Tag: Entertainment

Light Night with LNER welcomes Girls Aloud superstar Nadine Coyle to Edinburgh’s Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas with Halo organisers Unique Assembly have announced a very special guest star for LNER’s free ‘Light Night Concert’, with ‘Girls Aloud’ superstar Nadine Coyle set to perform at the Ross Bandstand with a show packed full of chart-topping pop and festive sparkle.

Headlining Light Night with LNER, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle will perform some of the iconic girl band’s biggest hits at the Ross Bandstand including ‘Love Machine’, ‘Sound of the Underground’ and ‘The Promise’.

The free event alsoincludes a festive sing-a-long of Christmas classics with the spectacular Pheonix Choir and Voice of the Town, a beautiful Lantern Procession, and if everyone sings loud enough, a visit from Santa himself, all beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The ‘Light Night with LNER’ will kick-off at 3pm, Sunday 22 November and the event is free for all to attend.

 In 2002, Nadine Coyle was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, with whom she has been successful in achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles (including four number ones), two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums and received nominations for five BRIT Awards.

Now she joins LNER and Edinburgh’s Christmas for this free event.  She may have thought of herself as a city girl, she may have thought of herself as a beach girl, but this year, she’s an Edinburgh’s Christmas girl! 

As sponsor of the iconic LNER Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens, LNER are no stranger to Edinburgh’s Christmas, having brought festive cheer to millions of visitors in recent years. This year, their new partnership of ‘Light Night with LNER’, helps spread festive cheer, bringing free community events to the capital, and supporting charity fundraising across the seven-weeks of Edinburgh Winter Festivals.

This year, a fundraising target of £75,000 will support the incredible work of official local charities One City Trust, When you Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie, CALM and Street Assist Edinburgh.

Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: “Every year, LNER connects millions of people from across the UK with all that Edinburgh has to offer, including its spectacular Christmas and Hogmanay events.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.

“At LNER, we’re passionate about supporting the communities that we serve. This year, we’re delighted that we are helping to deliver free community events, such as Light Night with LNER, kickstarting the city’s celebrations. We’ll also be helping raise vital money for good causes in and around the area, including our charity partner CALM – all with a little LNER sparkle.”

On continuing the partnership with LNER, Unique Assembly said; “We’re thrilled to expand our strong partnership with LNER this year, raising valuable funds for CALM and welcoming Nadine Coyle to the Ross Bandstand Programme.

“The LNER Big Wheel is a favoured mainstay of the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, and an iconic addition to the stunning festive landscape in Edinburgh, it’s fantastic that LNER can join us for more events. “

Light Night with LNER will also feature performances from the cast of Back to the Future at the Edinburgh Playhouse, La Clique Noël, Phoenix Choir, Insane Magic and more.

LNER and Nadine Coyle join the already announced programme of free, community-focussed events at the Ross Bandstand, includingEdinburgh’s Christmas with Halo ‘Kick-Off Concert’ with Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Sat 14 Nov, Edinburgh Diwali celebrations on Sun 15 Nov, a Taste of Scotland weekend to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov complete with free outdoor ceilidh, and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sun 6 Dec. 

The full Ross Bandstand programme can be found on edwinterfest.com 

Scottish rugby legends to headline exclusive event

To celebrate the Autumn Internationals, Duddingston Golf Club is hosting an exclusive evening with Scottish rugby legends Greig Laidlaw & Johnnie Beattie, taking place on Thursday, 26th November 2026.

Rugby fans across Edinburgh are invited to join former Scotland Captain and British & Irish Lion Greig Laidlaw, alongside former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie, for what promises to be a fantastic evening of rugby stories, entertainment, great food, and good company.

The two Scottish rugby legends will take the stage for a relaxed Q&A session. Attendees will be treated to firsthand accounts of their experiences representing Scotland, an exclusive look at life behind the scenes in international rugby, and memorable moments from their storied careers.

The evening will also offer guests the unique opportunity to put their own questions directly to Greig and Johnnie.

Niall Watson, General Manager of Duddingston Golf Club, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome two true icons of Scottish rugby to Duddingston Golf Club.

