Entertainment – Page 9 – The NEN

Virgin Hotels announces brand new all day dining and entertainment venue

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7^th October

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.

The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7^th October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/.

To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7^th-29^th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month.

Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.

From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.

The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.

Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.

From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21^st Century.

Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.

The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design.

The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.

Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.

“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.

All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.

Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.

The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.

Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s website www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.

Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh

What is the UK’s favourite game show?

Countdown is the most popular UK game show with 996,000 annual searches
The Chase comes in second place, with 840,000 searches per year

The UK’s most popular game show gets almost one million searches each year, new research has revealed.

The study, commissioned by gaming experts Mahjong Challenge analysed the average number of yearly Google searches for more than 60 game shows on UK TV to reveal the top 10.

The most popular UK game show is ‘Countdown’ with more than 996,000 annual searches. The words and numbers quiz challenge was the first program to be aired on Channel Four back in 1982, and 40 years later holds the top spot in UK Google searches.

ITV’s ‘The Chase’, presented by Bradley Walsh, is the second most popular game show with 840,000 searches per year – twice the average of the top ten game shows.

The show sees contestants battle against a professional quizzer in an effort to win a cash prize, with individuals walking away with as much as £75,000!

‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ takes third place with 456,000 annual searches. The show, originally hosted by Chris Tarrant and later by Jeremy Clarkson, first aired in the UK in 1998 but has since aired in more than 120 countries in more than 80 languages, making it one of the most successful game shows on TV. As such, it is not surprising to see it in the top 10 most searched for UK game shows.

With 360,000 searches per year, ‘Catchphrase’ sits in the fourth position. The show first aired in 1986 and is currently presented by Steven Mulhern. Contestants try to guess the correct catchphrase with the help of a photo or animation.

The fifth most popular UK game show is ITV’s quiz program ‘Tenable’ hosted by Warwick Davis, where contestants try to find the top ten answers in a given category. Next is BBC’s ‘Mastermind’, which sees players answer challenging questions to collect the most points. In seventh place is ‘Blankety Blank’, a comedy game show where contestants try to match the answers of a celebrity panel guessing the missing word in a statement. All three game shows have more than 300,000 searches per year.

Rank	UK Game Show	Monthly Search Volume	Yearly Search Volume
1	Countdown	83,000	996,000
2	The Chase	70,000	840,000
3	Who Wants to Be a Millionaire	38,000	456,000
4	Catchphrase	30,000	360,000
5	Tenable	28,000	336,000
6	Mastermind	26,000	312,000
7	Blankety Blank	25,000	300,000
8	Tipping Point	22,000	264,000
9	Crystal Maze	21,000	252,000
10	Question of Sport	21,000	252,000

A spokesperson for Mahjong Challenge commented on the study: “Game shows have been a staple in many homes across the UK since the 1950s and some of the most successful game shows on TV originated here in Britain.

“It will be interesting to see how the popularity changes over the coming years though, since 75% of Countdown viewers are in the 55 plus age range, whereas The Chase has a wider target audience.

“Game shows face more competition than ever before to capture the attention of younger audiences, since they are used to having access to endless entertainment at the touch of a button through services such as Netflix and Prime Video.”

Haute Dolci opens its doors in Edinburgh this Friday

Luxury restaurant chain Haute Dolci will be opening its doors to diners in Edinburgh on the 9^thof September, creating 30 local jobs and introducing its famous dessert and brunch menu to its first-ever Scottish store.

The flagship store is located in the vibrant St James Quarter and will form part of the cosmopolitan landscape of the city, offering shoppers a chance to enjoy the best in decadent sweet treats and mouth-watering savoury dishes.

The grand opening will start at 7pm and will include a variety of entertainment throughout the day, so diners are urged to get there early to make the most of a DJ, magician and other exciting acts.

Daniel Gillett, the restaurant manager for Haute Dolci in Edinburgh, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open our first ever Scottish store, bringing Haute Dolci’s stylish and friendly atmosphere to the people of Edinburgh. 

