Festivals – Page 10 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Now, listen: Scottish Storytelling Festival starts tomorrow

The 2014 Scottish International Storytelling Festival begins tomorrow (Friday 24 October) and runs until 2 November. The programme is themed Once Upon a Place and celebrates Edinburgh’s reputation worldwide as a city bursting with culture, as well as being the world’s first UNESCO designated City of Literature.

Scotland is welcoming the world in 2014 and in this Year of Homecoming, the Storytelling Festival is an important event on the Homecoming calendar, bringing together home-grown talent and acclaimed storytellers from across the world to tell tales and enthral audiences.

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is the perfect event for everyone from home or abroad who wants to explore what is distinctive and special about Scotland and its international connections, with a programme that combines storytelling ceilidhs with talks, landscape tours and specially commissioned performances, and the finale weekend marks the ancient Celtic New Year of Samhain/Hallowe’en.

Festival Director Donald Smith said: ‘We are delighted to present the programme for this year’s festival; it’s packed with exciting events and a fantastic mix of homegrown storytelling talent and as well as global visiting storytellers. The theme of place is key to us, as Edinburgh is such an inspiring city.

‘Over the years it has produced an array of wonderful writers, some of whom we’ll pay our respects to during the festival, and as an ever evolving vibrant place it continues to inspire year on year. I’m also very pleased that we are able to reach out beyond the city limits with a programme of events taking place throughout Scotland.’

This year’s programme really is packed with highlights – see brochure below for full details:

SSC Fest 2014 Webv2

Spread the word!

Soon be time for Septemberfest …

Septemberfest 2014 Community Festival

at Broughton High School

Saturday 27 September 2014

11am – 4pm

Free Entry and lots of free activities for all ages

Fun for all the family! This years Septemberfest has a Commonwealth flavour with lots of sports to try out: Indian Dance, Commonwealth food and all the usual bouncy castles, inflatable assault course, gladiators, sumo suits and climbing tower.

The craft fair has loads of fantastic handcrafted goods. Have a go at drumming and listen to the samba band.

There will be magic shows from Gary and Stone the Crow, Mr Puffins fantastic balloons, face painting, dance workshops and displays, music, unicycles, circus skills, bikes, hula hoops, judo, fencing, crazy science, massage and henna tattoos.

Come and ring the siren on a heritage and a real fire engine.

There will be a special Commonwealth themed treasure hunt and craft activities plus leather working and jewellery making.

Get your bike fixed for free with Edinburgh Cycles.

Tea and cakes, BBQ, La Favorita pizza, curry, paella, crepes and ice cream.

Septemberfest 2014 is partly funded by Activcity and the Big Lottery Celebrate Fund.

http://broughtonhighpc.org

Facebook: Septemberfest Broughton High School

Naomi Crowley

New poll shows Scottish writers ‘have broad appeal and a bright future’

With this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival now well underway, a new poll suggests Scottish writers are proving as popular as ever …

Almost seven out of every ten (68%) Scottish adults claim to be buyers of new books by Scottish writers – and just under a third (28%) of Scottish adults purchase at least one new book by a Scottish writer every six months. These are some of the results of a new opinion poll commissioned by independent non-political charity the Saltire Society.

The poll results also indicate that contemporary Scottish writing has a broad appeal across different age groups. 18-24 year olds and those aged over 55 are the most likely to buy new books by Scottish writers, with 72% respectively in each age bracket claiming to ever do so. Adults aged between 45 and 54 are the least likely to buy new books by Scottish writers, with only 60% saying they ever do.

73% of women claim to be buyers of new books by Scottish writers compared to 63% of men. Conversely, only 23% of Scottish adults say they never buy new books by Scottish writers.

Glasgow has the highest proportion of people who say they buy new books by Scottish writers with 78% of the adult population claiming to do so. Meanwhile, those in the regular habit of buying new books by Scottish writers are most likely to be found in the South and West of Scotland. 8% and 9% of adults living in these areas respectively claim to buy new books by Scottish writers at least five times a year.

According to trade body Publishing Scotland, Scotland’s publishers typically account for an annual sales turnover of approximately £343m at invoice value, making the industry an important contributor to the Scottish economy.

Meanwhile, figures from the UK Publishing Association show there were 380 million new physical books sold in the UK last year with a total net invoiced value of £1.612 billion.

