Tag: Entertainment

Count Binface: Bindependence Day!

National Tour from 12th September

The universe’s favourite novelty politician, Count Binface, is back on our planet, and just in the nick of time as he’s set to embark on a national tour this autumn to save us all from imminent disaster with his MEGA plans. (Make Earth Great Again!) 

2024 is the biggest year ever for democracy, with elections all over the globe, and Binface has more than played his part. He recently ran in the London Mayoral Election and took on (former) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the General Election. 

Hot off the back of the UK’s General Election, Binface will be invading a theatre near you with his brand new live comedy show, featuring his unique take on Britain, his special brand of sci-fi satire, and of course his unbeatable manifesto.

Cheaper croissants? Check. The nationalisation of Adele? Check. The return of Ceefax? Check. Water bosses to take a dip in UK rivers to see how they like it? CHECK! 

Count Binface is the intergalactic space warrior and novelty politician who has delighted millions with his unlikely tilts at power in the United Kingdom.

First, he took on Theresa May in the 2017 General Election, cunningly disguised as ‘Lord Buckethead’, and went viral around the world (in a non-Covid way), appearing on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and at The Glastonbury Festival.

Then he challenged Boris Johnson in 2019, when he scored 69 votes (he’d love to say he’s the first life form to experience a surprising 69 with the Prime Minister in a sports hall during the small hours, but with Boris you just never know).

In 2021 he first ran to be Mayor of London in a bid to gain control of the Earth Capital itself. He received a glorious 92,896 votes from the great British public that sent him soaring into ninth place.

This year he won 24,260 votes and he got endorsed by a national newspaper and beat the fascists of Britain First.

Tour Listings:

for tickets and more information visit https://www.countbinface.com/tour

12 Sept             Cardiff              Glee Club          

13 Sept             Bath                 Komedia           

17 Sept             Hull                  Social   

18 Sept             Leeds               Wardrobe         

19 Sept             Glasgow           Òran Mór         

24 Sept             Sheffield           Leadmill           

26 Sept             Liverpool          Hot Water Comedy Club

29 Sept             Manchester      Cultplex            

2 Oct                Birmingham      Glee Club

3 Oct                Leicester           Y Theatre 

6 Oct                Cambridge        Junction           

9 Oct                Edinburgh         Monkey Barrel

11 Oct              London             Pleasance         

16 Oct              Brighton           Komedia           

19 Oct              Croydon           Fairfield Halls

27 Oct              Bristol              Wardrobe Theatre

St James Quarter Sessions back and bigger for 2024

St James Quarter Sessions will return this August for a second outing. Edinburgh’s free music festival will offer a diverse range of musical performances from over 80 incredible emerging artists.

St James Quarter Sessions, Edinburgh city centre’s much talked about free music festival, will be back for a second year and promises to be bigger with the addition of new venues and stages.

From Friday 16th August to Sunday 25th August, guests can get that festival feeling in the heart of the Capital – with not an inch of mud in sight!

This year’s St James Quarter Sessions will launch on August 2nd with a series of pop-up busking performances in partnership with SNACK Magazine. Running throughout August, musicians can apply for a paid performance slot with applications set to open on Friday 5th July.

After launching in 2023, St James Quarter Sessions will again take place during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, supporting some of Scotland’s unique up-and-coming musicians as well as bringing in more established performers from across the UK.

2024 also sees the addition of a rooftop stage with jaw-dropping views across Edinburgh to the castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. The free music festival will fill all floors with more than 80 acts performing across the Galleria and 5 venues within the Quarter from pop-up live acoustic sets and DJs to full band performances with a diverse mix of artists from indie rock and alt-pop to jazz fusion and hip hop.

St James Quarter has also teamed up with Forth 1’s Boogie in the Morning to find the best of local talent who will win the chance to perform on one of the stages during the festival AND a day in the W Edinburgh recording studio.

With this unique addition to the Fringe Festival offerings, guests should expect the unexpected throughout the 10 days of Sessions, with a whole host of performances from impressive music talent.

Fans can anticipate the line-up to be filled with their favourite DJs, musicians, and rising artists. The Quarter’s stores, dining, and entertainment venues will also be joining in with the festival spirit including performances in Bonnie & Wild, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, The Botanist, The Alchemist and Duck & Waffle.

Free tickets will be available on the St James Quarter app later this month, along with the full line-up announcement for St James Quarter Sessions 2024.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, said: “2024 has been a tumultuous year for the music industry, specifically festivals, many of which have sadly been cancelled due to rising costs and consumers being more cash conscious.

