Tag: culture

Glasgow 850 to Celebrate the Big Yin with Weekend Tribute

Glasgow is set to honour one of its most iconic sons, Sir Billy Connolly, with a celebration this September as part of the Glasgow 850 programme.

The Big Yin Weekend, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, will honour to the legendary Glaswegian comedian, musician, storyteller and artist through a vibrant mix of music, comedy, film and walking and cycling tours.

Sir Billy Connolly, who was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010, has long been regarded as the voice and spirit of the city. His enduring career has brought laughter, insight and pride to generations of Glaswegians, and this celebration of his life and career reflects the deep affection the city holds for him.

The Big Yin Weekend is part of the wider Glasgow 850 programme – a year-long celebration marking the city’s 850th birthday. Led by Glasgow City Council, the programme showcases the people, culture and creativity that make Glasgow a truly unique place to live, work and visit.

Highlights of the weekend include:

  • The Big Yin Tune-In – A free pop-up musical performance at The Park Bar featuring Gary Innes & Friends and the premiere performance of a new song entitled ‘Big Yin’ by Scottish supergroup Mànran, to celebrate Billy Conolly’s contribution to folk music and commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Humblebums.
  • ‘Big Yin’s Best Of ‘– A comedy showcase presented by Glasgow International Comedy Festival, featuring past winners and nominees of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.
  • Big Banana Feet screening – A special showing at Glasgow Film Theatre of the fly on the wall documentary following Billy Connolly on his 1975 tour of Ireland, introduced by comedian Scott Agnew.
  • Walking and cycling tours – Gallus Pedals Tours will host walking and cycling tours across the weekend inspired by Billy’s life and legacy, taking in key locations and mural sites across the city.

While the pop-up musical performance is free to attend, tickets for the other events are being sold at reduced prices to allow as many people as possible to attend.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken, said: “Throughout our birthday year Sir Billy Connolly’s name has come up time and time again. As arguably the city’s best loved and most famous modern-day Glaswegian, we couldn’t celebrate this landmark year for the city without honouring Billy.

“Billy’s pioneering stand-up has always drawn on Glasgow’s spirit, resilience and uniquely funny bones, and then added his very own special brand of freewheeling genius to bring laughter and joy to millions. This weekend responds to the huge affection people have for the Big Yin with a living tribute to his comedy, music, storytelling and contribution to the arts – and to Glasgow.”

Gary Innes of Mànran and Hoolie in the Hydro, said: “Billy Connolly is a true representation of Glasgow ­– the city’s wit, warmth, spirit and love of music. This year’s Hoolie in the Hydro on 13th December is called The Big Yin and we will round off Glasgow’s birthday year with a tribute to one of the city’s most famous sons.

“As a warm-up to our own toast to Billy, it is fantastic to be part of The Big Yin Weekend and join other institutions from across the city in celebrating the Glasgow legend. Get along to the legendary Park Bar to see the first ever performance of The Big Yin, a tune that I have composed in honour of Sir Billy and raise a glass to the man himself, and Glasgow’s 850th year.”

Krista MacDonald, Festival Director, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, said, “Sir Billy Connolly is the heartbeat of Glasgow’s comedy spirit, a trailblazer whose wit, warmth and honesty put Scottish comedy on the world stage. He embodies the humour, resilience and character of this city, and continues to inspire every performer who steps onto our stages. 

“At the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, his legacy is felt in every laugh, reminding us that comedy here isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of who we are. We are excited to celebrate the Big Yin and Glasgow’s 850th celebrations with a special comedy event in the new Stand Comedy Club.”

Paul Gallagher, Head of Programme at Glasgow Film, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Yin Weekend with a special screening of Murray Grigor’s Big Banana Feet at GFT, complete with an introduction from Glasgow-based comedian Scott Agnew.

“Rarely screened since its initial release, the documentary captures Billy Connolly’s comic genius, musical flair and unmistakable Glaswegian charm off-stage.

“Lovingly restored by the BFI using the only 16mm print known to exist, the film was a sell-out hit when it premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2024, and we’re sure audiences will jump at the chance to experience Connolly’s larger-than-life talent on the big screen.”