“The team has worked incredibly hard to ensure we’re ready to welcome guests to the grand opening and we are so excited to see lots of faces over the course of the day!” 

The grand opening follows the famous key hunt, which offers lucky dessert-lovers access to loyalty club benefits and discounts. Clues are still being shared via the restaurant chain’s social media channels — Facebook and Instagram in the run-up to the opening.       

For more information on the Haute Dolci brand or to make a reservation at the new Edinburgh restaurant, please visit hautedolci.co.uk.  

Haute Dolci franchise opportunities are available across the UK; please contact Franchise@hauteworld.co.uk for more information.

Lauriston Farm Harvest Festival this Saturday

It’s nearly time… our Harvest Festival with @DandelionScot and @northedinarts is next weekend.

Details of the lineup on are our blog https://lauristonfarm.scot/posts/175

See you down on the farm!

Crane specialist Bernard Hunter gets a lift at Musselburgh’s Friday Night at the Races

A well-known Edinburgh company will celebrate its 75^th year in businesses by sponsoring Musselburgh Racecourse’s popular Friday Night at the Races.

Long term racecourse supporter Bernard Hunter was founded in 1946 and is synonymous with mobile crane hire and metal recycling, employing around 60 staff in Leith, Danderhall and at its Gilmerton headquarters.

One of the firm’s new 60-ton cranes will be on display at the East Lothian track on Friday (29 July) as the family-run business, led by chairman Jim Rafferty and managing director Mark Rafferty, welcome guests to celebrate the landmark birthday.

Mark Rafferty said: “We have been corporate sponsors at Musselburgh since 2007 where we have sponsored certain races and its always a great day out, and we were delighted to sponsor the popular Friday Night at the Races to mark this special occasion.”

The competitive six race meeting includes the Bernard Hunter Mobile Crane’s nursery handicap five furlong dash and the seven furlong Bernard Hunter 75^th Anniversary Race, with gates open at 4.30pm and first race off at 6.10pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “With the weather forecast looking like it will be a warm sunny evening what better way to kick star the weekend out in the open air and enjoying the thrill of Flat racing on the coast.

“Bernard Hunter have been a great supporter of Musselburgh Racecourse and we are delighted they have chosen to celebrate a special birthday here on Friday. With Radio Forth’s Boogie in the Morning and Funkwagen providing the entertainment after racing, we are sure it will be a night to remember.”

Racegoers with valid concession ID can take advantage of a special £15 gate admission ticket, and anyone booking in advance can save £5 on the raceday £25 admission price.

As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

UK to host Eurovision 2023

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA:PBC.

BBC to take on hosting duties with Contest to be held in United Kingdom in 2023
Host City bidding contest to begin this week
Ukraine to automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with ‘Big 5’ (which includes United Kingdom)
Representatives of UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop Ukrainian elements of shows
Logo reflecting unique circumstances of staging to be revealed later

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC are pleased to confirm that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA:PBC.

Following the decision that, regrettably, next year’s event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons the EBU explored a number of options with the winning broadcaster.

As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.

“We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023,” said Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor.

“The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, added: “The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.

“I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.”

Representatives from UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop and implement the Ukrainian elements of next year’s shows. Ukraine, as the winning country of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, will also automatically qualify to the Grand Final of the upcoming Contest.

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC said: “It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.

“The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”

The BBC has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other broadcaster, hosting in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974, Harrogate in 1982 and Birmingham in 1998.

Next year’s Host City will be chosen in the coming months following a bidding process to be launched this week. The dates for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be announced in due course.

The logo for the 2023 event will also be revealed later and will reflect the unique staging of next year’s Contest and the cooperation between the host country and this year’s winners.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s largest live music event, organised annually since 1956 by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which represents public service media in 56 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The 2022 competition reached over 180 million viewers on TV and digital platforms.

Ukraine, as the winning country in 2022, will automatically qualify for the Grand Final of the upcoming Contest along with the so-called ‘Big 5’ (those countries that financially contribute the most towards the Contest: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).

*Kalush Orchestra on stage having won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 – EBU / Corinne Cumming*

Representatives of UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop and implement the Ukrainian elements of next year’s shows.

