Ream, Rozalla, Angie Brown, Alison Limerick, Oceanic and Mary Kiani.

Since Forth 1 first took to the airwaves on 22nd January 1975, the station has proudly represented Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk for five decades, breaking some of the hottest new acts and welcoming legends of the music scene to their shows. Forth 1 has remained at the heart of the community and is currently the number one station for Edinburgh and the East.

The daytime dance extravaganza will include some of the biggest tunes from the 90s with the likes of Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’, Haddaway’s ‘What Is Love’, Corona’s ‘The Rhythm of the Night’ and ‘Show Me Love’ from Robin S all sure to get the party started. Familiar faces on Top of the Pops in the 90s, there are countless number 1 hits to choose from as Forth fans can dance the day away to the tracks that defined a generation.

The special birthday gig was unveiled live on air by Boogie and Arlene, with tickets set to go on sale from 31st January.

Angie Brown (above) said, “I am really honoured to be performing at Forth 50 – LIVE this year. I’m incredibly excited and I am actually buzzing, because I know it’ll be a very glamorous and glittering occasion!”

Mary Kiani said, “Wishing everyone at Forth 1 ‘100% Real Love’ on their 50th birthday, thanks for letting the music play and I can’t wait to see you in May!”

Rozalla said, “I so look forward to performing and celebrating Forth 1. It’s a fantastic line-up and celebration to be part of. See you all there!”

Boogie and Arlene said, “It’s an amazing achievement for any radio station to still be going strong after 50 years. One thing Forth has always been well-known for is a good party and this is going to be the biggest one we’ve ever had.”

The Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston will host Forth 50 – Live, with Eastern Western Motor Group, welcoming fans and listeners to the indoor arena for a gig that is sure to kick off summer in Edinburgh and the East.

For a day of timeless tracks, era-defining songs and non-stop dancefloor fillers… don’t miss out – tickets on sale from 9am, 31st January via forth1.com

Tickets – £72 (subject to booking fee)

Over 18s only, photo ID may be required to gain entry.

Burns Night Community Ceilidh: Tickets go on sale tomorrow

Coming soon! Our 11th Annual Burns Night Community Ceilidh!

Saturday 25th January 5-8.30 at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Tickets on sale from tomorrow – Monday 13th January.

With Pilton Community Health Project

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

Tinderbox Collective and many more..

Letters: Fireworks cancellation was a relief for some

Dear Editor:

The cancellation of New Year fireworks events as the UK braced for extreme weather was a relief for everyone bracing for a night of extreme stress, and Edinburgh could protect humans and other animals by permanently banning fireworks.

The loud bangs, vibrations, and flashes, which terrorise some communities daily, confuse and terrify wildlife and companion animals, putting them at risk of injury, displacement, and death. They also distress humans, such as those who suffer from PTSD and children sensitive to noise.

Yet over 90% of Brits would gladly be dazzled by laser shows, drones, or silent fireworks out of consideration for others, and the use of these technologies by major events would further increase their popularity.

In 2024, a report revealed that blasts kill or injure over 100 horses a year, a 1 million–strong petition called for greater restrictions on these menacing missiles, and two endangered red pandas died after booms shook Edinburgh around bonfire night.

In 2025, event organisers must embrace stunning spectacles that everyone can enjoy and celebrate without leaving devastation in their wake.

Yours sincerely,

Elisa Allen

Vice President of Programmes

PETA Foundation

Society Building

8 All Saints Street

London N1 9RL

+44 (0) 20 7837 6327

Meet the young women and girls making change in Edinburgh

THE Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women’s leadership and rights, has today announced this year’s 30 Under 30 – a list of young women and girls in Scotland who are leading change and excelling in their fields.

Now in its ninth iteration, the 30 Under 30 campaign seeks to celebrate young women and girls’ impact in Scotland across a diverse range of experiences.

This year’s list includes young women and girls from age 13 to 30, from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway, who are celebrated for their campaigning, community work, leadership and excellence in arts, sports, and leadership.

This year’s list includes six people from Edinburgh:

· Alanis McQuillen, a Scottish Parliament staffer who has advocated for better visibility and participation of women in Parliament

· Alice Cruickshank, a BBC journalist and producer whose content focuses on empowering and connecting with young people

· Alyssa Faulkner, a campaigner for better medical access, care and awareness for people living with diabetes

· Beth Davidson, 27-year-old CEO of mental health charity ‘Feeling Strong’

· Gemma Smith, advocate for rights and opportunities for care-experienced people

· Khadea Santi, an artist who led a Youth Art Takeover at the Fruitmarket and whose work explores diaspora, identity and memory.

