leisure – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Singing, selfies and self-expression!

Marco’s unveils first-of-its-kind interactive karaoke room

Got the voice of an angel? The soul of a disco diva? Or the raw energy of a rock god? Or perhaps you see yourself more as a Simon Cowell figure, wielding the power of the red button and letting your friends know exactly what you think of their singing!

Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression.

Described as a bold, immersive, musical playground, this private room features hand-painted cityscape murals, quirky lighting and interactive props — all designed to make revellers feel like they’ve snuck into a rooftop party above the city.

Visitors can choose their top tunes, set the mood with their choice of lighting effects, then take to the stage. The audience can show just how impressed (or unimpressed!) they are by the performance by pressing buttons that play hilarious snippets and soundbites of praise and put-downs from well-known celebrities.

Those wanting to wet their whistle while they wait for their time in the limelight can choose from a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as more than 50 gins – and order them via a retro phone booth. And if belting out hit after hit works up an appetite, they can order fresh, stone-baked pizzas and have them delivered straight to the room.

This fully immersive, interactive karaoke room is unlike any other, continuing Marco’s legacy as entertainment trailblazers.

Speaking ahead of the launch, owner Paul Demarco commented; “Marco’s was the first ever big screen karaoke venue of its kind in the country, kickstarting the karaoke craze in Scotland.

“Back in the 1980s, more than 500 people would flock to Marco’s karaoke per night at the weekend to sing their hearts out. And now this extensive redesign has taken karaoke at Marco’s to the next level. It’s a unique and creative setting that’s perfect for showcasing talent, making memories and capturing it all on social media.”

The unveiling of the interactive karaoke room is just the latest development at Marco’s as it continues to challenge preconceptions of a traditional pool hall. From the edgy, graffitied walls and life-size subway carriage art installation, to the retro video games and fun interactive dartboards – Marco’s has upped its game and cemented its position as one of Edinburgh’s most creative entertainment venues.

The interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is available for private hire for groups of 6-16 people, with prices starting at just £30 per hour. It’s perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during the day, and will no doubt also prove popular with corporate, stag and hen parties in the evening.

MAN V FAT teams up with Football Rebooted – the sport’s biggest ever environmntal movement

New partnership set to change lives and help the planet

MAN v FAT Football has embarked on an exciting new partnership, having teamed up with Utilita Energy’s Football Rebooted campaign – the beautiful game’s biggest ever environmental movement.

Football Rebooted launched in May 2021 after findings from a Utilita-commissioned report into the combined impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living-crisis on grassroots football.

The response from fans was immediate and within the first few weeks, thousands of pre-loved football boot donations had flooded in, not only reducing potential landfill but also making a difference to the lives of children and adults in the UK.

MAN v FAT, the UK’s leading men’s weight loss programme, guides over 8,000 men every week on their wellbeing journey – with MAN v FAT Edinburgh meeting up on Thursdays at 6:30pm at Powerleague Portobello.

Having joined forces with Football Rebooted, the scheme will not only be saving families a few quid but will be reinforcing the importance of upcycling and reusing items that still have a lot of life left in them.

Pro-pocket, pro-planet

Sam Cook, Utilita’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, commented on the environmental impact of rehoming boots: “Since its launch in 2021, the Football Rebooted campaign has collected and reallocated thousands of quality football boots, saving hard-pressed families a small fortune and helping to reduce landfill and carbon emissions.

“To put the environmental benefits into context, our aim is to prevent at least a million pairs of boots from ending up in landfill and saving 136,000 tonnes of carbon – the same as taking 7,000 cars off the road for a year.”

Chris Hawkins, Utilita’s West Bromwich Energy Hub Supervisor, helped to instigate the partnership, having recently joined the MAN v FAT Dudley League in May 2025. Chris said: “Given the financial hardship that families are facing, we understand that it may be challenging for people to be able to take part in team sports.

“The 2025 MAN v FAT National Football Tournament, held at the Lilleshall National Centre, provided a perfect stage to launch the partnership and I was delighted to take along the Football Rebooted collection boxes.

“As a regular MAN v FAT Football competitor, I consider the partnership to be a natural fit as we share so many goals to help adults and youngsters be active, participate and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of team sport.”

Community focus

Matt Hudson, Associate Director of Marketing and Partnerships at MAN v FAT Football, commented on the why the weight-loss initiative is supporting the campaign: “The Football Rebooted scheme delivers an extremely fun and unique claim system that avoids any family needing to feel embarrassed at taking second-hand items.