“The success of the first St James Quarter Sessions allowed guests to experience emerging live music talent in the city centre for free, whilst also being able to take advantage of an exciting array of food and drink offerings and amenities.

“The month-long festival all under our glass canopy in the comfort of the Galleria allowed visitors to experience memorable, intimate performances with incredible talent with our retail and leisure partners commercially benefitting from the rise in footfall too.

“The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a calendar highlight for many of our guests, and we cannot wait to be at the heart of the buzz, welcoming our guests to the second edition of St James Quarter Sessions.”

Guests can sign up for free tickets by downloading the St James Quarter App, which allows them to stay updated with events happening throughout the Quarter for Sessions and beyond.

For more information, please email: stjamesquarter@johndoehub.com  

Local Care Home hosts Open Day

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Queens Manor on Queensferry Road to enjoy an Open Day held at the home on Friday 21st June 2024.

Queens Manor hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a tasty BBQ prepared by their hospitality team, musical entertainment, pet therapy and even a surprise visit from a local ice cream van, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event.

Staff at Queens Manor made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments and fun, such as burgers, hot beverages and tasty trifle prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all, as well as furry visits from Doc, Frank & Elvis and musical entertainment from Margo the Butterfly singer – it really was a team effort from all!

Resident, Jean Gillies, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments & fun kept flowing into the afternoon. The weather held out until we finished.

“Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together. The entertainment was amazing – from the dogs and guineapigs, to the singer and a special shout out to the ice cream man! the van took me back to times I spent with my family at the beach all enjoying 99’s!”

Shannon Cullen, Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment at the home, said: “Staff at Queens Manor are dedicated to making sure that the home is a hub of the local community and residents, and this event, along with all their hard work, has definitely paid off.

“It was a resounding success, with everyone having a great time!”

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 Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Vue sites in Edinburgh to put family fun in focus this summer

New big screen child-friendly content offerings

Vue sites in Edinburgh has announced the latest set of family-friendly blockbusters set to hit the big screen this summer, as well as a number of new ways for families and kids of all ages to enjoy time together at the big screen.

For the youngest film fans enjoying some of their favourite their very first outings to the big screen, Vue has introduced Big Shorts screenings, bringing some favourite children’s characters from television shows and web series such as The Gruffalo’s Child and Zog and the Flying Doctors to the big screen.

These short and sweets screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged 1 to 4, allowing them to fall in love with the big screen in their very first trips. 

Meanwhile, families looking for a value big screen experience can avail of the brand-new Mighty Mornings offering. This will see films such as Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Present shown across weekends and school holidays this summer from just £2.49 when tickets are purchased online.

It’s also set to be a summer of big screen, with blockbusters such as Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 leading the bill.

Almost nine years since its enormously emotional debut warmed hearts and mini minds across the world, on 14 June Inside Out 2 invites us back to the wonderful world of Riley’s mind and Emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.

Now, as Riley reaches her teenage years, our cast meets a whole new cast of unfamiliar emotions which set them off on another marvellous adventure across the teenager’s mind.

Joining Joy and friends, this summer sees Gru and the Minion crew back with Despicable Me 4, which sees our former villain turned family man face off against new nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, meaning his family, Minions included, must go on the run to stay safe. Expect more Minion mayhem, criminal capers and plenty of laughs when Despicable Me 4arrives at Vue on 12 July

As well as the latest family-friendly blockbusters, some true family classics will be back at home on the big screen as part of Vue’s Back On The Big Screen Family Treasures season, which includes Woody and Buzz’s sequel adventure Toy Story 2 and every live action outing of Marvel superhero Spider-Man, including the Tobey Maguire trilogy, Andrew Garfield The Amazing Spider-Man films and the more recent Tom Holland trilogy including Spider-Man: No Way Home later this summer.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Omni, said: “Every film fan discovered their love for stories on the big screen with their very first visit. Because of this, we’re looking to make this experience as memorable as possible for our young audiences to really help create their love for films with their family with our Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings offerings.

“With some incredible new blockbusters, family treasures and even some pre-school favourites heading to Vue, we’re thrilled to help families and youngsters enjoy their first trip to Vue, as well as each visit afterwards.”