“Greig and Johnnie have given fans so many incredible memories over the years, and hearing their behind-the-scenes stories during the Autumn Internationals will be a real treat. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our community and local rugby fans to come together for an unforgettable evening of top-tier entertainment and hospitality.”

Alongside the rugby conversation, attendees will enjoy food provided by Duddingston’s catering partners, Greens Catering. Guests will have ample time to enjoy a drink, socialise, and network with fellow partners and guests in the club’s welcoming atmosphere.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, 26th November 2026
  • Time: 6.00pm – 10.30pm
  • Venue: Duddingston Golf Club, Edinburgh
  • Ticket Cost: £40 per person
  • To reserve your places, contact gm@duddingstongolf.co.uk, confirming the number of tickets you would like.Places will be limited, so we would encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Located just 10 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, Duddingston Golf Club remains a must-play for visitors and a cherished home for its members.

For more information, visit: https://www.duddingstongolfclub.co.uk/ 

Kids eat free deals and family fun on offer at Fort Knnaird

Fort Kinnaird is inviting families to make the most of the October week, with a range of activities, offers and seasonal treats available across the centre.

Whether families are planning a full day out or simply looking to fill a few spare hours, there’s plenty to enjoy this autumn, from discovering the latest seasonal fashion trends to trying new menus and making the most of family activities.

This includes:

  • Kids eat free offers: Families can enjoy a meal out for less, with Kids Eat Free at Frankie & Benny’s until 25th October, where children can tuck into a free main, two sides, a drink and a dessert with every paying adult main. Over at Wagamama, children can enjoy the £7.50 Kids Bento, a mix-and-match meal served with gyoza and crispy prawn crackers.
  • Family films at ODEON: Big-screen favourites have hit cinemas in time for rainy days, including the animated Minions & Monsters, action-packed Avengers: Endgame Encore and Halloween favourite Hocus Pocus. Families can also look out for ODEON Kids screenings, with discounted tickets available for selected family films.
  • Halloween crafting at Hobbycraft: Hobbycraft has everything needed to get creative this Halloween, from pumpkin-decorating kits and paints to costume-making essentials and spooky decorations – ideal for keeping children entertained on rainy afternoons.
  • Pumpkin spice and autumn treats: For those who love a seasonal drink, Starbucks has brought back its popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, alongside new additions including the Iced Apple Crumble Matcha Latte and Pumpkin Marble Loaf Cake. Frankie & Benny’s autumn menu also features the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Burger, Pumpkin & Ginger Sponge and Spiced Pumpkin Latte.
  • Autumn fashion inspiration: From UGG boots and suede styles to oversized knits and burgundy shades, there are plenty of new-season trends to explore ready for autumn. Families can browse the latest footwear at schuh and OFFICE, or pick up inspiration from Primark, M&S and Next for everything from chunky jumpers and autumn accessories to fluffy slippers and pyjamas for a cosy night in.
  • Halloween treats from M&S: Shoppers can stock up ahead of Halloween with themed biscuits, chocolates and sweets for trick or treaters, as well as seasonal baking kits and ingredients for making treats at home.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know keeping the kids entertained during school holidays can be a challenge, particularly when the autumn weather isn’t on your side.

From a trip to the cinema and a family meal out, to getting creative with some Halloween activities at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the October break.

“Whether families are planning a full day out or just looking for a few hours of fun, we hope these ideas help them make the most of their time together.”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Granton Harvest Festival

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2026:

Sat 26th September 3-5.30pm at the community garden (10 Wardieburn Road).

With Ama-zing Harmonies, Granton Garden Bakery, and others!

We’re looking forward to celebrating, and you’re all invited! Free event.

Contact us if you’d like to help out, or to contribute a song or other performance..

All apple dessert entries should be delivered by 3.30pm. We can provide local apples on the two Wednesday afternoons before, come to the garden to collect. First prize is a £20 gift voucher for Granton Garden Bakery.

Celebrating the life and legacy of a legend

Petition launched for an official Sir Harry Lauder Day

A Greenock-born musician, now living in the US, is on a mission to mark the life and legacy of a legendary Scottish entertainer.