Martin Heaney, Founder of Gallus Pedals, said: “As perhaps the most loved Glaswegian there’s a Billy Connolly reference on almost every one of our tours – not because every guest has heard of him, but because he brings humour to the most ordinary parts of life and has influenced how many of us describe this place. 

“It’s been a real joy discovering and exploring parts of the city that helped shape him both as a person and shaped his career and being able to share those locations on our tours.” 

More information on attending the free music event or booking tickets at glasgow850.com or on each of the partners’ websites.

Edinburgh Napier actors land Fringe award for boxing drama Cornermen

The four-strong cast have completed a knockout Edinburgh Festival theatre run

A group of Edinburgh Napier University acting students have claimed an industry award for an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show that packed a punch.

Starring Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack – and directed by Lecturer David Wotton from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries –  Cornermen tells the story of a young boxer and the exploitation of his success.

Following a successful run at theSpace on the Mile throughout this month, the cast have been presented with the coveted ‘Bright Spark’ award by The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe.

Awarded every year by the Scottish Arts Club, the prize recognises Scottish actors or theatre-makers just embarking on their career, with the winner selected by a panel of expert judges.

Put on by in-house company Authentically False Productions, Cornermen stood out from the crowd of theatre acts on show across the city during August, drawing praise for its assured performance.

Responding to their award win, Daniel, Liam, Arran and Ruairi said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Bright Spark’ award at our first foray into the professional theatre world after our training at Edinburgh Napier University. 

“The hard work and dedication we put into Cornermen has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder to represent Edinburgh Napier and the Scottish theatre scene in this way. 

“Hopefully, this award will be a great kick start to our career. We’ll always remember this moment, this award and this training.”

Cornermen director David Wotton said: “It’s awards like this that highlight our department and the hard work we do to make sure our training actors thrive in such a competitive market. 

“This award marks a year of dedication by the cast of Cornermen, Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack, and our department. 

“Year upon year our course has exceptional National Student Survey results, and industry recognition like this shows that Edinburgh Napier University is a great place for an actor to train. 

“Directing these four talented actors has been so very rewarding. It’s great that the industry sees and appreciates the work and dedication shown by both our talented actors and staff alike.”

Cornermen was one of many theatre productions put on by ENU students during the Edinburgh Festivals, which draw to a close this week.

It also follows previous shows such as Everything Under the Sun in being recognised by the industry.

TONIGHT: An evening of music inspired by the work of John Bellany

Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral

TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.

On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.

A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.

Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.

Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:

  • Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
  • Julia Hart (violin)
  • Cameron Smith (cello)
  • Erin Sawicka (piano)

The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.

The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.

This special event coincides with the City Art Centre’s major exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, on display nearby until 28 September.

The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.

“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.

Behind the Festival’s Curtains: The Cost to Workers, Residents and Artists

Every August, Edinburgh transforms into the world’s cultural epicentre, with festivals filling every corner of the city (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).

This year, however, the stage will be busier than ever. Alongside the usual theatre lovers and comedy fans, the capital will welcome an additional influx of visitors as thousands arrive for concerts by Oasis and AC/DC.

It’s a month that draws global attention and economic opportunity. Yet, beneath the spotlight lies a more pressing truth: a festival economy that, while world-renowned, places intense pressure on the very infrastructure residents rely on year-round.

Nowhere is that strain more visible than in housing. When tourists arrive, hotels and B&Bs fill up fast. For people already living in vulnerability, August can mean being pushed further into homelessness. Shelter Scotland warns that major events create a “bottleneck” in temporary accommodation, with people displaced at short notice to make room for tourists.

However, the pressures do not end with housing. Edinburgh’s cultural season is built on the dedication of stage crews, technicians, hospitality staff, and many others who work tirelessly in the supporting industries.

Yet for many, the reality is long, exhausting hours for very modest pay. Often, those hours come under contracts that offer little or no security. With low wages, unstable work, and the seasonal nature of these jobs, it’s a constant struggle to make ends meet, even as the city’s economy thrives on their efforts.