Tickets are available, along with more information on Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings, at www.myvue.com/family

Cineworld Edinburgh announces Screen Day with £4 tickets

·       SCREENX DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY JULY 6

·       TICKETS REDUCED TO £4 PER FILM, ALL DAY, ONLY IN SCREENX

·       OFFER VALID ACROSS 23 CINEMA SITES IN THE UK 

Cineworld is delighted to announce SCREENX DAY, an exclusive, one-day event featuring some of the hottest blockbusters in the cutting-edge ScreenX format. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 6th, and prepare for an unparalleled cinematic adventure across 23 locations in the UK.

To celebrate this state-of-the-art experience, the event will give aviators and Fremens across the country a chance to experience some of their favourite blockbusters in the revolutionary format for only £4.00 a ticket.

ScreenX uses advanced technology with 270-degree projection to create panoramic viewing that surrounds you in your seat. With the film extended beyond your peripheral vision, guests are transported into their cinematic universe of choice in a world first, available only at Cineworld. 

For one day only, Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest billers including:

  • Dune: Part Two – Enter a futuristic sci-fi world and immerse yourself in the heat of the battle for Arrakis with screens projecting an incredible desert expanse
  • Top Gun: Maverick – Catch this adventure-filled epic with footage exclusive to the ScreenX experience. Six cameras in the cockpit combine with the expanded sidewall projection to bring you along for each dynamic flying sequence like never before. Director Joseph Kosinski reveals “We weren’t able to use two of the side cameras in the [standard] film, but in ScreenX we were able to use that footage on the side screens, so what you’re seeing in ScreenX is live action footage on the side of the screens which is a first!”
  • Meg 2: The Trench – Immerse yourself in the under-sea-action of Meg 2 now in 270 degrees for the ultimate heart-racing jumpscares. With screens wrapping round your head, director Ben Wheatley notes “With ScreenX, that feeling of looking into the film that’s wrapping all around your head really amplifies a lot of the action stuff. With the Meg 2: The Trench there’s a lot of intense action that is really served well by ScreenX.”
  • Migration –The first ever animated film to be shown in ScreenX, take flight with the Mallard of ducks for this family favourite uplifting tale 

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Cineworld’s inaugural ScreenX Day! For just £4, experience a revolutionary 270° view with projections expanding onto the side walls of the auditorium.

“Whether you’re soaring with Top Gun: Maverick or adventuring with Migration, you can surround yourself and your whole family with movie magic at Cineworld on July 6th.”

Tickets for the first ever ScreenX Day can now be purchased on the Cineworld Website or the Cineworld app.

#ScreenXDay

#ExperienceScreenX

ScreenX Day 2024 is sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

Screenings to take place at the following locations: 

Ashford
Barnsley          
Basildon         
Belfast
Brighton  Castleford       
Crawley
Didsbury          
Edinburgh      
Hull     
Leeds White Rose       
London – Hounslow      
London – The O2 Greenwich   
London – Wandsworth  
Milton Keynes 
Newcastle upon Tyne  
Newport – Spytty Park  
Rushden Lakes 
Sheffield          
Speke 
Watford           
Wolverhampton           
York

Sea Shanty star Nathan Evans gets fans warmed up for the Royal Highland Hoolie…on a tram! 

Nathan is one of eight live folk and country music acts performing across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at The Royal Highland Centre

PASSENGERS on an Edinburgh tram were treated to a very special journey yesterday as TikTok sensation, Nathan Evans, gave an impromptu gig.   

A special guest at the Royal Highland Hoolie at the Royal Highland Show, Nathan Evans of Wellerman (Sea Shanty) fame had everyone’s toes tapping as they travelled from Princes Street to Ingliston, the home of the Royal Highland Show. (June 20 – 23) 

The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.  

Sharing a stage with Nathan on Friday (21st June) will be headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released their latest single, Homeward Bound and six-piece band, Trail West, who have recently returned from a European tour and who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands will complete Friday’s line-up.  

On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, who will make an exclusive appearance.  

Welcoming families, this year the Royal Highland Hoolie will have a special family zone for those with children aged between five and twelve.  With picnic tables and space for little ones to play, families can enjoy the music safely and away from the crowds. 

The Royal Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash. 

Nathan Evans said: “I’m so looking forward to playing at the Royal Highland Hoolie this weekend.

“It was brilliant fun to give a warm up gig on the tram which will be taking people to and from the Hoolie. It promises to be a great event!“ 

Derek Ryan said: “I am delighted to be headlining again at the Royal Highland Hoolie this year.

We love coming back to Scotland and have been regular visitors to the concert and festival circuits here for the last 12 years now. My Scottish fans never fail to deliver the enthusiasm, the excitement and the warm welcome we always receive here.  

