Tag: leisure

Family tours of the Palace of Holyroodhouse’s Physic Garden available for the first time this summer

Over the summer holidays, as the Palace of Holyroodhouse opens for seven days a week, visitors can discover over 900 years of Scottish royal history. Families can join tours of the Physic Garden for the first time, get their hands on history, and try out arts and crafts activities inspired by Georgian fashion.

Physic Garden Family Tours

Friday, 19 July and Friday, 2 August, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00.

For the first time, families will be able to join free short tours of the beautiful Physic Garden at the height of summer. On these guided, drop-in tours, which are open to visitors to the Palace and the wider public, families can discover more about the history of the Garden and listen to stories of its past plants and the people who used it. 

The Physic Garden, just outside the gates of the Palace, was opened in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh. Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670, the original garden provided pharmacists with vital, fresh ingredients and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Magical Menagerie Activity Day

Saturday, 27 July, 10:00–15:00.

In July a special activity day will offer the chance for visitors to learn about the history of the Palace Gardens, where 500 years ago a medieval menagerie was home to a range of animals including lions, tigers and bears.

Children can craft paper masks of their favourite animal to wear as they explore the Palace and Gardens, keeping an eye out to spot the animals around the Palace on ceilings and walls, or in tapestries and portraits.

As well as exotic animals, the Gardens were home to a tennis court and used for bowls, hawking, archery, and other outdoor games. On the activity day, families can try some historic games in the garden as well as following the unicorn activity trail to spot all the places where Scotland’s national animal decorates the walls and artworks around the Palace and Gardens.

Weekly Family Activities

Hands on History, every Monday (Monday, 8 July – Monday, 26 August) and Midweek Makes, every Wednesday (Wednesday, 10 July – Wednesday, 28 August). Both 11:00–15:00.

Families visiting the Palace can take part in special activities every week. Every Monday, in Hands on History sessions, children will be able to get up close to a mix of historical and replica items including gauntlets, ink wells and quills and more. Children can learn about the many objects in the Royal Collection and discover the intriguing items that would have been used in the Palace hundreds of years ago.

Every Wednesday, visitors can join arts and crafts activities in the family room. In Midweek Makes, children can decorate their own crown while learning about the history of different crowns in the Royal Collection, including who wears them and what they are used for.

Recycled Fashion: Family Workshop

Saturday, 10 August, 13:30–15:00.

Families can also visit The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians. The exhibition explores life in Georgian Britain through the fashions of the day. Items on display include rare surviving items of clothing such as a court dress and items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection. In the exhibition, families can use the family gallery trail and explorer bags to discover what life was like in Georgian times.

In the Recycled Fashion workshop, families will join a short, guided tour of the exhibition led by a member of the Learning team. They can discover how the practice of reusing and recycling fabric in the Georgian period was commonplace even among the royal family. Taking inspiration from the examples of Georgian clothing on display, they will then create a cloak using recycled materials.

As part of the organisation’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Palaces and the Royal Collection, Royal Collection Trust has launched a scheme of £1 tickets, available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

The £1 ticket offer is available for up to six people per household when visiting The King’s Gallery in 2024, making this an affordable way for families to visit the Gallery during the summer holidays.

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

Summer flowers, sandwiches and scones at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

RHS judge selects plants for tropical planting experience

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting gardening fans along to its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer with its ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience.

According to new research from Censuswide for Dobbies, 45% of Brits enjoy gardening because it gets them outdoors. This in-store experience at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store encourages people to take inspiration from holidays in tropical climates bringing sunny vibes to their garden planting.

Customers can now book the 90-minute event for Tuesday 16 or Saturday 20 July, at 3pm, which will combine the joy of hands-on creativity with the indulgence of a delicious Dobbies’ Afternoon Tea.

Attendees in Edinburgh will get to participate in an interactive workshop led by one of Dobbies’ horti experts with a Q&A and demo on the filler, thriller, and spiller planting technique, using a selection of tropical plants selected by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Chair of Assessors and Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop.