Carl Peterson has started a petition to create an official Sir Harry Lauder Day from August 4th 2027 onwards and it is already garnering thousands of signatures.

Harry Lauder was a pioneering Scottish singer, comedian, and global music hall superstar recognized for his signature kilt and crooked walking stick. Rising from humble beginnings as a coal miner, he became the world’s highest-paid entertainer and first million-selling recording artist.

He was born in 1870 in Portobello near Edinburgh, spent much of his life in Dunoon and was laid to rest in Hamilton in 1950. His showmanship won him millions of fans around the world.

Carl explained: “Harry Lauder was the world’s first ‘pop star’ and he was loved wherever he performed. Indeed, tens of thousands of folk in Australia and north America lined the dockside whenever his boat arrived or left as part of his regular international tours.

“We will be looking to organise musical performances and talks about his life in various locations around Scotland and further afield but, first off, we want to get an idea of the sort of appetite there might be for such an initiative. Early signs are very positive!” added Carl who is a regular visitor to Dunoon where he performs live at various venues in the town.

Jamie MacDougall, a leading Scottish tenor and broadcaster who has performed globally in opera, classical and folk music is fully behind the bid: “I’ve loved Sir Harry Lauder’s songs and the story of his life since I was 10 years old, when I was taken to Glasgow’s King’s Theatre to see Jimmy Logan’s one-man production, Lauder.

“It charted Sir Harry’s extraordinary journey from singing as a boy in Arbroath and working in the pits of Lanarkshire to becoming the first music hall performer to be knighted. That honour recognised his tireless efforts to raise over £1 million for wounded servicemen returning from the First World War.

“Years later, I had the privilege of reviving Jimmy’s show with Scottish Opera, and it has been a dream come true to introduce Sir Harry’s remarkable story to new audiences. Most recently, we spent four weeks off-Broadway in New York, where the response from people who had never heard of him or his extraordinary achievements was overwhelming.

“What many people don’t realise is that Sir Harry’s legacy continues today, with royalties from his work still supporting the wonderful work of Erskine Veterans Charity. His kindness and generosity have never stopped making a difference.

“A Harry Lauder Day would be a fitting and lasting tribute to a man who gave Scotland so much and whose influence reached every corner of the world. More than seventy-five years after his passing, he is still bringing joy through his music, inspiring audiences with his remarkable story, and helping veterans through his enduring legacy. That’s surely something worth celebrating every year.”

Anyone wanting to sign the petition can do so by visiting:

https://c.org/rHLHWNKRMQ.

Project Holy Moly to visit The Royal Lyceum Theatre in July 2027

Ahead of bringing his brand-new stand-up show Project Holy Moly to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde announces a nationwide tour, visiting The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July 2027.  

“a sensational start to the Festival…the most topically incisive impersonator on the block…exemplary in its vocal accuracy and political acumen. It’s laugh-a-minute stuff, underpinned by the kind of wisdom and natural resilience our leaders could learn from. He was always impressive, but he deserves his inevitable standing-ovation as never before.”
Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph ★★★★★

“flying the flag for satire…succeeds in seamlessly weaving together the personal and the political in a meaty hour of impressions, gags and reflections. Forde is brilliant…so much to admire here. But you come away admiring the man as much as the performer”
Mark Wareham, Mail On Sunday ★★★★★

“An outstanding hour…nobody else serving up party-political humour at this level…the greatest set piece of the evening, perhaps the best routine in town. Stunning.”
Dominic Maxwell, The Times ★★★★

Ahead of bringing his brand-new stand-up show Project Holy Moly to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (The Royal Variety Performance, Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, British Scandal) announces a nationwide tour running from 19th March to 4th July 2027, visiting The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July 2027. 

Following its Fringe run at The Pleasance, Beyond from 5th- 30th August at 8pm, Matt will take Project Holy Moly to over 40 theatres across the UK, including London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on 24th April and a homecoming gig at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on the 21st May. 

As the UK welcomes its seventh Prime Minister in ten years, Matt’s new hour will see him embark on a mission with impossible odds: find joy amid the domestic and global political turmoil, the rising tide of populism, and his own ongoing health challenges – several years on from a bone cancer diagnosis. 