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘It’s a privilege to celebrate these inspiring and tenacious young women and girls, who are creating change in their communities, lives and across society in myriad ways.

“We know that this is a particularly challenging time for young women and girls in Scotland, as they are disproportionately affected by poor access to healthcare, the cost-of-living crisis, and a rise in misogynistic rhetoric.

“Reading this year’s nominations for 30 Under 30 and seeing the impact that young women and girls are having despite this was a moving experience, and we are delighted to celebrate their successes and courage for the ninth year.’

The full 30 Under 30 list can be viewed on The Young Women’s Movement’s website.

Save the Date: Edinburgh Diwali returns for 10th celebration

SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 1 – 7pm

Edinburgh Diwali returns to the Capital for it’s tenth celebration of the Indian festival of lights on Sunday 3rd November 2024. Festivities will include a colourful and multicultural parade through Edinburgh city centre, as well as performances and fireworks display in Princes Street Gardens to celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil.

Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights and is now celebrated internationally by 1.5 billion people to ward off the darkness and welcome the light. Originally hailing from India, Diwali is marked across globe with large public events in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States of America.

Edinburgh Diwali, a registered Scottish charity, started in 2015 as an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Indian diaspora from the city, and has gone on to become Scotland’s largest public Diwali event.

In 2020, Edinburgh Diwali was recognised as one of seven ‘best places to celebrate Diwali around the world’ by The Telegraph for it’s digital celebration which lit up Edinburgh’s City Chambers with Happy Diwali messages.

The Indian celebration is one of Edinburgh’s most popular community led events, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances in Princes Street Gardens.

Last year’s festivities included performances from Dance Ihayami, Bollyfeat, Classsical Confluence and Dance@Studio21 with a presentation of Indian, Scottish, and fusion dance; plus music from the Stockbridge and Glencorse Pipe Bands as part of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and a headline performance from Kaykay & Co, the London based British Asian fusion band led by Kaykay Chouhan.

This year’s Diwali celebration promises to be equally spectacular, with the full programme to be revealed closer to the event.

Edinburgh Diwali 2024 will take place 13:00 – 19:00 on Sunday 3rd November. The event is open to all with free entry, encouraging everyone to participate in this family-friendly festive celebration of light.

For further information about Edinburgh Diwali, visit:

edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali.

PICTURES: Robin Mair

Nigerian Eatery Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary with Weekend Festivities

Bongou Cafe, Edinburgh’s cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments.

The event, set for Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th September, will be a vibrant tribute to the authentic flavours and warm hospitality that have made Bongou a standout destination in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre.

All proceeds from sales will be donated to local charity Soul Food, which provide hot, delicious and freshly prepared meals while also offering respite and support to anyone dealing with the challenges of homelessness, poverty or loneliness in Edinburgh.

Originally starting as a barbecue catering business in Nigeria in 2014, Bongou was brought to Edinburgh by founder Tosin Moemeke in 2018. Tosin aimed to infuse Edinburgh’s food scene with the vibrant flavours of Lagos, Nigeria. This vision laid the foundation for the cafe, which has since become a community favourite known for its bold, Lagos-inspired street food.

Since opening its doors in 2019, Bongou Cafe has become synonymous with “Lagos in a Flatbread Sandwich,” offering unique flatbread sandwiches with house-made bread, fillings, and sauces made from “Tatashe” (red bell peppers) and “Rodo” (scotch bonnet chillies). Bongou’s mission has always been to introduce the rich, diverse flavours of Lagos to the local community, a vision they continue to pursue five years on.

Tosin, Bongou Cafe’s founder, says, “It’s been an incredible five years. We started with a simple idea to bring the bold, exciting flavours of Lagos to Edinburgh, and the reception has been overwhelming.

“Our customers have become like family. As much as we cherish our journey so far, we’re eagerly looking forward to the future and the many culinary adventures ahead. That’s why we’re kicking off our sixth year with an unforgettable party.”

The anniversary weekend will debut a new pastry and dessert counter, featuring favourites like the spicy beef pie and pineapple crumble cake. Bongou continues to offer a warm, friendly, and homely setting while serving consistently delicious food to delight its patrons.

Starting in September, Bongou Cafe will collaborate with local chefs to blend Nigerian cuisine with other African culinary traditions. Details of these collaborations, which will unfold throughout the year, will be announced soon.

The weekend festivities will also mark Bongou Cafe’s new opening hours, now extending to both Saturdays and Sundays.

This change responds to popular demand, allowing more food enthusiasts to experience its unique dishes and fall in love with Nigerian food and hospitality.

For more information, visit: https://bongoufood.co.uk