An omnibus survey of 2000 British adults conducted as part of an industry report[1] published by Book Marketing Limited in 2005 found that one third of the population never purchases books. Based on that finding, the new poll suggests new books by Scottish writers are achieving a high level of penetration amongst Scotland’s book-buying public.

The results of the poll have been released as nominations close for the 2014 Saltire Publisher of the Year Award. Organised annually by the Saltire Society, the Award is sponsored by Creative Scotland and offers the winning publisher a £4000 cash prize to assist further development of its business. The winner of the inaugural award in 2013 was Glasgow-based small independent publisher Saraband, who impressed the judging panel with their “shrewd and strategic business thinking in a shifting context” and “fresh thinking in their use of digital technology”.

The 2014 winner will be announced as part of the Saltire Literary Awards ceremony on the 11th November.

Saltire Society Executive Director Jim Tough said: “There’s a common misconception that Scottish writing is a minority interest and one that’s only likely to appeal to an older demographic. There is a growing concern also that the younger generation is turning its back on book buying in favour of modern screen-based entertainment.

“In fact, this poll shows Scottish writing and the purchase of new books by Scottish writers appeal to Scottish adults of all ages. The fact that such a high percentage of Scots claim to buy new books by Scottish writers, even if only occasionally, should be a real source of encouragement for the Scottish publishing industry.

“I think it’s also a real testament to the breadth of writing talent there is in Scotland, spanning all genres and including factual as well as fictional writing. By being creative and constantly seeking out new ways to attract a wider audience, Scottish publishers can help to ensure Scottish writing has a bright future for many years to come. That is exactly what the Saltire Publisher Award seeks to encourage and recognise.”

Fringe first for North Edinburgh

The Fringe is back, with it’s eclectic mix of the good, the bad and the downright awful. Last year’s event offered enthusiasts no less than 45,464 performances of 2,871 shows, making it the largest ever arts festival in the world. This year’s could be even bigger – aficionados really are spoiled for choice.

It’s always a bit of a gamble, of course: you pay your money, you take your chances – but art-lovers in North Edinburgh have landed a major cultural coup. Internationally renowned artist Pierre Toblerone is exhibiting his latest collection on the streets of North Edinburgh – for free!

Toblerone is known by some as the French Banksy, and the unconventional young artist from the Left Bank has delighted critics with his bold use of everyday household items in major art installations. Never far from controversy, Toblerone – who changed his name in 2010 in a one-man protest against the exploitation of cocoa beans – steadfastly refuses to exhibit at major galleries and museums but instead brings his work ‘close to the people’.

Toblerone famously refuses to speak to the media – the reclusive artist now only communicates through the medium of artistic expression following some particularly harsh reviews – but his agent said: “Pierre believes that art has the power to move and that all art – if it is honest – must provoke and challenge. These major new works do all of these things. They provoke, they challenge – and I’m sure I saw one of them moving. And even if I didn’t, they will be moving soon”.

“The first creation The Way to the Sea (above) demonstrates the eternal battle of the elements, in this case fire and water, while Armageddon (top) portrays the futility of war. Pierre believes that this is his most complete exhibition to date: it has been nearly four years in the making but Toblerone lovers will appreciate the passion and attention to detail that goes into Pierre’s work.”

Guardian arts correspondent Guy Hyperbole gushed: “Toblerone is an artist very much in demand, and if he chose to exhibit at, say, The Tate Modern, the demand for tickets would be insatiable – art lovers just can’t get enough Toblerone. This latest exhibition by the enfant terrible of the arts movement has been much-anticipated and it was certainly worth the wait. Simply put, it is so powerful one feels almost violated.

“Art lovers simply must see this exciting exhibition before it moves on – it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get close to some truly inspirational work. The juxtapositions are incredibly brave and these installations are Pierre’s message to the world. Just what that message actually is is open to a bewildering range of interpretations, but if you see only one exhibition during the Festival, I urge you to see this – you will never experience primitive urban art in quite the same way again.”

Don’t miss it!

Pierre Toblerone: Les matresses d’amour. Free

Foodies Festival to tempt tastebuds in Inverleith

Foodies Festival, the UK’s largest celebration of food & drink, returns to Inverleith Park all weekend from Friday 8th – Sunday 10th August.

Each year the ever-growing festival sees visitors flock to feast on a delightful choice of culinary activities, making Foodies Festival one of the big social events of the summer.

This year we’re promised top chefs cooking in the Chef’s Theatre; wine, beer, and cocktails in the Drinks Theatre; you can join top pastry chefs in the brand new Chocolate, Cake, Bake and Preserves Theatre, and kids can learn to cook too in the Children’s Cookery Theatre.