With this knowledge, customers will then get the chance to create their own tropical planter (worth £30) to take home, using a pot specially selected to showcase the seasonal display.

Attendees will also get the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a Traditional or Luxury Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh store.

Guests can delve into three tiers of sweet and savoury treats, complemented by unlimited tea and coffee refills, with an option to upgrade the hot drink.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea offers an assortment of freshly made finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with watercress, and ham with rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Customers will also get to tuck into Dobbies’ famous scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and a pot of jam, and a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a rainbow meringue kiss and lemon mousse.

Guests also have the option to upgrade their booking with the Luxury Afternoon Tea offering for just £4 extra per person. This has all the loved items of an afternoon tea with an added touch of indulgence.

Delve into a selection of savoury favourites, including cheese and tomato quiche and a selection of elevated finger sandwiches, with smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and dill, cheddar cheese and green tomato chutney, and ham, rocket and wholegrain mustard.

Dobbies’ Senior Buyer, Claire Bishop, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ at our Edinburgh store. It’s the perfect opportunity to ignite your passion for gardening and unwind with a delicious array of savoury and sweet delights.

“This session is all about bringing the vibrancy of your favourite getaway location to your garden as we celebrate the start of summer. Whether it’s the lush greenery of a tropical paradise or the colourful flowers of a European escape, we’ll guide you through creating your own planter with our recommended plants.”

Tickets for Dobbies’ ‘Planting and Afternoon Tea – Holiday Edition’ experience in its Edinburgh store are priced at £40 per person (with the planter valued at £30). Pre-booking is essential, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Marco’s hits the bullseye with new interactive darts

Plus, Marco’s announces new sponsorship deal with Disability Darts Scotland champion

It’s official – the game of darts is soaring in popularity! Dubbed the ‘Luke Littler effect’, a whole new generation has been inspired by the teenage champion to grab the arrows and aim for a bullseye. And now Edinburgh is getting in on the action thanks to a brand new interactive area unveiled this week at Marco’s Pool Hall and Pizza Bar. 

Forget images of pensioners and pork scratchings – the game of darts has been brought right up to date for Gen Z bar sports fans thanks to Marco’s new high-tech darts area which features state-of-the-art computer vision technology.

Their dartboard reacts to players’ performances with animations, plus players can check their stats and take group selfies – elevating the game to a whole new level of entertainment. From beginners to pro’s, Marco’s offers a unique social gaming experience for darts players of all skill levels. 

And to inspire even more people to try their hand at a game of arrows, Marco’s has just announced they will be sponsoring the Scottish darts protégé, Robert Sutherland Junior.

Hailing from West Lothian, Robert is the current Disability Darts Scotland (DDS) champion. He proudly captained the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) Scotland B Team in Gibraltar in 2023, where his team was placed third in the world.

He clinched the World Disability Darts Association (WDDA) runner-up place at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Matchplay Championships 2023 and also captained the DDS Scotland Team at the 2024 European Championships. 

Reacting to the news of his sponsorship deal, Robert said; “I’m thrilled to have the support of Marco’s. It comes at an exciting time in my career and I’m fully focused on taking darts as far as possible.

“I hope I can show other people that darts is a challenging, fun and inclusive sport that anyone can try their hand at.”

Speaking ahead of the unveiling of the new interactive darts area at Marco’s, owner Paul Demarco said; “It’s fantastic to see a younger generation discover darts for the first time and I’m confident that anyone who tries our interactive dartboard will be hooked!

“The beauty of the game is that anyone can have a go. No doubt Robert Sutherland Junior will inspire many more to take up the sport and we’re proud to support him on his journey to international success.”

The new interactive darts area at Marco’s is the latest addition to the popular Edinburgh entertainment venue which features 18 9ft professional American pool tables, a cocktail and pizza bar, and a private hire karaoke room.

A special introductory darts offer is available for a limited time only – £5 per person per hour, with a minimum of four people per booking.

To experience the thrill of interactive darts for yourself, book here.

GMB reveals almost 1,000 public football pitches lost by cash-strapped councils

On the eve of the European Championships, GMB can reveal almost 1,000 public football pitches have been lost in the UK since 2010.