Tickets can be found at lyceum.org.ukand full tour listings at mattforde.com

Since launching in 2013, Matt’s Political Party podcast has brought Parliament to life through stand-up and lively debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures, including Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, Zack Polanski, Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown, and Gary Neville.  Matt is set to extend his West End live Political Party podcast residency for the fifth time through June 2027, returning to The Duchess Theatre on 9th November 2026 with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall kicking off the new season. The podcast has amassed over 14 million downloads, earned multiple nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards, and is regularly featured in the press.  

Elsewhere in audio, Matt recently completed the second series of his ARIA Award-nominated BBC Radio 4 political comedy show The Matt Forde Focus Group, in which he is joined by politicians, comedians and subject experts to discuss current issues and the ideas shaping them. He also co-hosts the British Podcast Spotlight Award-winning British Scandal podcast with Alice Levine, and Down The Dog with Jon Richardson, alongside hosting Absolute Radio’s Rock ’n’ Roll Football Show.   

Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Spitting Image (ITV/BritBox), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two). 

What The Press Said About Matt’s Stand-Up:

“our foremost satirical stand-up…Whatever your politics, you’ll find excellence here”

★★★★ Stephen Armstrong, The Sunday Times

“tremendous performance, encapsulating the politics of modern day Britain”

★★★★★ Lewis McKenzie, The Herald

“the excellent Matt Forde…even more accurate than Starmer’s needling voice”

Lloyd Evans, The Spectator

“Is there a better political comic than Matt Forde currently working in the UK? I can’t think of another to touch him”

★★★★½ Jay Richardson, Chortle

“Matt Forde never fails with his state-of-the-nation address, a mix of bang-on-the-money political takedowns and spot-on impressions”

★★★★ Mark Wareham, Mail On Sunday

“Matt Forde is the consummate political comedian”

★★★★ Tim Cornwell, The Scotsman

Queens Manor care home to host free Fringe Cares performance

On Saturday August 1st from 2pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be hosting an afternoon of exciting contemporary performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Cares Fest, now in its fifth year.  

Taking to the stage at 3pm will be Lai Yee, an acrobat and contemporary street performer from Hong Kong who specialises in flow arts which include juggling, Cyr wheel and light dancing. 

Then at 4pm, talented and versatile vocalist Anna Vanosi will showcase some of her broad repertoire working across jazz, contemporary and storytelling-led live performance. Her work ranges from intimate jazz sets to theatrical interpretations of songs, always focused on character, rhythm, and emotional connection. 

Both performances promise to be a feast for the senses.

The performances are free of charge and open to the local community, the team at Queens Manor very much hope that friends and neighbours will come along to enjoy the event and some refreshments along with the residents and their loved ones. 

General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson said, “The Fringe Cares Fest started right here in Queens Manor five years ago and it is wonderful to watch it grow from strength to strength every year, I think there are performances in 20 Edinburgh care homes this year. 

“We hope that everyone will come and join us to enjoy the performances, it will be a fantastic event and everyone is welcome.”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor  provides residential and residential dementia care for 60 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.

Sumo Wrestling comes to the Festival Fringe for the first time

Underbelly George Square – Udderbelly: 6 – 31 August: 6:00pm

For the first time ever, Sumo Wrestling comes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

Following a successful run in Osaka and an international debut, selling over 10,000 tickets, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia, The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA will make its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut this summer, bringing audiences an introduction to one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions through a live theatrical experience.

The Sumo Show HIRAZUKA gives audiences the chance to see Sumo demonstrated and performed by former professional sumo wrestlers, whilst offering audiences the chance to discover the history, rules, rituals and techniques behind sumo, Japan’s national sport.

Performed in a dohyo, or sumo ring, the production combines authentic demonstrations of the sport with theatrical staging, dramatic visuals and immersive sound, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the athleticism, discipline and traditions of sumo up close.

Alongside competitive bouts between former professional wrestlers, audiences will learn about the customs and etiquette that surround the sport, from its ceremonial traditions to the techniques used inside the ring. 