Emerging artists face similar barriers. Simply being in Edinburgh in August can be a financial gamble; some take on debt to perform, while others are priced out entirely. When workers can’t afford to work and artists can’t afford to perform, diversity shrinks, innovation slows, and the cultural richness on which our festivals rely begins to erode.

The Scottish Government is quick to celebrate record visitor numbers, but slower to address the inequalities behind them. A fair cultural strategy cannot be measured by ticket sales alone. It must guarantee that no one is pushed into unsuitable accommodation and ensure fair pay and decent conditions for festival workers, as well as provide real support for emerging artists so they can take part without risking financial hardship. 

Last Friday, I hosted a conversation at the Festival of Politics, “Dreaming of a Fairer Future for Culture,” alongside Culture Counts and a panel of inspiring voices from across Scotland’s creative sector.

Edinburgh’s festivals are a treasure, but pride alone will not protect them. Their future depends on whether we confront the pressures that threaten them and act decisively to safeguard the people and communities who make them possible.

If Scotland is to remain a cultural leader, it must honour not just the art on stage, but the lives and livelihoods that keep the curtain rising each year.

Two weeks to go until Scotland’s most family friendly and affordable street party kicks off in ancient capital

With just two weeks until one of Scotland’s most spectacular cultural celebrations, families from across the country are preparing to descend on Perth for 125 Live! – an extraordinary street party that promises world-class entertainment at pocket-friendly prices.

Taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 125 Live! will transform Perth’s Mill Street into Scotland’s biggest family-friendly street party, celebrating 125 years of entertainment in the historic city.

With adult tickets for the evening performances capped at just £20 and a comprehensive programme of free daytime activities for all the family, the event offers exceptional value at a time when household budgets are under pressure.

In 2025, families are increasingly seeking “celebreaktions” – celebratory experiences where adults can relax while children are entertained, and 125 Live! delivers exactly this combination.

The event’s accessibility extends beyond pricing, with Perth’s unique location placing it within 90 minutes’ travel time of 90% of Scotland’s population – making it easier than ever for families to create lasting memories without the expense of overnight stays.

“We’ve deliberately kept ticket prices low with a maximum adult price of £20, plus a family ticket offer so that the event is accessible to as many people as possible,” explains Christopher Glasgow, Director of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall. 

“Our Ticket Bank with Perth Citizens Advice Bureau also gives audiences the option to buy tickets for those whose financial circumstances may not otherwise allow them to attend.”

Leading the stellar evening line-up is Walt Disco, the Glasgow glam-pop sensation whose debut album earned Scottish Album of the Year nominations. Fresh from their biggest US tour yet – over 30 dates supporting Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – the six-piece band includes three Perth-raised members, making their hometown debut extra special.

The carefully curated programme showcases Scotland’s diverse musical landscape, featuring:

  • Valtos – Skye’s innovative trad and electronic duo making their Perth debut;
  • Parliamo – Perth’s own indie darlings praised by BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music;
  • Ross Ainslie & The Sanctuary Band – the dynamic Perthshire piper who performed at Perth Concert Hall’s opening 20 years ago;
  • Jack David – Scottish DJ and songwriter with over 200 million streams;
  • Musical theatre stars Hannah Howie & Matthew Tomlinson alongside local students.

Understanding the needs of modern families, 125 Live! offers a full day of FREE activities before the evening ticketed performances:

  • Drop-in workshops and activities for all ages;
  • Beatles for Babies* interactive shows (perfect for 0-3 year olds);
  • Gig On A Truck performances sponsored by St Johnstone FC;
  • Family-friendly performances throughout the day;
  • Food stalls and festival atmosphere in the heart of Perth.

*Beatles for Babies tickets £8 (1 adult + 1 baby)

Unlike traditional festivals, the 125 Live! evening event presents a unique sequential performance across four live stages stretching from Perth Concert Hall Plaza to Perth Theatre Courtyard repeated over two nights. The evening will be enhanced by:

  • Dramatic projections from Catalonian visual artist Alba Corral (her first UK outdoor work);
  • Spectacular light show by award-winning designer Will Potts (whose credits include Disclosure and Sam Smith);
  • Live projections bringing Mill Street’s buildings to life;
  • Pyrotechnic finale to cap off each evening.