As England and Scotland get ready to kick off their campaigns in Germany, new figures show there are 846 fewer local authority owned or operated football pitches today [based on the latest figures available] than there were in 2009/10.

Councils said that a further 80 pitches had also been closed – meaning at least 926 pitches have gone.

The worst hit part of the UK was Scotland, which lost a massive 271 pitches during that period.

All the other worst hit areas were all in Northern England and Wales.

The figures come from a Freedom of Information request made by GMB to local authorities in the UK and we’re revealed at GMB’s annual conference, which concludes in Bournemouth today [Thursday].

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “The England and Scotland men’s teams are about to begin their European Championship campaigns, with the hopes of the two nations resting on their shoulders.

“Yet before a ball has even been kicked, the next generation of footballers have already lost.

“Losing almost 1,000 council football pitches could crush grass roots football in the UK and is yet another deeply depressing legacy of the Conservative’s austerity mission.”

Try Orienteering

Come and try some orienteering with us in some of our lovely Edinburgh parks in June. It is free, fun and family-friendly and everyone is welcome to give it a go.

With the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024 Scotland in Edinburgh in July you can get a taster of the sport for yourselves.

Run or walk, on your own or with family or friends – It’s up to you!

Chippendale School 2024 Graduate Exhibition & Sale

The Chippendale International School of Furniture proudly announces the return of its eagerly anticipated Graduate Exhibition & Fine Furniture Sale, taking place in June 2024. 

This will be the 39th annual showcase for the renowned institution with expectations high for an extraordinary display of fine furniture crafted by this year’s graduating cohort of talented makers.

From Thursday 13 June to Saturday 15 June 2024, visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to witness an array of exceptional pieces meticulously crafted by those on the intensive 30-Week Professional Course.

Known for its international reputation for kickstarting the careers of skilled woodworkers, the Chippendale School’s Professional Course equips aspiring furniture makers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the industry, covering everything from design techniques to marketing strategies.

The 2023/24 course cohort boasts 30 exceptionally talented students hailing from all over the world, from the Dominican Republic to Germany, Holland, France, Canada and the USA. 

Among the spotlighted makers is Kevin Tronel from France whose matching pair of mid-century easy chairs and vinyl record cabinet, both made from Oak, are a perfect example of the joy in putting a contemporary twist on a traditional style. 

Also gracing the exhibition is Maria Hensley from the UK, presenting her hallway bench in Oak and Danish woven cord. Attendees can also marvel at the striking fluted column cabinet in Sycamore made by Chlomo Hutcheson from Edinburgh.

Tom Fraser, Principal, commented: “Our annual Graduate Exhibition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our Professional Course students.

“Year after year, we are inspired by the creativity and ingenuity displayed in their final designs.

“This event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the finest emerging global furniture design talent and even take home a piece that captivates them.”

Pizza and coffee on the day will be provided by local Edinburgh and North Berwick businesses Pizza Geeks and Steampunk Coffee. Admission to the exhibition is free, with advance booking of time slots required.

Visit Eventbrite to secure your spot: 

Register on Eventbrite

For those unable to attend in person, the Exhibition will also be showcased online via the School’s website, Facebook, and Instagram channels.

Edinburgh Cup under starter’s orders at Musselburgh

Musselburgh Racecourse is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, The Edinburgh Cup, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, on Saturday 1 June.

With more than £150,000 in total prize money up for grabs across seven races, in addition to the highly anticipated £50,000 The Edinburgh Cup Handicap Stakes feature race over 1m 1 furlong, racegoers can look forward to the seven furlong £40,000 The Edinburgh Gin Queen of Scots Listed Handicap.

With top class action on the turf guaranteed, the Edinburgh Cup is also a social event where guests are encouraged to dress to impress, and a fashion competition will celebrate the most stylish racegoers.

Following the final race (provisionally 5.20pm), Forth One favourite Boogie in the Morning will host the After-Racing Party, which includes a surprise guest appearance.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Edinburgh Gin is undoubtedly one of our premier racedays, attracting strong crowds eager to soak up the party atmosphere and excitement of the races, and this has been confirmed by very positive ticket sales which points to an expected record attendance.”

