Waverley Sessions: Free music this weekend at Waverley Mall

Waverley Mall Edinburgh is continuing its successful partnership with Edinburgh based not-for-profit organisation, The Youth Radio Network with another edition of their popular monthly music showcase ‘The Waverley Sessions’.

The next instalment of this lively event, which has seen dozens of musicians of all ages, musical genres and social backgrounds take to the Centre’s stage since April, is set to take place this Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August.

The event will kick off at 10am on Saturday on Waverley Mall’s stage and will be hosted by Keiran Harvey and the team of volunteers from The Youth Radio Network until 6pm on the Sunday evening.

This weekend’s showcase will see 18 talented acts taking to the stage across the weekend and will include a combination of solo artists, duos, groups and even a comedian – in collaboration with The Fringe Festival.

Acts taking to the stage this weekend include 20 year old Dylan Paterson from The Scottish Borders, Singer/ Songwriter Conall Adam from Dunfirmline, Edinburgh born and bred Ciara McDonald, London based comedian Joe Baines, 18 year old Amy Donald from Edinburgh, 20 year old Lisa Scotland from Fife, Glasgow based Jen Athan, 20 year old Bronwyn Riani from Newcastle Upon Tyne, 14 year old Ethan Gibb from Livingston, three-piece Edinburgh based band Einstein’s Wardrobe, girl duo ‘In The Mix’ and ‘Let The Bird Out’.  The youngest performer to step up to the mic this weekend is returning act, 9-year-old Kara from Glenmavis, who will close Sunday’s show.

Waverley Mall has been working in collaboration with The Youth Radio Network on The Waverley Sessions since April this year, following two successful events hosted by The Youth Radio Network in December last year.

The Youth Radio Network’s vision is to empower, teach and entertain young people, aged 13 to 25 years, through the power of music and digital technology, opening doors to the broadcast industries, and to become more employable helping them to get the best start in life.

Their role includes teaching young people the ropes of the broadcast industry and helping to prepare them for employment through CV preparation, mock interviews and confidence building.

Through their work with Waverley Mall they are empowering young people – giving them opportunities skills and equipment as well as hands on experience in a real life setting for a future in the music / broadcast industry. By providing a platform, to perform, Waverley Mall is building on this opportunity with the chance to build personal confidence in performing in public.

Finally, The Youth Radio Network seeks to entertain their audience through music.

This edition of The Waverley Sessions (the second this month) is set to be a fantastic celebration of talent from Scotland and beyond and build on Waverley Mall’s aspirations to deliver products and experiences that are Scottish to the core.

The event offers the opportunity for Fringe-goers to enjoy some FREE live entertainment in Waverley Mall’s food court across final weekend of the Fringe Festival. 

Jacquelyn Stewart, General Manager, Waverley Mall says: “We’re incredibly proud of the success of The Waverley Sessions and our partnership with the Youth Radio Network. It is so rewarding to see young people gaining experience and confidence and watch them grow and develop as musicians.

“The team at The Youth Radio Network are all young volunteers themselves, so to see how they pull together to make these events run smoothly, under Keiran’s enthusiastic and professional management is truly inspiring.” 

Keiran Harvey, CEO, The Youth Radio Network says: “The Youth Radio Network is incredibly privileged to be such a big part of this amazing event. The Waverley Sessions truly does give young and upcoming musicians and bands from right across Scotland a platform to showcase their talent to the world! 

Every month we’re amazed by the level of talent that we see. We would like to thank Waverley Mall for their continued support and also to all our amazing volunteers and staff for all their hard work and dedication at the sessions.

“We look forward to continuing to showcase Scotland’s amazing talent in partnership with Waverley Mall and we would urge all musicians or bands, whether you are just starting up or have done a few gigs, to get involved. We are here to support if you need it! As the moto goes, Teach, Empower and Entertain!”

No turnip: Swede serves up award-winning vegetables joke!

A vegetable pun has claimed the best joke title at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The joke was served up by Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel in his show, It’s One Giant Leek for Mankind at the Pear Tree. Continue reading No turnip: Swede serves up award-winning vegetables joke!

Ibiza comes to Edinburgh!

Symphonic Ibiza, Underbelly’s Central Hall

9pm – 11pm

Saturday 17th August, Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th August

Celebrate the European island of clubbing this summer with this unforgettable two-hours of heart pounding dance classics at Underbelly’s Central Hall.

Created by DJ and Producer Andy Joyce, whose credentials include residencies at Ibiza super-clubs Pacha, Amnesia, Eden and Café Mambo and Music Genius and Composer Steve Etherington, Symphonic Ibiza fuses a thrilling live orchestra, DJ and vocalists with high tempo beats bring this new experience to the Fringe.

Following its successful launch at the famous Ibiza club ‘Eden’ in 2018, and its UK debut at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay last year, Symphonic Ibiza is proud to be returning to Edinburgh for this year’s Festival featuring some of the most famous Ibiza club anthems from the last 30 years.