The logo for the 2023 event will also be revealed later and will reflect the unique staging of next year’s Contest and the cooperation between the host country and this year’s winners.

Search for Host City begins

Next year’s Host City will be chosen in the coming months following a bidding process to be launched this week.

Bidding is expected to be competitive, with several mayors, councillors and MPs already informally expressing an intention to bid, including representatives from: Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swindon and Wolverhampton.

Not all of these locations will formally apply, and the BBC and the EBU will await official approaches and applications from this week onwards, publishing the long-list later in the Summer.

As well as selling their vision for a fantastic Contest, potential Host Cities are expected to demonstrate that they can meet a list of expectations.

Last year, the EBU’s Host City criteria was based on providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), that should be within easy reach of an international airport and with ample hotel accommodation.

Mardi Gras returns to Grassmarket

Mardi Gras Programme Announcement

On Saturday 16 July, after a two-year absence, the Grassmarket will yet again become home to the biggest party in the capital with multiple stages, non-stop entertainment and a host of bands.

This year’s packed programmes includes After Hours, Brass Gumbo, Hamish McGregor, Awkward Family Portraits, Dope Sick Fly, Cow Cow Boogie and Al Hughes.

This free event runs from 1 – 4pm and the Grassmarket Market will also be in operation on the day.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society launches revamped 2022 Street Events

This year’s celebration of street performance will feature new locations across the city centre, supported by a new Street Performer Charter, and partnership with TikTok

Today, 22 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch a revamped and expanded street events offering for 2022, in the festival’s 75th anniversary year.

In addition to the long-established performance areas on the Royal Mile and the Mound Precinct, this year’s street events will also take place at new locations in East Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk, and Cathedral Square outside St James Quarter.

Visitors to the street events will be able to follow a route taking in each of the performance sites following a map within the official printed Fringe programme. The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the second year.

The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and Creative Scotland, and the launch follows last week’s announcement of the Fringe Society’s new partnership with TikTok, which supports the expanded street events programme.

With activation planned across these sites, TikTok will provide a ‘taster stage’ in both St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square, where artists from registered Fringe shows can perform short snippets of their shows, giving festivalgoers a free taste of their performance.

TikTok will live stream from these stages, enabling artists to be found by digital audiences from around the world. On the Royal Mile, two new screens will stream the TikTok content, and will also be available free to registered artists to promote their show digitally, via digital posters on the screens.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “We are excited to reveal our new and expanded plans for this year’s Street Events, one of the most visible aspects of the Fringe, enjoyed by audiences every year. The new route will allow audiences to meander through Edinburgh’s majestic Old Town and New Town, while enjoying artists in different locations.”

As part of today’s launch, the Fringe Society has also published the Street Performer Charter, a set of values shared by the Fringe Society and the street performing community, as represented by the Street Performers’ Council.

The Charter, which includes commitments from the Fringe Society and street performers, will facilitate fair, open decision making between the two groups. Among its various commitments, the Charter works towards increasing accessibility of street events, taking social responsibility for pay, sustainability goals, and improving health, safety and mental wellbeing among street performers.

Shona McCarthy continued: “I’m incredibly pleased to see the publication of the new Street Events Charter, developed in collaboration with the Fringe Society, and the street performer community.

“The Fringe and street events are within each other’s DNA and part of the cultural heritage of beautiful Edinburgh. This collective step establishes a great template to work more collaboratively at ensuring the Fringe is the best possible version of itself for the next 75 years, both for artists and residents.”

A spokesperson for the street performing community said: “The street performer charter marks a new chapter in what we anticipate will be an artist-led street festival for the people of Edinburgh and its many visitors to enjoy.

“We are excited to be working with the Fringe and their partners, to keep alive the long history of street performance that is at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe, as we celebrate 75 years.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of the Fringe street events. It is an integral part of the festival, providing audiences with the chance to connect with performances and get a taste of the Fringe for free.

“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events, and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan and enjoy experiences like the street events that stir the emotions and elevate your mood.”