“If you have any spare or unused football boots, please consider donating and helping us make football accessible to everyone in the local community!

“We’d like to thank our players and their supporters for getting behind the Football Rebooted scheme, which plays a vital role in giving both children and adults the opportunity to take advantage of the physical, mental, and social benefits of playing a sport.”

How can you get involved?

Anyone with a spare pair of football boots (or astroturf boots) should simply give them a clean and drop them off at their local Football Rebooted collection point.

Boots can also be donated at the Edinburgh Utilita Energy Hub – located at 41 Newkirkgate in Leith – keeping them in the local eco-system to ensure they’re re-used.

Anyone requiring football boots, including individuals and families, can simply reach out to their local collection point to check what sizes are available before coming to collect them.

Schools and clubs in need of football boots can also submit their kit requirements via the Football Rebooted website.

To get a FREE Football Rebooted box and start collecting and redistributing boots within your sports club, school or local community, visit:

www.footballrebooted.co.uk.

MAN v FAT clubs wishing to take part should contact Matt Hudson via email matt@manvfat.com.

New disc golf course approved for Hailes Quarry Park

DISC Golf, a new free golf attraction, has been approved for installation at Hailes Quarry Park.

Disc golf is a fun and fast-growing sport where players throw a frisbee-like disc towards a target, following rules similar to traditional golf. Players complete a hole by throwing their disc from a tee area towards a target, throwing again from where the previous throw landed. The target is a metal basket that is fixed into the ground. Lowest number of throws wins.

Installed and maintained by the Edinburgh Disc Golf Community (EDGC), the course at Hailes Quarry Park will be open to all and free to access.

The disc golf course will remain fully open to the public, with no fenced or restricted areas. Players will be expected to wait until the space is clear before taking a shot.

Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport with over 12,000 courses worldwide. Until last week’s approval from councillors the nearest course to the capital was in Dunbar.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Margaret Graham, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer more activities at Hailes Quarry Park and the fact that they are free and accessible to everyone makes them an excellent resource for the community. And I hope more people give the sport a try.

“A priority for the Council is to provide more opportunities for people to get active and encourage greater participation in sports as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“The new course will help us to achieve this and will be a real asset for local people of all ages.”

Peter Dawson, EDGC Founding Director, said: “Everyone connected with the Edinburgh Disc Golf Community are thrilled to be able to install the capitals first ever free to play disc golf course.

“This project has been years in the making and to finally have our own permanent free to play course is a huge step forwards for Scottish Disc Golf.

“We can’t wait to share this growing sport with the local community and get frisbees flying in the Hailes Quarry Park.”

Juniper Green tennis courts open

Tennis courts in Juniper Green have opened following state-of-the-art renovations worth £100k, thanks to a major fundraising drive by the local tennis club.

Almost £50k was raised by Juniper Green Tennis Club, matched by grant funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), to carry out extensive work on the two courts. This includes resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and a smart entrance gate.

The courts are leased from the City of Edinburgh Council and managed for year-round public use by Juniper Green Tennis Club. All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “I’m delighted to see these tennis courts upgraded at Juniper Green, and offering fantastic facilities for all those who use them.

“Juniper Green Tennis Club pulled out all the stops to fundraise for these renovations and it’s thanks to them, along with funding from the Lawn Tennis Association, that there will be even more opportunities for residents to get involved in the sport.”

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see the courts at Juniper Green transformed and in better shape than ever.

“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.

Juniper Green Tennis Club Chair Paul Murphy said: “A group of local organisations, businesses and individuals successfully secured our participation in this fantastic nationwide scheme to transform local tennis facilities by making generous cash donations, providing five-year interest free loans and committing to five-year fixed term memberships.

“The support of the local community allied to the critical contribution from the LTA Park Tennis Project has helped to future proof the tennis courts in Juniper Green which have been such an important part of village life, on the current site, since their opening in 1907.”

Find out more about Juniper Green Tennis Courts.

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh

It’s been a big week for BTS fans around the globe, as the K-Pop sensation announced they will return next spring with a new studio album (their first since 2020’s Be) and an accompanying world tour.

For those itching for new content from the band, arriving somewhat sooner than the reunion is BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom.

Screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 3 August, tickets for the screenings are on sale now. Not only that, fans will also be able to buy limited edition merch for the film – a themed reusable drinks cup and popcorn tin.

The film travels the globe, showcasing fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas; a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography; and fans who’ve been organising since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts.

