Last few places left for Monday’s performance of Gaggle!
Gaggle is a joyful, non-verbal physical comedy made especially for young audiences with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.
Join three lighthouse keepers as they spend three days and three nights watching the sea. By day they work, watch and wait, whatever the weather. By night, lanterns are lit and things get weird, wonderful, and wild.
“We all loved the sensory experience which we could all enjoy together. It was a truly inclusive experience.” – Audience feedback
Iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and many more are making their way to the big screen this summer at Vue in Edinburgh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of legendary British animation studio Aardman.
A trailblazer in stop-motion animation, Aardman became a household name for British families with the release of beloved duo Wallace & Gromit in 1989’s A Grand Day Out, which saw a cheese-loving Yorkshire man and his heroic, silent dog Gromit set off on a space-faring adventure to the moon.
It is fitting, then, that Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out and crime caper Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers will kick-start the Aardman 50th anniversary season at Vue, combining the two short films into one animated double bill exclusively for the big screen from 10 July.
The dynamic duo continue their adventures on 18 July with a double bill of Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, which introduces fan favourite Shaun the Sheep, and Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death, where Gromit must uncover the identity of a deranged assailant targeting bakers before they can cause more harm.
Their first feature-length release, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, wraps up the duo’s animated adventures at Vue on 1 August, as they face off against the fluffiest monster around after a series of carrot catastrophes threatens the village’s annual giant vegetable competition.
It is not just Wallace & Gromit in the spotlight, though, as other popular features from Aardman are also returning. Shaun the Sheep’s big-screen adventures, including 2015’s Shaun the Sheep Movie from 28 August and 2019’s A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon from 5 September, will also return to Vue.
Families can follow everyone’s favourite woolly rascal as he gets involved in everything from an action-packed day out in town to dealing with an alien invasion. These laugh-out-loud family films are not to be missed.
Other iconic Aardman releases returning as part of the anniversary season include Chicken Run from 24 July, Flushed Away from 7 August, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! from 14 August and Early Man from 21 August.
This summer, Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holidays with the launch of its new Summer Family Passport Book, designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the season.
Families and children can collect stamps in their Summer Family Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest family releases, including all of the Aardman classics returning to the big screen. They are also encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures on a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card.
Vue has also introduced discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme, meaning children aged 14 and under can enjoy big-screen escapes for less, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the holidays.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “Aardman Animation and its beloved characters have charmed UK audiences since the very first adventure of Wallace & Gromit, and we’re thrilled to be able to mark the studio’s 50th anniversary by bringing its most iconic stories back to the big screen this summer holidays.
“Whether you’ve seen these films before or are new to the stop-motion worlds of Aardman, this back-on-the-big-screen season is guaranteed to provide plenty of moments and memories for families to treasure.”
Aardman 50th Anniversary Back on the Big Screen Season
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out/The Wrong Trousers – From 10 July
Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave/A Matter of Loaf & Death – From 18 July
Chicken Run – From 24 July
Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit – From 1 August
Flushed Away – From 7 August
THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS! – From 14 August
Under 16s are no longer able to access the original Libby site, which only has adult titles on it now.
Over 16s can access both versions of Libby and can easily move between them using the existing service.
Existing loans and holds
Any existing loans and holds placed on child or teen titles will now be accessible from the new Kids & Teens site. Please see the instructions regarding adding the Edinburgh Kids & Teens library to the app (or using the web version).
Titles that have been fully downloaded on the existing site should be available to read there until the end of their loan period.
Blackhall Library has reopened in a new temporary facility next to Davidson’s Mains Primary School.
The service previously operated via a mobile library bus, following the closure of the original Blackhall Library building on Hillhouse Road in 2023 due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The new temporary building is providing access to library services while work continues on a long-term plan for the library and other community services in the area.
The library sits within the school’s grounds, but has its own dedicated entrance and is separated from the school by fencing. Signage has been installed at the gates to help guide people to the new building.
The new library is open 10am to 8pm Monday-Wednesday, and 10am to 5pm Thursday to Saturday.
Regular events and activities for adults include:
Writing Group: Tuesdays 6pm to 7pm, monthly
Book Group: Wednesdays 6pm to 7pm, monthly
Library Link: Wednesdays and Fridays, fortnightly
Craft activities for children and young people are also available on Fridays from 2 to 3pm, with Bookbug sessions running on Tuesdays from 11am to 11.30am. The library will also be running a programme of activities and events over the school holidays.
The enclosed site includes relaxing and secure outdoor space for the community to enjoy.
Spacious community rooms are also available to book for meetings and events. Information on pricing and booking can be found on the Council’s website.
The process of developing the temporary library has included engagement with the Davidson’s Mains Primary School community to ensure the facility supports the needs of the school, its pupils and staff.
Additional works have been carried out at the school to support the delivery of the library, including new fencing and works to the playground to provide new fire safety spaces. New road safety improvement works are also underway outside the school, including pavement widening.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham said: “The arrival of the new temporary Blackhall Library is fantastic news for the local community, bringing an exciting range of events and activities back at a convenient and central location.
“We’ve already had some excellent feedback from library users of all ages, and it’s been particularly pleasing to see young people and their families embrace the service as part of their regular school day.
“The original Blackhall Library was a very popular resource and provided a wide range of library services, community events and activities. We know it’s important that people across Blackhall, Davidson’s Mains and the local area have access to quality local services in places that are convenient and accessible, and this new building has been designed to fit that need while we continue to develop plans for its permanent replacement.