James Stafford, Head of Partnerships & Community at TikTok, said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique moment that brings together emerging artists in a celebration of creativity.

“Our partnership places TikTok’s global community at the heart of the iconic festival, and celebrates our joint belief that creativity is for everyone. TikTok is the home of entertainment and creativity and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to discover new artists, collaborate, and be inspired.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is a welcoming cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.

“It’s a privilege to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and we look forward to hosting some of the amazing street events on Cathedral Square.”

The Royal Highland Show returns

Scotland’s biggest and best display of food, farming & rural life celebrates 200 years

The Royal Highland Show is set to return this year, with the first full Show since 2019 taking place at Ingliston from Thursday 23^rd – Sunday 26^th June.

2022 is a significant milestone in the Royal Highland Show’s history. With celebrations planned to mark the 200^th anniversary since the very first Show was held way back in 1822, this year Scotland’s biggest and best outdoor event is truly back with a bang!

The four-day event provides a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close to prize livestock, taste an amazing array of premium food & drink, and experience rural life at its most vibrant.

With a big wheel, newly redesigned food & drink hall, Scotland’s Larder, a bustling Countryside Area, tons of activities for the kids, huge exhibits of machinery, exciting displays of farriery & forestry and shopping opportunities aplenty – there’s something for everyone!

Changes for 2022

In a change for this year, all tickets, including car parking, must be booked in advance with no tickets available on the gate. As always, kids aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult (free tickets must also be booked in advance).

This is to allow the effective management of numbers on each day, ensuring the safety of visitors and staff. The benefit of purchasing in advance will ensure visitors can secure their spot for their preferred day as it is expected that the Show will sell out due to pent-up demand.

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit royalhighlandshow.org.

What’s new in the competition rings

The sights and sounds of the bustling show rings will be a welcome experience for competitors and visitors alike this year – with many having not witnessed them for three years.

This year, two new sheep classes for Valais Blacknose and Dutch Spotted will feature – widely acknowledged as one of the cutest sheep in the world, the Valais Blacknose are famed for their curly coats and spiralling horns.

Two new equestrian classes will also make an appearance – Maxi Cob of the Year Championship and Mountain & Moorland Junior 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year. This is in addition to a number of classes being upgraded to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier status, which will add an extra element of excitement to the show rings!

To celebrate the Show’s bicentenary, a range of special commemorative rosettes, prize cards, sashes and medals will be awarded this year – including medals with gold finishing, a change from the usual bronze version awarded in other years. The magnificent Fletcher McDiarmid Trophy, an incredibly ornate and historic award, will also return this year to be presented to the Overall Beef Champion.

Entertainment like never before

2022 will see an exciting addition to the Showground – a big wheel be taking centre stage for visitors to marvel at the view of the Show from above! The ‘Ingliston Eye’ as it’s being called will be located in the Lifestyle Village and offer a bird’s eye view of all the action.

And as if the Royal Highland Show wasn’t enough to entertain – The Big Top is coming to Ingliston and visitors this year will have the chance to extend their stay to attend an evening concert.

The concerts will take place outwith the main showground on the west side, well away from all areas where livestock and horses are stabled, penned or stalled.

Of course, there will also be the usual entertainment offerings across the Royal Highland Show itself – expect everything from pipe bands and ceilidhs to choirs and pop music!

RHS TV & app

The Royal Highland Show will take to the small screen to livestream this year’s 200th anniversary event across the globe.

In what has been described as a ‘game changer’ for the Royal Highland Show, organisers have successfully secured £200,000 of funding from the Scottish Government to drive this ground-breaking initiative.

The free-to-view RHS TV will see a dynamic mix of live and pre-recorded content broadcast throughout the four days, featuring the perfect balance of livestock judging, equestrian classes, culture, interviews, food & drink and of course, the grand parade.

Not only beamed across the globe, RHS TV will also be transmitted across the showground on giant screens throughout the four days. The content captured will be available to watch back on the Royal Highland Show YouTube channel.