With affordable travel becoming increasingly important for Scottish families, Perth’s central location makes 125 Live! uniquely accessible. Major transport links connect the city to (travel time is an average):

  • Glasgow (1 hour by train)
  • Edinburgh (1 hour 15 minutes by train)
  • Stirling (45 minutes by train)
  • Dundee (30 minutes by train)
  • Aberdeen (1 hour 45 minutes by train)
  • Inverness (2 hours 15 minutes by train)

Free parking is available at nearby locations, with clear signage directing visitors to the Mill Street venue entrance via Perth Concert Hall Plaza.

More than just entertainment, 125 Live! represents a genuine community celebration. Local groups, schools, and organisations are participating alongside international stars, creating an authentic Scottish festival atmosphere that reflects the venues’ 125-year history of bringing people together.

Hannah Howie, musical theatre headliner, said: “What a privilege to celebrate this iconic space here in the heart of Scotland with the very best of all things musical, theatrical and joyful; roll on the next 125.”

Tickets and Information

Evening Performance Tickets: From £15 (under 18s) to £20 (adults); Family ticket £40 (max two adults) Daytime Activities: Completely FREE* Doors: 18:00 for evening shows Venue: Mill Street, Perth (entering via Perth Concert Hall Plaza).

*Excluding Beatles for Babies priced at £8 for 1 adult + 1 baby.

Tickets are available now at perththeatreandconcerthall.com or by calling the Perth Theatre Box Office on 01738 621031 (10:00 – 18:00, Tuesday – Saturday).

For families requiring financial assistance, the Ticket Bank scheme provides opportunities to obtain tickets through Perth Citizens Advice Bureau.

Showcasing Scotland’s arts festivals

£1.8 million to expand funding reach

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced £1.8 million in grant support for arts and cultural festivals to put the spotlight on artistic talent across the country.

The funding is available to non-profit arts and cultural festivals in Scotland and is designed to help them ‘push creative boundaries’ and enhance their international reputation on the world stage.

The fund builds on the success of the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and helps deliver a key commitment in the Scottish Budget 2025-26 to expand the reach of the fund across Scotland.

Awards of up to £200,000 will be available in the first year and will be administered by Creative Scotland. The grants can be used for raising the international profile of festivals and to support other areas vital to their success, such as for sector and talent development and to open access to educational groups.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland has a wealth of outstanding festivals up and down the country. They are at the at the heart of our culture sector and national life, bringing us together through our enjoyment of art, literature, music and other performing arts.

“By increasing investment into festivals across the country we are supporting their commissions of and collaborations on new and exciting works, increasing opportunities for participation in creative pursuits and ensuring Scotland’s cultural highlights can be enjoyed at home and abroad.

“The new fund is a direct result of discussions through the Strategic Partnership for Festivals, a focal point that brings together diverse representation from arts festivals and a broader range group of partners who support them.

“Collaboration with the sector is vital and this group will be crucial in supporting the implementation and development of this fund in the coming months.”

Chief Executive of Creative Scotland Iain Munro said: “Scotland’s festivals are a vibrant celebration of our creativity and culture, recognised and enjoyed by local communities and people from around the world.

“The expanded festivals fund is a new opportunity to profile incredible creative work in every corner of the country and support other areas vital to success – from sector and talent development to further experimentation and space to develop ambitions with specific groups and communities.

“Working with festivals nationwide, this investment will support artists, widen community engagement and further strengthen Scotland’s impressive international reputation.”

Further information and detailed guidance notes for festivals will be available through Creative Scotland.

Community arts fund opens

£320,000 available to expand participation

A flagship community culture fund that supports people across Scotland to take part in the creative arts has opened for new applications.

Backed by £320,000 from the Scottish Government, the Creative Communities Scotland fund is open to organisations delivering activities such as dance, filmmaking, creative writing, music-making and storytelling.

At least ten new projects are expected to benefit with a focus on reaching those who face barriers to taking part in creative activities and grants of up to £35,000 available.

Funding will be managed by Inspiring Scotland which will also provide project support to successful organisations while they plan, deliver and assess the impact of those activities.