“We have an opportunity to develop a new range of modern and accessible services through the long term replacement, and we need to make smart choices to invest in the future of the area. We’re looking forward to announcing more details and public engagement soon.“
Work is ongoing to develop plans for the long term replacement facility. Council officers have been engaging through local community organisations and workshops with pupils at local primary and high schools.
An engagement display has also been set up in the new temporary library to present some of the feedback received and to gather views from library users.
This work is helping to build a detailed understanding of the types of services people across Blackhall, Davidson’s Mains and the wider local community would like to access in a future library facility.
A 12-week public engagement process will launch on the proposals later this year. The findings of this initial engagement work will be used to inform the design of the proposed long-term solution, which will then be presented for formal public engagement.
As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.
Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together.
More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.
Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer.
Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Last chance! Just two weeks left for grassroots teams in Scotland to win free, personalised football kits
Octopus Energy is giving away over 23,000 football shirts after already kitting out 50,000 young players across the UK
Local teams like Central Girls Football Academy U12s from Falkirk already dazzling opponents with flashy Octokits
As the World Cup moves into the knockout stages, Octopus Energy is bringing back its epic Octopus Kits for Kids giveaway for a hat-trick season – and the race is on for the final spots.*
Grassroots teams have just ten days left to apply for FREE personalised Octokits.
This year, Octopus is giving away over 23,000 shirts to 2,000 youth and grassroots teams in a random prize draw. So far, 1,000 lucky teams have already secured their free strips for the upcoming season – leaving 1,000 kits still up for grabs before applications close.
This leaves kits up for grabs for 100 more teams right here in Scotland.
The giveaway has exploded in popularity since it launched. Octopus initially planned to kit out just 500 teams, but due to overwhelming demand, the company rapidly expanded the programme, handing out 50,000 eye-catching Octokits to date.
Winning teams – known as Tentacle Teams – can choose from three different designs: the famous bright pink and purple Octokit, a plain kit in their own club colours, or a classic striped design. Every kit comes personalised with team numbers and the Octopus sponsorship badge.**
Local demand for Octokits is already soaring. So far, over 1,250 applications have flooded in from Scotland.
Tentacle Teams like Central Girls Football Academy U12s from Falkirk have already dazzled their opponents with their very own Octokits in previous giveaway seasons.
And the perks don’t stop at the pitch. Some Tentacle Teams have won unforgettable prizes, such as exclusive tours of the iconic Emirates Stadium, home to Premier League champions Arsenal.
Ian, Coach, Central Football Academy Girls U12s, said: “The strips are perfect, the design is fun and colours are perfect for our club, the players feel special wearing them.”
Erin, Player, Central Football Academy Girls U12s, said: “The new strips are cool and the octopus is cute.”
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Marketing Officer, Octopus Energy, said: “Grassroots football is where future World Cup dreams begin, so we’re buzzing to make it a hat-trick of helping teams look electrifying on the pitch.
“Whether it’s a rainy Sunday morning or a nerve-racking cup final, we want every player who puts on an Octokit to feel ready for their own big moment. Here’s to more great matches, muddy boots and future stars!”
The initiative is powered by Octoplus, Octopus Energy’s legendary rewards scheme, which is now used by over 2.8 million customers.
Parents and coaches have until 16th July to get their entries in via the Octoplus tab in the Octopus Energy app or online dashboard.
Edinburgh’s well-known Ryze Trampoline Park is being transformed into the UK’s first Ninja Kidz Action Park, backed by a £900,000 investment and launching with a grand opening on Saturday 1st August.
The rebrand sees Ryze partner with Ninja Kidz TV, the family-run YouTube channel with over 35 million combined subscribers and a substantial UK fanbase, to bring its action park concept to the UK for the very first time.
Ninja Kidz Action Parks already operate across North America, including the US and Canada, with Edinburgh and Dundee marking the brand’s first ever locations in the UK.
The grand opening will be marked by an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet with the real Ninja Kidz from the YouTube channel, who are travelling to Scotland to meet fans in person. Only 150 VIP tickets are available for the Edinburgh event, including a photo with the Ninja Kidz, a VIP play session at the park, and much more.
General grand opening tickets will be announced soon.
The investment funds a full transformation of the venue, introducing more than 18 new attractions, including adventure slides, a ninja frame, battle beam, wall-to-wall trampolines, air tracks, a dodgeball arena, foam pits and dedicated soft play for younger children.
The investment also represents a vote of confidence in Edinburgh as a destination for family entertainment, supporting local jobs and giving families across the city and surrounding areas a new, year-round activity option.
Ty Nielson, Co-Founder at Ninja Kidz Action Parks, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Ninja Kidz and bring the UK’s first Ninja Kidz Action Park to Edinburgh and Dundee.
“This is a huge moment for us, and a major investment into creating something truly special for families in Scotland and across the UK.”
Rory Fairgrieve, Sales Director at Ninja Kidz Action Parks UK, said: “We are really excited about this renovation to become a Ninja Kidz Action Park bringing a new and exciting venue for fun to the area.
“Ninja Kidz TV has millions of fans around the world, including so many here in the UK, we cannot wait to bring that energy into a real-life action park experience.
“Ryze has always been about active fun, family experiences and creating amazing memories. This partnership allows us to take that to a whole new level.”
Ninja Kidz Action Park Edinburgh opens on 1st August at the current Ryze Edinburgh site. VIP Meet & Greet tickets are on sale now, with general booking details coming soon.