In another move taking the Show experience digital, this year will also see the launch of the Royal Highland Show app, which will enhance the experience for showgoers – more details on this will be revealed in the run up to the event.

These innovative additions to the Royal Highland Show ensure that not only Show exhibitors and competitors, but Scotland at large is put on the map as the Show experience is broadcast to an international audience.

Showcasing Scotland’s food & drink

This year sees some exciting developments for food and drink at the Show.

The food hall experience has been completely re-designed – ‘Scotland’s Larder’ as it’s now known, will offer an unrivalled showcase for the very best produce from Scotland and around the UK.

There is a focus on Scottish produce of course, with over 75% of exhibitors in Scotland’s Larder based in Scotland.

Tying in with the Highland & Islands Presidential Team initiative, there will be a Bothy placed in the centre of the hall. This will house a café hosted by the team at Mimi’s Bakehouse, serving delicious cakes and coffees.

This new area has been designed to completely enhance the food and drink experience at the Show, with congestion eased and more opportunities to stop and savour the variety of tastes on offer.

And with the Scottish Championships taking place, expect to see lovely loaves, beautiful butter, and heavenly honey on display, with well-known names and artisanal producers alike competing for the most prestigious produce awards in Scotland.

Winners of the 2021 Scottish Championships for Dairy, Bread and Honey products will be celebrated at the Show in the Champions Corner, providing a lunch menu using Championship ingredients. Winners from this year’s Scottish Championships will also be announced and celebrated!

Brand-new Kids Zone

Another exciting new feature for 2022 is the introduction of a dedicated Kids Zone in the Countryside Area.

This interactive experience is sure to delight kids and parents alike and will feature activities like a nature trail, featuring outdoor play equipment and John Deere mini tractors!

Children will be able to take part in activities and find out more about the history of the Royal Highland Show in a fun, interactive way.

This is in addition to the ever-popular Discovery Centre, run by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and designed to help curious young minds learn more about the countryside and where their food comes from!

To help celebrate the 200th show this year, RHET is producing the ‘Great Big A-Z of Food and Farming’ story.

A page a day will be released throughout June, with the whole digital book being released on the 26th of June. This story will cover a wide range of topics in a user-friendly way and be linked to various activities to get involved with.

RHET will also be offering digital engagement via its Showtime Discovery Trail. The trail will take young visitors around several points on the showground to learn more about food and farming.

The RHET Discovery Centre will also host a grand finale for the charity’s ‘Year of Beef’ project, creating several interactive experiences for families and school pupils around beef farming.

Getting there

As usual, there is a comprehensive travel plan in place to ensure visitors can get to and from the Show as efficiently as possible.

Hopping on public transport remains the easiest and most sustainable option for getting to the Showground. Travel by tram or get dropped off right at the gates by the bus.

If visitors do want to take the car, booking your parking tickets in advance is required – there will be no parking tickets available on the day!

Be sure to visit the Royal Highland Show website to view the full public transport travel plan.

RHASS Chairman Bill Gray commented: “To be able to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that first Show is really special – not just for us as directors, staff and members of the Society but also for the wider communities that have missed the opportunity to get out and about and meet one other.

“The absolute highlight of this year’s Show will be the chance to show off our new pavilion to our members and guests. It is a wonderful building and fitting to be at the heart of our showground at Ingliston. Let’s meet there, celebrate and be proud to be a part of this wonderful event.”

Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, the Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 23-26 June 2022.

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit royalhighlandshow.org.

Hidden Door Festival: 4 weeks to go!

We can’t believe that in just FOUR WEEKS we will be welcoming you to Hidden Door 2022!

For our team of volunteers, the festival build begins in the next few days so stay tuned for some exclusive behind-the-scenes previews.

For now, let’s take a closer look at our first Friday night … a night of wild pop and songs for the soul; late night electro in the Basement; ghostly dancers in the debating chamber; powerful theatre and beautiful spoken words echoing down the corridors; eclectic art around every corner; hot street food and sunny terrace bars with stunning city centre views …

See the full 12-hour Friday programme and book ticket