A new Feasting Tent at the heart of the festival will become the social hub, where visitors will enjoy eating with chefs, friends and family at long banqueting tables.

Another fun addition this year is the Vintage Tea Tent that will hold daily tea dances, alongside a Vintage Kitchen Market allowing visitors to pick up beautiful pieces to add to their own kitchens at home.

The new Real Ale and Cider Farm offers an area for visitors to chill out on hay bales and strike up a conversation with beer and cider expert Melissa Cole and fellow beer lovers. There’s a guitar behind the bar for those in the mood to get a sing-along started! Who knows, maybe The Wurzels will make a surprise guest appearance!

A new Chilli Food Market will excite those with a love for spicy foods with a range of chilli growers and artisan producers of sauces, sweets and jams. For those who can handle the heat a Chilli Eating Challenge takes place at 5pm daily!

Foodies Festival tickets are on sale now – for tickets or more information visit www.foodiesfestival.com

MELA looking for volunteers

The Edinburgh Mela Festival 2014 is looking for volunteers

Friday 29 – Sunday 31 August

A carnival atmosphere with a vibrant and exciting mix of dance, music, street art and theatre, The Edinburgh Mela Festival is a lively, colourful event for all the family.

We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join the Festival team, so if you are looking for a fun, summer experience then this is the opportunity for you…

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Artist Liaison, Audience Services, Market Stalls, Kids and family area, Green Recycling Team and Marketing.

We provide:

Ø A volunteer training session, which will give you a chance to meet your volunteer colleagues

Ø Travel expenses to and from the Festival

Ø A meal per shift plus refreshments from our hospitality area

Ø 2 complimentary day tickets

Ø A limited edition Mela t-shirt

Ø You will be able to ask for a reference on successful completion of your volunteer post

You will be asked to attend a short, informal interview and training session.

To find out more, please contact Antonia Dickson on 07870621086 or email volunteer@edinburgh-mela.co.uk; alternatively write to The Edinburgh Mela, Unit 14, Abbeymount Techbase, 2 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5AN

The deadline for all opportunities is Sunday 10 August.

http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/

Let the good times roll! Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off tomorrow

Edinburgh’s annual Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off tomorrow and promises ten terrific days and nights of top class jazz.

There’s something for all tastes and big names performing at this year’s event include the ever-popular Jools Holland with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (Mel C guesting), Scotland’s Queen of the Blues Maggie Bell and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott.

With over 140 concerts to choose from you really are spoilt for choice and Brian Fallon, who chairs the Jazz & Blues Festival, is particularly excited about this year’s programme. He said: ““This is a very exciting year for the Festival. We’re delighted to be bringing to Scotland some of the world’s finest jazz and blues talent and some of our biggest names to date. Our programme has been carefully selected to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, and we look forward to welcoming friends, old and new. Come along and join in the fun!”

You’ve got your invitation – so what are you waiting for?

For further information about what’s on, click on the link below

EJF2014

or check out www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

Mmmmmm … great!

Gypsy Brae goes techno-colour!

Spot the strange goings-on on Gypsy Brae on Saturday? It was Scotland’s first Holi One Colour Festival – (no, I don’t know either!)

Apparently the festival is inspired by the ancient Indian spring festival of colours, but has nothing to do with religion – instead, it’s about music, performance arts and a very colourful – and messy -party!

Festivalgoers are encouraged to wear white – and each hour a countdown gives revellers an opportunity to release and throw coloured powder (available for purchase as part of the pre-event ticket sale and on-site).

As my old mate on Jazz Club used to say: ‘crazy … but nice!’

Food, glorious food … be prepared for a treat!

Love food? Granton Campus Hub is the place to be this afternoon when Edinburgh College holds treat, a fabulous Food and Drink Festival from 4 – 8pm.

As well as showcasing the skills of College Hospitality students and promoting course programmes, the free Treat event also offers an opportunity to raise funds for St Columba’s Hospice, the College’s chosen charity of the year.

Among the highlights on offer are live coking demonstrations from top chefs, mouth-watering produce from local stallholders, free samples, prize draws and much, much more.

Carol Fyfe, Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Academy at Edinburgh College, said: “treat not only offers an excellent learning opportunity for our students but also offers visitors and food enthusiasts top food tips and tasting opportunities from some of the best chefs in the country. All money raised will go to our charity of the year, St Columba’s Hospice, which is another fantastic reason to come along to our food and drink festival”.