Symphonic Ibiza is a party like no other and a totally unique and massive night out.

Presented by Underbelly in association with Dan Colman Creative.

Going to the Fringe? Don’t Bother!

Multi award-winning performance poet Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin has brought his stand-up poetry show Don’t Bother to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Making a name for himself on the comedy and poetry circuits, Bróccán has been wowing audiences with his clever, quick witted repertoire, and is described as being “at the top of his game”. Continue reading Going to the Fringe? Don’t Bother!

Windrush-inspired comedy The Community Centre heads to Edinburgh

Theatre show addressing Windrush scandal and lack of roles for minority actors goes on tour

A small BAME theatre group is taking on the Conservative government with a big message about the Windrush scandal. Continue reading Windrush-inspired comedy The Community Centre heads to Edinburgh

Soundhouse Edinburgh presents 3 X 5

Edinburgh’s The Soundhouse Organisation presents 3X5 – three of the most exciting 5-piece cross-genre acoustic bands from Scotland – Moishe’s Bagel, John Goldie & The High Plains (above) and Kinnaris Quintet – with three individual concerts, and one almighty showcase of all three in one show.

All presented in one of the most unusual and original venues at this year’s Fringe! Continue reading Soundhouse Edinburgh presents 3 X 5

CityFibre drives digital inclusion to top of agenda

CityFibre delivers digital workshops in partnership with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society’s ‘Fringe Days Out’ scheme

People of all ages from across the Capital have learned the essentials of the modern digital world and how to stay safe online – thanks to CityFibre’s partnership with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. Continue reading CityFibre drives digital inclusion to top of agenda

Danny MacAskill celebrates Edinburgh anniversary with Fringe debut

Danny MacAskill, the world-renowned street trials rider and YouTube sensation from the Isle of Skye, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of his breakthrough video, April 2009, which included mind blowing stunts filmed at iconic locations across Edinburgh. 

It was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people overnight, skyrocketing a riding career that has seen Danny demonstrating his extraordinary street trials skills all over the world, both on video [more than 350,000,000 views online] and to live audiences.  To date April 2009 has amassed well over 38 million views on YouTube.

To celebrate this key career milestone Danny MacAskill and Drop and Roll Tour, his hugely popular street trials stunt display team, will head to the capital for the month of August for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019, with a brand new supercharged live indoor show, featuring jaw-dropping stunts and gravity-defying tricks to amaze adults and children alike.

Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Live, with an exceptionally talented team of riders including Drop and Roll’s co-founder and fellow Scot, Duncan Shaw, will be performed at The Lafayette at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, Edinburgh, every day from 03 to 24 August 2019; with two shows a day on 07, 12 and 19 August.

Danny MacAskill said: “After living on the Isle of Skye for my entire childhood, Edinburgh was the first city I ever lived in.  Since arriving in the capital in 2006 the city has always been a home from home.  It really opened up a whole new world in terms of riding and made me the rider I am today. 

“I will always be grateful for the stunning back drop Edinburgh provided for the April 2009 video that launched my career.  10 years on it seems a fitting time to return to Edinburgh with the Drop and Roll Tour display team for a run of shows with Underbelly at such an Iconic festival.  Our new show for the Fringe is going to be something very special!”

The team are working on an ambitious, adrenaline fuelled and action-packed debut Edinburgh Fringe show.  Hosted by extreme sports commentator Henry Jackson, the hour-long show will be filled with super skilled tricks and audacious stunts, many replicated from the team’s videos, including the Spikey Fence Rail Ride and Tree Flair (Backflip 180) performed on the Meadows for April 2009.

There will be plenty of crowd participation, prizes, post show poster signings and exclusive Drop and Roll at the Edinburgh Fringe merchandise.

Duncan Shaw, from Inverness (above), one of the world’s leading street trials riders, known for his technical and precision moves, said: “After five years of touring all over the world, to some of the most amazing crowds, the time is right to come back home to Edinburgh for a month of awesome shows on home soil in front of the very special international festival audiences we have heard so much about; our debut Fringe show and a first in a Big Top!

“We can’t wait to get into rehearsals to develop some of the crazy ideas we have been talking about in the tour bus for the last couple of years.  It will be interesting to see which will make the cut. For this extra special show, we are planning to replicate a number of iconic tricks, previously only seen on screen.

“It is no secret that some of these video stunts can take hundreds of attempts to perfect, so we really have our work cut out to get them refined and ready for August. No pressure!”

Since hitting the road in 2014 the Drop and Roll Tour street trials display team have performed shows in Scotland, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia and the USA.

Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood from Underbelly said: “We’re delighted that Danny and Duncan have chosen to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of their association with Edinburgh with their Fringe debut at Underbelly’s Circus Hub in Drop and Roll Live.

“Circus Hub is the venue for breathtaking stunning stunts and Fringe-goers are sure to have their hearts in their mouths!”