“The Royal Highland Hoolie is definitely the festival we look forward to every summer. Last year’s crowd and the incredible atmosphere is something I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to headlining once again and the line-up this year looks like it’s shaping up to be the best year yet.  

“See you all on the 22nd June. Hold on to your hats!” 

Mark Currie, Director of Venue for the Royal Highland Centre said:  “The Royal Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.

“With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”

Farmers Bash promoter Nigel Campbell, added: “The Royal Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends.

“We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.” 

Various ticket types are available, including two combined Royal Highland Show and Royal Highland Hoolie tickets which allow for people to enjoy both events at a discounted rate with a limited number of Hoolie only tickets. 

Ticket prices start at £35.00 and are available to buy from the Royal Highland Show website www.royalhighlandshow.org  

 

Assembly Festival release over 6000 £6.50 tickets for locals in EH, FK, and KY postcodes

Assembly Festival is inviting locals living amongst the world’s largest performing arts festival to celebrate it to the fullest with the announcement of thousands of £6.50 tickets for residents at this year’s Fringe.

Residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians, Falkirk and Fife with an EH, FK, or KY postcode will have access to over 230 of the best shows at Assembly Festival 2024, with over 6000 £6.50 tickets made available for the very first days of the Fringe – Wednesday 31 July – Sunday 04 August inclusive.

Assembly Festival returns this year with a jam-packed programme of world-class entertainment full of jaw-dropping acrobatics, outrageous comedy, show-stopping theatre, energetic children’s shows, live music, and much, much more.

One of Assembly’s top selling shows of 2023, Afrique en Cirque, returns to wow Fringe audiences once more with their daring acrobatics sharing the beauty and artistry of African culture. This 2023 sell-out show is a dazzling circus spectacular and promises a show-stopping night out for the whole family.

There’s plenty more Circus in this year’s programme, with the internationally renowned Recirquel Cirque Danse returning off the back of My Land and IMA with a brand-new show, Recirquel: Paradisum, exploring the myth of regenesis following the silence of a perished world.

Award-winning Australian circus cabaret Rouge is back at Assembly with a non-stop celebration of the astonishing, subversive and the outrageously sexy. Assembly also joins forces with House of Oz and presents the critically acclaimed Gravity & Other Myths’ brand-new show, Ten Thousand Hours, an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things, told through spectacular gravity-defying acrobatics.

Festival legend Camille O’Sullivan returns for her 20th Fringe with Camille O’Sullivan: Loveletter, an intimate and heartfelt show celebrating friends and legends of music including Shane McGowan, David Bowie, Sinead O’Connor, and more. Jason Byrne joins Assembly once more with Jason Byrne: NO SHOW and Adam Hills is back at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time since 2015 with brand-new material in Adam Hills: Shoes Half Full.

TikTok superstar and Queer celeb Dylan Mulvaney brings her debut Fringe show Dylan Mulvaney: F*g Hag and a bucket-load of Trans and Queer joy to Assembly George Square Studios. Fresh off the back of winning the Pinder Prize, Aussie comic Bronwyn Kuss joins Assembly with her award-winning debut comedy show Bronwyn Kuss:Sounds Good,promising an evening of dry wit and tales of misadventure. Takashi Wakasugi brings a fresh new perspective to Japanese and Western cultures, in debut comedy show Takashi Wakasugi: Welcome to Japan.

Assembly welcomes an incredible lineup of international artists bringing Children’s Shows to this year’s festival. Her Majesty Queen Angelique-Monet of Eti-Oni, Nigeria, and her puppet Milk the Cow host a historic vaudeville theatre piece incorporating ventriloquism, comedy, music and storytelling in Ventriloquist Queen: A True African Queen. Returning favourites, and winners of Japan’s Children and Performing Arts Expo 2019, Cartooon!!rejoin Assembly with unparalleled contemporary Japanese clowning.

There’s plenty of local Scottish talent too, including ART Award winner Gracie and the Start of the End of the World (again) from Zoë Bullock and Louise Oliver. National treasure Susie McCabe returns with a brand-new show Susie McCabe: Merchant of Menace. Futuristic Folktales at Assembly @ Dance Basebrings a dance for hope scrutinising reproductive injustices by re-imagining the tale of the first womb told through contemporary movement, storytelling, and Scottish Highland dance, alongside music from Malin Lewis. Edinburgh locals Captivate Theatre are back with their five-star, energetic and emotional production of Sunshine on Leith, and Pretty Knickers Productions debut their brand-new musical Mary, Queen of Rock!