Musselburgh Racecourse is also partnering with The Scottish Open golf tournament, held at North Berwick’s The Renaissance Club from 11-14 July, to celebrate another prominent East Lothian sporting event, and on-course activations and a competition is planned.

And for racing fans who want to catch the famous Epsom Derby, the 4.30pm race will be shown on screens throughout the racecourse.

Hospitality packages are already sold out, but a limited number of Edinburgh Gin Lawn experiences are still available. These exclusive packages, bookable in multiples of four, offer dedicated tables and chairs with parasols close to the parade ring action, an Ibiza chill vibe with a private DJ, and access to the Edinburgh Gin bar.

To make the day even more convenient and accessible, a special bus service will operate, offering a £10 return fare from Waterloo Place in Edinburgh departing at 11.15am and returning from the racecourse at 6pm.

“The Edinburgh Cup promises to be a day filled with excitement, fashion, and entertainment, and we would urge those still to obtain tickets not to leave it too late,” added Aisling Johnston.

Book your raceday ticket before midnight on the 31 May and save £5 per person.

For more information and to secure your Edinburgh Gin Lawn experience, visit the Musselburgh Racecourse website www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Discover Sailing at Granton Harbour

Discover Sailing: Royal Forth Yacht Club 5th May

On Sunday 5th May from 12 – 4pm at Granton harbour, the Royal Forth Yacht Club is hosting Discover Sailing: when yacht clubs such as the Royal Forth Yacht Club open up their clubhouse and harbour to the wider public for an experience of sailing.

RFYC members lend their boats, sailing expertise and time, and local organisations take a table to share their causes with the wider community too.

They are planning the usual variety of boats for people to try, organising the BBQ and hospitality.

They are grateful that the Community Action Team of the local Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be joining them this year, alongside their usual friends such as St Andrews First Aid, MCSUK, BDMLR, and Scottish Coastal Clean Up.

If you have any questions at all about Discover Sailing, please contact:

discoversailing@royalforth.org

Corgi Derby: Beckett crowned king!

Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.

Amidst the revelry, racegoers went wild for the 12 competing Pembroke Welsh Corgis dashing down the grassy 70 metre course, in what was the biggest race to date.

In a thrilling photo finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats, it was four-year-old Beckett who nosed ahead of the pack to capture the coveted title of Fastest Corgi of 2024.

The chestnut, black and white pup edged out ahead of the competition beating year one winner Georgie by a nose, taking his claim as the new king of the racetrack.

Renowned ITV racing presenter Oli Bell had the honour of officiating the third edition of the event and presenting Beckett and his owner Heather Sliman with his winner’s trophy and treats.

The Corgi Derby, first launched in 2022 for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, has quickly become one of the most anticipated and beloved traditions at Musselburgh’s Easter Saturday festivities – which was rescheduled this year due to inclement weather.

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse said: “The Corgi Derby is such a unique and fun tradition that keeps growing every year, attracting media attention from across the globe.

“We’re thrilled that the Corgi Derby could be rescheduled. Kicking off a day of high-quality racing with these adorable corgis always provides an unbeatable atmosphere.”

Following the exhilarating Corgi Derby, the event transitioned to a seven-card of top horse racing action broadcasted on ITV 4. With a staggering £225,200 prize money up for grabs, this is one of the richest racedays at Musselburgh course with the feature race of the day, The Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap Stakes, worth £75,000.

The next sensational raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse will be one of the most prestigious days of the Scottish Summer racing calendar. The Edinburgh Cup Raceday sponsored by Edinburgh Gin will take place on Saturday 1st June 2024, a celebration of Edinburgh with a day full of entertainment, music, food and competitive horse racing.

To find out more about the Edinburgh Cup, please visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/sensational-7-highlights/highlight/the-edinburgh-cup-raceday

For more information and to book tickets for other race-days at Musselburgh Racecourse, please visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/