Previous examples of projects delivered through the fund include work by Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS), which used art, drama, music and photography to support children and young people in Aberfeldy and Angus with complex disabilities to come together and tell their stories.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Taking part in the creative arts can transform lives, improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships between people and create a distinct sense of place, belonging and confidence within communities.

“In this latest round of funding, our focus is on groups and charities helping people who face challenges to taking part and reaping those benefits. We are looking for applications from diverse groups all across Scotland with projects that engage communities in the creative process.

“The Creative Communities Scotland fund forms part of a £34 million increase in support to the culture sector this year and will enable communities to drive forward creative activities in their areas. This is about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in and benefit from the creative arts, no matter their background or location.”

Creative Arts Director at PAMIS Maureen Phillip said: “Our project has enabled family carers to gain and enhance their skills, build their confidence and support their wellbeing by easing isolation and loneliness.

“It has also widened knowledge of the benefits of working with story to enhance learning for children with profound and multiple learning abilities.

“Both the Aberfeldy and Angus programmes clearly demonstrate the benefits of having a programme led by families as experts by experience. They know the children and young people they support and understand how much it means for them to feel part of their communities.”

Inspiring Scotland Chief Executive Celia Tennant said: ““We know the vital role that cultural activities play in bringing people together, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.

“We are pleased to be managing the Scottish Government’s Creative Communities Scotland fund and we look forward to supporting organisations that are making a real difference in their local area through participatory arts.”

‘Brand Scotland’ partners with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

Scotland’s most internationally recognised cultural brands will work alongside the Scotland Office to promote Brand Scotland, in a ‘landmark partnership’ selling the best of Scotland overseas and encouraging investment and growth.

This is the third Brand Scotland partnership agreement to be signed, following on from recent agreements with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Scottish Chambers of Commerce. 

These cultural partnerships demonstrate the vital role arts and creativity play in opening doors for Scottish businesses worldwide, whilst showcasing the best of Scottish talent to global audiences. Part of our Plan for Change, our Brand Scotland work overseas will bring real returns for people back home.

The Fringe deal will be signed as the Scottish Secretary makes a keynote speech about the value of Scotland’s cultural sector.

Speaking during the first week of Edinburgh’s summer festivals, at the newly-refurbished Filmhouse, Mr Murray will say:

  • Scotland’s world renowned cultural sector is a key part of his work to sell the best of Scotland overseas, and encourage inward investment in Scotland. The sector has a key role to play in driving economic growth and putting more money in people’s pockets.
  • Our arts sector is also an important part of the UK’s soft power – building links and relationships around the world.
  • The UK Government is a champion of the arts and culture in Scotland – including investing in vital projects such as the Edinburgh Filmhouse (£1.5 million), the King’s Theatre (£2 million), V&A Dundee (£2.6 million), a new cultural hub in Kilmarnock (£20 million), plus a new year-round home for the Fringe and funding for Keep it Fringe grants for artists (£7 million).

Mr Murray will talk about how the Edinburgh Festival Fringe plays a key role in widening access to the arts. Ensuring everyone can have the chance to enjoy events which spark imagination, laughter and emotion.

He will say: “For some, art and culture is a tool of power, of wealth. For others it is a tool of nation building, of defining who we are and who we are not.

“For me, it is something which transcends states and systems, and teaches us something about the human condition which other experiences simply cannot do. 

“But that value, that treasure, that ability for our cultural pursuits to let us see into our souls and those around us is something we cannot take for granted.”

Speaking ahead of his speech, Ian Murray said: “Scotland’s excellent arts and culture sector opens doors right around the world. From the global stage of the Edinburgh Fringe to the pageantry of the Military Tattoo, our arts and creativity don’t just entertain – they build the relationships and showcase the innovation that drives real economic returns for communities across Scotland. 

“Our partnership deal with the Edinburgh Fringe will help us sell Brand Scotland around the world, helping us deliver the economic growth that will put more money in people’s pockets.”

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is arguably one of the UK’s finest cultural exports and, in recognising that, this partnership gives us the opportunity to proudly put it at the heart of a global conversation.