Discounted tickets for all these shows and more will be available to purchase from assemblyfestival.com between 18-25 June at 23.59. Tickets included in the offer are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

To claim your £6.50 tickets, log in to your assemblyfestival.com account, add the Local Resident tickets to your basket then use the discount code LOCALS24 at the checkout and pay with a card that is registered to an address in an EH, FK, or KY postcode.

This offer is limited to a maximum of two tickets per performance, six per transaction, and is only valid for participating shows between 31 July – 04 August inclusive. Full terms and conditions are available on the Assembly Festival website.

Edinburgh set to be ‘enchanted’ by Taylor Swift

With just over a week to go until global pop superstar Taylor Swift arrives in Edinburgh, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses and visitors.

The three sold out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June will go down as some of the most significant performances ever seen here in Scotland’s capital city.

To ensure our city maintains its vibrancy we will be ensuring the key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 4pm – 1am daily.

We request that you only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.

There will be a number of Council Marshalls on hand to assist Swifities navigate the area.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “As we get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of Swifties to our vibrant city, we are eager for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after.

“Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.

“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. These concerts are just the start of an amazing summer of events and culture here in Edinburgh.”

To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts visit our dedicated Taylor Swift webpage.

Please also check the dedicated webpage of the Scottish Rugby Union with detailed advice for attendees.

Shake It Off with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

EVE transforms into Taylor’s Playground with Drag-themed Brunches and Iconic Tribute Performances

Get ready to shake it off and sing along as this June, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be turning up the Taylor Swift tunes for a weekend celebration across the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th.

For those that missed out on landing tickets to see Taylor live, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is offering tribute performances and drag themed brunches to ensure it’s a party like 1989.

Eve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s all day dining concept situated on Cowgate is preparing for a Taylor Swift themed weekend. The hotel will play host to themed brunches, accompanied by drag performances as well as tribute acts and Taylor Swift inspired friendship bracelets, making it the perfect Swiftie experience.

TAYLOR SWIFT THEMED BRUNCHES – 7th, 8th, 9th June (12:00 – 16:00)

  • On the 7th of June, Krystal Kleer will be kicking off the weekend with a brunch fit for a Swiftie, filled with Taylor’s greatest hits and DJ performances that will keep the party going.
  • On the 9th June, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be extending its existing brunch menu to include some of Taylor’s favourites, including burgers, chicken tenders, and a healthy sandwich option all created in true Eve style, by Executive Head Chef Giulio Morroni. This re-styled menu will also be available on 7th of June.
  • Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has revamped its cocktail menu for the occasion, ensuring it has all of Taylor’s favourites renamed to match her Eras album. Cocktails include Bad Blood, Mad Woman, Cruel Summer, and Champagne Problems
  • Custom Taylor themed bracelets will be created for guests during the weekend brunches, adding a personal touch to the fan experience with custom charms and colourful beads inspired by her iconic albums and lyrics.
  • Venue: Eve
  • Drinks package available including four Taylor Swift themed cocktails for £30pp.
  • Bookings here.

TAYLOR SWIFT BIG BOOZY BRUNCH WITH ALICIA TRYDE – 8th June (12:00 – 16:00)

  • On the 8th of June, Alice Tryde will be host for the Big Boozy Brunch, an interactive experience for guests, with performances of songs from all Taylor’s albums, lip sync battles, and finish the lyrics challenges with exciting prizes up for grabs.
  • Venue: Eve
  • Priced at £35pp which includes buffet starters, desserts and a la carte for the mains which includes a vast selection of seafood, charcuterie, cheese, and salads.
  • Bookings here.

TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE HOSTED BY SHY BAIRNS ENTERTAINENT – 9th June (12:15 -16:00)

  • For the ultimate Taylor Swift experience, Shy Bairns Entertainment will perform a homage to Taylor, performing all of her hit classics making it impossible not to sing along.
  • To those that weren’t able to grab tickets to The Eras Tour, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is on hand to offer a star performance that will ensure it is a party like 1989.
  • Eve will be transformed into an immersive experience, with performers singing and dancing to medleys spanning Taylor’s successful career.
  • Between performances, guests will have the opportunity to embark on a Taylor-themed scavenger hunt with each winner rewarded with a complimentary Eve cocktail.
  • Venue: Eve
  • Free of charge