Top chef Neil Forbes, of Edinburgh’s Cafe Saint Honore, (pictured above) will headline at today’s event. He said: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the treat festival at Edinburgh College. At a young age I was inspired to get behind the stove because of my granny’s soup! These early experiences of family cooking have influenced me throughout my career and I hope my demo at treat will inspire others to create their own food memories”.

Top tips? Free food? Go on, treat yourself!

Admission to treat is FREE although a charitable donation of £2 will be gratefully accepted!

Foodies Festival continues at Inverleith Park

The Foodies Festival has returned to Inverleith Park this weekend …

This year’s new features including the Cake & Bake Theatre, Chocolate Theatre and BBQ Arena all went down a storm at the first of eight Foodies Festivals that took place in Brighton last weekend.

Top chefs from across Scotland, including Michelin-starred Jeff Bland from The Balmoral Hotel, Craig Sandle of The Pompadour by Galvin, Great British Menu contestant Mark Greenaway, Neil Forbes of Cafe St Honoré and John Quigley of Red Onion will cook their signature dishes live in the Chefs’ Theatre and explain how amateur cooks can prepare the same dishes at home. The theatre will be compered over the three days by Foodies veteran Jacqueline O’Donnell of The Sisters in Glasgow.

As well as culinary lessons from the experts, Fringe Festival acts Gyles Brandreth and Stephen K Amos, who has competed on Celebrity Masterchef, will be donning chef hats and giving comical demonstrations.

Now in its seventh year, Foodies Festival has introduced new features to all events in 2013. These include a spectacular Cake and Bake Theatre in association with Electrolux incorporating a ‘bake-along’ with members of the audience invited to participate.

2013 also sees the introduction of a dedicated Chocolate Theatre to showcase the world of chocolate and confectionary with daily demonstrations from David Greenwood-Haigh of Divine Chocolate. The specially-designed BBQ Arena features hourly BBQ classes and Man vs Meat competitions where contestants cook their own chicken wings, ribs, sausages and burgers and are then given 60 seconds to eat as much of their creations as possible with the crowd judging who made the best effort.

In 2013, food-lovers can also enjoy the new dining and VIP area serving signature dishes from pop-up versions top Scottish restaurants. The bar area has had a countryside makeover complete with hay bales and a focus on British cider and ale. There is also a wide variety of tent and pagoda bars throughout the site selling cocktails, wine and champagne. Foodies is proud to provide a platform to launch new drinks brands every year.

These new elements complement Foodies’ existing features including the Drinks Theatre where regular classes and demonstrations are given by some of the most talented sommeliers and mixologists and drink experts in the UK.

The extensive Producers’ Market sells a vast array of artisan produce from the local area and incorporates the Guild of Fine Food award-winning British produce.

Foodies will be showcasing local producers in Edinburgh including Summer Harvest Oils who will be selling their range of award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oils, dressings, vinegars and mayonnaise.

Last year saw the successful introduction of Street Food Avenue to all Foodies events. In 2013 the Edinburgh crowds can again enjoy the huge selection of ready-to-eat hot and cold food from around the world including hog roasts, exotic meats, tapas, churros, burritos, Moroccan tagines, South American prime beef, sausages, pizza, Jamaican and Thai street food.

The Children’s Cookery Theatre ensures children get involved and have the opportunity to learn more about eating and cooking healthy food with hands-on daily classes.

Relaxation in 2013 comes in the form of a City Beach where families can chill out on deckchairs with an artisan ice-cream or an afternoon tea whilst children build sandcastles. Various specialist tea, coffee and fresh juice vendors can be found around the site.

The entertainment stage features live music acts performing every day until the later closing time this year of 8pm.

Opening times

Saturday 10th August, 10am – 8pm

Sunday 11th August, 10am – 8pm

Further Information

Visit the Edinburgh Foodies website which has all the information you need including schedules of the Chef’s Theatre and Masterclasses.

You can follow Foodies on twitter @FoodiesFestival and like them on Facebook.

Tickets for Foodies Edinburgh are available via this link or by calling 0844 995 1111.

One-day ticket £12 (concession £10). VIP tickets cost £38

Entry is free for children aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult.

Price includes entry into the Chefs’ Theatre, Food Masterclass, Drinks Masterclass and Kids’ Cookery Theatres and they must be registered for upon arrival (first come first served).