“We’re proud of the artists and audiences who make the Fringe possible and who create this joyous celebration of creativity each year. Putting the Fringe at the centre of Brand Scotland recognises that work, and opens up a world of new platforms for participants.”

The Scottish Secretary will also announce the first round of successful bids from the overseas Brand Scotland fund, which is investing £250,000 this financial year to promote Scottish soft power, culture and trade opportunities worldwide.

The new fund is supporting the Fringe’s international event today at the Filmhouse. 

Funding has also been signed off for initiatives including supporting an event in Berlin with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland [which Mr Murray attended earlier this week], a ‘Travelling Museum of Whisky’ in Bolivia, a celebration of Scottish heritage and craftsmanship in Switzerland and St Andrew’s Day events to promote Scottish exports and cultural engagement.

The overseas Brand Scotland fund has already approved several cultural initiatives across the UK’s overseas network of over 250 posts.

The Brand Scotland programme complements the work the UK Government is doing to strike trade deals around the world, and to reset relationships with our European neighbours.

The Westminster government ‘will continue to drive forward Brand Scotland in the coming months, with ministerial visits planned to India, Japan, France, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Sweden’.

In Search of Truth: Edinburgh International Festival unites artists and audiences

2025 THEME – THE TRUTH WE SEEK

  • The 2025 Edinburgh International Festival begins today with the first of more than 133 performances: the ultimate destination to experience world-class artists across music, theatre, opera and dance in creative and unconventional ways in Edinburgh this August.
  • Exploring the theme The Truth We Seek, more than 2,000 internationally renowned artists from across 42 nations, including a third of artists based in Scotland, will perform.
  • Upcoming highlights include: the world premiere of theatre blockbuster Make It Happen from James Graham, monumental 8-hour choral work The Veil of the Temple, an Australian reimagining of opera Orpheus and Eurydice featuring acrobatics, and the Scottish premiere of Nederlands Dans Theater, Simon McBurney and Crystal Pite’s Figures in Extinction.
  • To ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to cultural discovery, half the tickets for the 2025 International Festival will be sold at £30 or less, and £10 tickets have been made available for every performance across the programme. Tickets can be purchased from www.eif.co.uk.  

THE CURTAIN rises today on the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival, welcoming over 2000 artists from 42 countries to Edinburgh for a 24-day global celebration of world-class performing arts. 

The third year under Festival Director and celebrated Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, this year’s International Festival welcomes audiences to explore opera, music, theatre and dance through the lens of the theme The Truth We Seek, a journey into the elusive nature of truth in our personal and public lives.

This year’s programme invites audiences to experience bold, thought-provoking performances in fresh and unconventional ways. The opening weekend features large-scale participatory events The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions, celebrating the collective joy of singing and dancing outdoors in Princes Street Gardens, set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Elsewhere, the historic Old College Quad becomes the stage for the world premiere of Dance People, an outdoor dance performance, and a classic opera is reimagined with a twist in Orpheus and Eurydice, bringing together world-class musicians and performers with breathtaking acrobatics from Australia’s Circa.

The 2025 programme also opens up barriers to cultural discovery: more than 50,000 tickets are priced at £30 or less, £10 Affordable Tickets have been made available to all performances, and wide-reaching initiatives offer free tickets to NHS workers, young people and community groups to a range of Festival performances. 

Stand-out performances across the International Festival include: 

Make It Happen (1–9 August, Festival Theatre) 
The world premiere of a gripping new drama by James Graham, tackling the 2008 financial crisis in Edinburgh. Starring Brian Cox as Adam Smith and Sandy Grierson as Fred Goodwin, this timely co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep reframes the collapse of global markets through a distinctly Scottish lens.  

Opening Concert: The Veil of the Temple (2 August, Usher Hall) 
A spiritual epic: over 250 singers from the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Monteverdi Choir and National Youth Choir of Scotland perform John Tavener’s The Veil of the Temple in its complete eight-hour form with the audience seated on beanbags. This year also marks the first performance in the Festival Chorus’s 60th anniversary year.  

Dance People (7–10 August, Old College Quad) 
Lebanese choreographer Omar Rajeh and Maqamat company present an open-air activation of dance, movement and activism. Performed outdoors in the heart of the city, it dissolves the lines between performance and real life. 