THE SWIFTIE LOUNGE – 7th, 8th, 9th June (All day)

  • Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will transform its iconic Scarlet Lounge into ‘The Swiftie Lounge’ for the Taylor Swift weekend
  • The Swiftie Lounge will host screenings of The Eras Tour all weekend, where guests are free to drop in throughout the 7th – 9th
  • Taylor themed cocktails will be available to order as well as complimentary popcorn
  • Venue: Scarlet Lounge
  • Price: Free of charge

WINE DOWN THURSDAY WITH A TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE – 6th June (18:30 – 20:30)

  • Kick off the Taylor Swift celebrations on Thursday 6th June as the talented Maryjane performs a special Taylor Swift set at Wine Down Thursdays.
  • Maryjane is set to get crowds singing along, with performances from all of Taylors iconic Eras.
  • Eve’s all day dining menu of delicious share plates will also be available.
  • Venue: Eve Courtyard
  • Price: Free of charge

Edinburgh Tradfest in full swing until 13 May

Julie Fowlis and Laura Wilkie who close this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest

Edinburgh Tradfest is now in full swing and seeing a fantastic turnout of audiences to its 11 day programme of events across the city.

The Festival runs until Monday 13 May and this weekend sees a continuation of its packed programme of traditional live music, storytelling and folk film.

Highlights coming up include: Edinburgh Tradfest’s closing concert at the Assembly Rooms (13 May) with vocal superstar Julie Fowlis andhighly respected fiddler Laura Wilkie. Julie Fowlis, forever recognised for singing the theme songs to Disney Pixar’s Brave, and singing live at the opening ceremony of the Glasgow XX Commonwealth Games. will grace the stage with her crystalline and intoxicating vocals, accompanied by special guest Laura Wilkie whose debut solo album Vent – an instrumental exploration or traditional Gaelic waulking songs, is released on 5 July. Laura will perform with musician Ian Carr on guitar/harmonium.

International musicians will also take centre stage, including raucous fiddlers Lena Jonsson and Brittany Haas (8 May), whose powerful fiddle playing is intricate and heart-rending.

Plus, two of Finland’s most visionary musicians Lau Nau and Pekko Käppi will perform their accompanying music score for Je’Vida the first every film made in the Skolt Sami dialect (spoken by only around 300 people) on Fri 10 May, followed by a concert at the Scottish Storytelling Centre that same evening.

Newly formed bands and new work coming up includes Triptic (Greg Lawson, Phil Alexander and Mario Caribe from Moishe’s Bagel) on Fri 10 May and Birdvox (Sarah Hayes, Jenny Sturgeon, Charlotte Printer and Inge Thomson) on Thursday who will debut this Festival. Plus, Malin Lewis launches their new album Halocline (Wed 8 May), Norman&Corrie whose music transcends both jazz and folk will present new music created in Shetland for their forthcoming album later this year (Thu 9 May); and storyteller Daiva Ivanauskatie and musician Gaynor Barradell explore the silence between generations in Fire from the Woods at the Storytelling Centre this Saturday.

New young bands showcasing their talents at our ETF Spotlight event on Sunday 12 May include Miguel Giräo whose latest release The Northern Isles Suite is a collection of music for solo guitar composed of traditional melodies from Orkney and Shetland; Elír who take traditional songs from Scotland and Ireland and merge them with an eclectic range of influences to produce a unique sound (Niamh MacKaveney, David Lombardi, Calum McIlroy); Noah Scott & Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul from Skye who won the Danny Kyle Award at this year’s Celtic Connections; and Beatha a vibrant folk trio (Iona Reid, Kenneth Macfarlane, Cam Lawson) whose traditional folk melodies are infused with a contemporary flair.

Plus, there will be a full weekend of workshops on everything from traditional Zimbabwean song and Scottish step dance, to how to sign, how to improve your onstage patter, and how your favourite music can provide a springboard to your own songwriting ambitions with Evie Waddell, Bruce Ncube, Svend-Erik Engh, Anna-Wendy Stevenson and Karine Polwart.

And, finally, on Friday and Saturday night there will be late night music in the Traverse bar from 22:30 until late with Isla Ratcliff and Dominic Blaikie, and Simon Bradley and Anna-Wendy Stevenson leading the sessions.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying this year’s programme and the artists are just having THE best time.

“We’re only half way through and we have a huge weekend coming up, so we really hope that the crowds continue and first-timers and regulars will come along, support the artists and have a great time.”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs from Friday 3 May to Monday 13 May.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com