“We’re excited to bring the weight of more than 1,500 years of Japanese tradition to Edinburgh this summer.

“Our performers have competed at the highest level of sumo, and this show is an opportunity to share the history, rituals and excitement of Japan’s national sport in a way that’s accessible and fun.

“We hope audiences will laugh, learn, cheer and maybe even discover they have what it takes to step into the ring themselves.” Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA

Sumo has been practised in Japan for more than 1,500 years and remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is recognised as the country’s national sport. Originating in ancient Shinto rituals, it developed from ceremonial contests performed to pray for good harvests into the professional sport seen today.

While modern tournaments attract audiences from around the world, many of the traditions established centuries ago remain unchanged, from the purification rituals before each bout to the use of the traditional dohyo, or sumo ring.

The Edinburgh production gives audiences the opportunity to experience both the athletic competition and the rich cultural heritage that continue to define the sport

HIRAKUZA is a Japanese entertainment company dedicated to presenting live sumo performances and cultural experiences featuring former professional sumo wrestlers.

Based in Osaka, the company was created to introduce visitors from around the world to the history and traditions of Japan’s national sport in an accessible way.

Reflecting Osaka’s reputation as a city known for its entertainment culture, HIRAKUZA combines authentic demonstrations with a welcoming and engaging presentation, making the experience suitable for audiences with little or no previous knowledge of sumo while remaining rooted in the sport’s traditions.

What the press have said about The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA:

“Culture, entertainment, and the overwhelming strength of the sumo wrestlers. An unforgettable experience  that exceeds expectations in every aspect.”       ★★★★★ My Adelaide Tribe 

“Authentic, incredibly powerful, and outstandingly entertaining. Definitely a must-see show at this year’s  Adelaide Fringe.”                                    ★★★★★ What’s On In Adelaide 

“It flamboyantly conveys the power and intensity of sumo while also deepening the understanding of tradition  and culture.”                                                                                   ★★★★★ Glam Adelaide

Listings Information

Show:          The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA

Dates:          6th – 31st August

Time:            18:00

Venue:         Underbelly – Udderbelly

Address:     George Square Gardens, EH8 9LH

Price:           £16.50 – £31.50

Box Office:              https://www.edfringe.com/ / https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/the-sumo-show-hirakuza

Massive May Day Parties at The Pitt

We’ve gone massive for May – not one, not two, but FOUR epic day parties.

House, electronica, techno, fusion… even a bit of Dolly Parton… whatever you’re into, we’ve got you covered!

The Pitt & Box Energy Present:

Auntie Flo LIVE

Sun 3 May, 4pm-10pm

From £15.00

Suitability: 18+

Get ready for an electrifying night as we bring you the genre-defying sound of Auntie Flo’s full live band! Known for fusing global rhythms with experimental electronica, Auntie Flo will be bringing his captivating live set to our inclusive and welcoming space.

Northern Rodeo Country Festival

Sat 16 May, 4pm – 10pm

From £15.00

Suitability: all welcome until 8pm, then 16+

Northern Rodeo is riding back into The Pitt for another boot-stompin’, line-dancin’, bronco-buckin’ night of country fun! So round-up your crew and come join the fun at Northern Rodeo – where the North meets Nashville.

Musika presents Skyline feat.
Hernan Cattaneo 5hr set

Sun 24 May, 2pm-midnight

From £45.00

Suitability: 18+

A huge Bank Holiday All-Dayer as Musika presents Skyline’s last ever Scottish show celebrating 4 years of the crème de la crème of progressive artists. Joining Hernan, Kamilo Sanclemente makes his long-awaited Edinburgh debut. Support comes from both families — Alan Dobson, Jamie McKenzie and Twilo — carrying the Musika x Skyline sound from day into night.

DAYS

Sat 30 May, 1pm-10:30pm  

From £55.00

Suitability: 18+

DAYS returns to the Granton waterfront taking over the warehouse and yard for our best party to date.

With Daniel Avery, DJ Seinfeld, and Helena Hauff, while Sweely brings his signature live energy. Rounding things out are Papa Nugs and MarcelDune, two selectors currently at the top of their game.