Orpheus and Eurydice (13-16 August, Edinburgh Playhouse) 
A highlight of the 2025 Festival’s opera programme, a fully staged Australian reimagining of Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice fuses together circus, acrobatics and world-class opera, in its European premiere.  

Figures in Extinction (22-24 August, Festival Theatre) 
Nederlands Dans Theater present the Scottish Premiere of Figures in Extinction in collaboration with Crystal Pite and Simon McBurney, confronting the hard truths about humanity’s impact on the world and art’s meaning in the face of mass destruction.  

The Hub, the International Festival’s headquarters on the Royal Mile, brings together a hand-picked variety of global musical styles and traditions, experienced up close in an intimate and informal performance space, including Up Late gigs from Alabaster DePlume (8 August) and Kathryn Joseph (9 August), and an interactive concert from Hanni Liang (7 August) inviting audience members to share their dreams, with a live response created on the piano. 

Events for families include Art of Listening for Families interactive workshops (4-9 August, Church Hill Theatre Studio), The Ceilidh Sessions (4 August, Ross Bandstand) and NYO2’s Family Concert (4 August, Usher Hall).  

Residencies bring London Symphony Orchestra, Poland’s NFM Leopoldinum and Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra 2 to Edinburgh for an extended, more sustainable stay that features multiple performances and community engagement. Highlight performances include NYO2’s Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, NFM with Bizet’s Carmen Suite and Beethoven and Shostakovich from the LSO, presented with insight from Sir Antonio Pappano and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti. 

Intimate morning recitals at The Queen’s Hall return with artists including María Dueñas, Mark Simpson and Richard Uttley and Bomsori Kim and Thomas Hoppe and spectacular evening orchestral concerts at Usher Hall with NCPA Orchestra from Beijing and pianist Bruce Liu, the Monteverdi Choir and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. 

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said: “This year’s International Festival is a bold invitation to question the world around us – to seek, challenge and reflect on truth through the extraordinary lens of live performance.

“We’re honoured to welcome artists and audiences from across the globe to Edinburgh, and we remain deeply committed to making that experience more accessible than ever. Whether you’re here for an intimate recital, a powerful play, a mass singalong or an eight-hour choral epic, you’ll encounter connection, curiosity, and the power of great art to shift perspectives.

“This year’s Festival offers the possibility of truly transformational encounters and I look forward to sharing this with you.”

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener said: “Each year the International Festival offers a real variety of innovative and striking art and performance. 2025 is no different, with the programme encouraging Deep Thinkers, Social Butterflies, The Curious and Romantics.

“The range, from outdoor ceilidhs to epic opera, means there is truly something for everyone, bringing together world class performers from around the globe and here in Scotland. There are several different price options that will let even more people discover the magic of the International Festival too. These include Young Musician’s Pass, Tickets for Good and substantial discounts for art workers and under 30s.” 

Multi-Artform Manager at Creative Scotland, Lorna Duguid, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival continues to be a beacon for artistic excellence and cultural exchange, bringing the world to Scotland and showcasing Scotland to the world.

“This year’s theme, The Truth We Seek, speaks powerfully to the times we live in- inviting artists and audiences alike to explore, question and connect through extraordinary performances.

“With a third of this year’s programme featuring artists based in Scotland and an unwavering commitment to accessibility, the International Festival exemplifies how world-class culture can be both globally relevant and locally rooted.”

Tickets to world-class performances across a hand-picked programme of music, theatre, opera and dance at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025 are available at www.eif.co.uk.  

Dougie MacLean to Lead Edinburgh International Festival’s Opening Weekend Big Singalong

2025 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME RUNS FROM 1–24 AUGUST 2025

eif.co.uk / @edintfest

  • For the opening weekend of the International Festival, Scottish national treasure Dougie MacLean headlines free event The Big Singalong with iconic song Caledonia, joined by a range of community choirs led by choir director Stephen Deazle
  • Famed Scottish folk musician Donald Shaw leads The Ceilidh Sessions for an afternoon of music and dance inspired by the Gaelic ceilidh tradition
  • Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb lead improvisational music sessions alongside up-and-coming young musicians in The Hub

A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme to lead performances this August that celebrate the joy of music-making.

Highlights include Scottish music icon Dougie MacLean headlining free event The Big Singalong, celebrated folk musician Donald Shaw leading The Ceilidh Sessions with traditional Gaelic music and dance, and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and jazz pianist Joe Webb leading improvisational sessions featuring emerging young talent. 

In a free, outdoor event to mark the start of festival season in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s most beloved musical figures, Dougie MacLean will lead The Big Singalongon Sunday 3 August.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Princes Street Gardens, the Perthshire-born singer-songwriter and composer behind the iconic anthem Caledonia will start a mass singalong that welcomes all voices, curated by Edinburgh’s Love Music Community Choir Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley. 

Choirs include The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Project Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are free and available at midday at www.eif.co.uk.

The joy of music making continues the next day with The Ceilidh Sessions, also in Princes Street Gardens. Scottish tradition meets Baroque flair, as Norwegian folk ensemble Barokksolistene join forces with Donald Shaw, known as founding member of Scottish folk legends Capercaillie, accompanied by his ceilidh band.

Alongside beloved ceilidh tunes like the “The Gay Gordons” and “Strip the Willow”, Barokksolistene add Baroque music, sea shanties and alehouse tunes to the mix for a truly international afternoon of music and dance. Both events are presented with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.

Jazz takes the spotlight at The Hub on the Royal Mile, with acclaimed pianist and composer Joe Webb leading the Up Late Jazz Jam on Friday August 15th.

Originally from Wales and now one of the most exciting forces on the UK jazz scene, Webb brings his distinctive energy and improvisational flair, honed through his work with Kansas Smitty’s and as part of the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, with whom he made his Festival debut last year.

The late-night session sees seasoned professionals and fresh talent share the stage for an electrifying night of improvisation and raw creativity in action. 

Renowned violinist and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti leads a cohort of the world’s most promising young musicians in Rising Stars: Classical Jam. This spontaneous, informal concert brings emerging and professional musicians together for a dynamic, performance where audiences choose the repertoire. This event is inspired by the behind-the-scenes energy of rehearsal rooms and post-concert jams that classical musicians usually enjoy off stage.

For the third year running, the International Festival’s Rising Stars programme unites up-and-coming young musicians with mentors for professional development and performance opportunities.

This year’s performances include the first cohort of vocalists in Rising Stars of Voice on 19 August, Rising Stars of Woodwind with clarinettist Mark Simpson on 8 August, and a return from the original 2023 cohort of Rising Stars in Benedetti and Sitkovetsky’s Tribute to Menuhin with NFM Leopoldinum on 11 August.

To read more about the Rising Stars selected to perform at this year’s International Festival, see here.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said:“At the heart of our Festival is a commitment to connection – providing a closer communion between artist and audience.

“From our mass ceilidh dancing, to singing Dougie MacLean’s iconic anthem ‘Caledonia’ at the top of our lungs in the Princes Street Gardens, to spontaneous jam sessions for jazz lovers and classical enthusiasts alike, these events invite everyone to take part in the magic of live performance.

“We are all about celebrating artistry in its most human, communal form, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it with us in August.”

Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director of The Big Singalong, said: “Caledonia has become more than just a song—it’s a reflection of Scotland’s spirit. Nearly 50 years on, it still speaks powerfully about what it means to find home, especially for those who are new to Scotland or have journeyed far.

“Singing it together in Princes Street Gardens this August for the International Festival opening weekend isn’t just about music; it’s about connection. It’s a way for people to feel they belong, to share in something bigger.

“When thousands of voices come together, you feel that sense of welcome, of joy, of community—and that’s what Scotland is all about.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is one of Scotland’s signature events, and we’re proud to support The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions as part of the festival’s opening weekend.

“These events not only celebrate our rich musical heritage—with icons like Dougie MacLean and Donald Shaw—but also play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy.”

“Free, inclusive events like these are essential in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and connection that live events bring.

“Together with our enviable portfolio of cultural and sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival reinforces Scotland’s global reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and events.”

Tickets to all performances at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival are available at www.eif.co.uk.