Defying stereotypes of the typical K-Pop fan, BTS Army: Forever We Are Young explores the intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active world of the band’s fans.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “Without fail, our BTS screenings have captured the hearts of audiences, with thousands of fans up and down the country coming to Vue to celebrate the K-Pop mega-band.

“This documentary will spin the camera, focusing on the amazing fan base that has made BTS the global sensation they are today – we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”

To book tickets, visit www.myvue.com.

Outdoor experts name Wardie and Portobello beaches among the UK’s paddleboarding hotspots

TWO EDINBURGH BEACHES IN PADDLEBOARDING TOP TEN

Boscombe Pier has been named the best place in the UK for paddleboarding with a score of 9.73. Located in Bournemouth, the beach has an excellent water classification making it an ideal spot for paddleboarders.

With almost 1,700 hours of sunshine each year and an average wind speed of 8.63 m/s per 10m, the conditions are well-suited for getting out on the water.

Lessons and equipment are available at local rentals such as Sorted Surf School and there are several cafes and restaurants along the pier which are perfect for refuelling after a paddleboarding session.

Best paddleboarding spots in the UK:

Rank	Location	Local Authority	Country	Water classification	Average annual sunshine hours	Average annual rainfall (mm)	Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m	Paddleboarding lessons	Paddleboarding score /10
1	Boscombe Pier	Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole	England	Excellent	1,694	919	8.36	Yes	9.73
2	River Dart	Devon	England	Good	1,729	901	8.35	Yes	8.82
3	Whitby	North Yorkshire	England	Excellent	1,567	906	9.41	Yes	8.73
4	Wardie Bay	City of Edinburgh	Scotland	Excellent	1,428	933	8.56	Yes	8.37
5	Cotswold Water Park	Cotswolds	England	Excellent	1,514	790	9.98	Yes	8.00
5	Marazion Beach	Cornwall	England	Good	1,753	1,003	8.50	Yes	8.00
7	Cullen Beach	Moray	Scotland	Excellent	1,455	1,005	9.73	Yes	7.55
8	Portobello Beach	City of Edinburgh	Scotland	Sufficient

River Dart follows in second place with a score of 8.82. With over 1,700 hours of sunshine each year, the area benefits from plenty of bright days which are perfect for heading out on the water.

The location also has relatively low average annual rainfall and a mean wind speed of 8.35 m/s per 10m, making for stable paddleboarding conditions. Paddleboarding gear can be hired nearby from providers such as Totnes Kayaks and Paddle Devon.

Whitby completes the top three with a score of 8.73. Known for its excellent water quality, it offers clean and safe water conditions for paddleboarders to enjoy. With mean wind speeds of 9.41 m/s per 10m, it is a great spot for those looking for more challenging paddleboarding conditions.

Visitors can hire equipment and lessons from local experts, including providers like the Whitby Surf School.

Edinburgh’s WARDIE BAY comes in a fine fourth and Portobello also features in the UK top ten, featuring eight on the list.

Sam Chadwick, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors comments: “As the weather gets warmer, many are looking to go outside and enjoy the UK’s water.

“Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to experience the outdoors and there are several places across the UK to enjoy this activity, but safety is the most important thing.

“Since paddleboarding can involve being in deeper water, always wear a buoyancy aid no matter your swimming ability. Weather conditions can change quickly, and waters can rapidly become rough, so check the forecast before going out on the water. While on the paddleboard, keep the paddleboard leash securely attached to your ankle to ensure your board stays close by if you fall in.

“Even on warm days, deep water can be cold so always opt for a wetsuit to keep your body warm in case you fall into the water. It’s also important to stay within designated paddleboarding zones and be mindful of other people enjoying the water nearby.

“Always paddleboard with a buddy, let someone know your plans and expected return time and remember to only paddleboard within your capabilities.”

£5 million refurb for OMNi Centre

Edinburgh’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, Omni Centre, has announced a £5 million refurbishment and works are set to begin this month.

International investment group Triple B acquired OMNi in April 2024 and announced its commitment to enhancing communities and promoting positive experiences through transformative real estate projects. The investment will help OMNi kick-start its journey of evolution, with locals at the heart of the project.

The public realm refurbishment will include improvements to walkways and new flooring throughout the centre, an enhanced main entrance with improved visibility, replacement LED lighting, new seating zones and substantial internal structural work to create inviting spaces for visitors to meet, dwell and enjoy. Works are expected to be completed later this year.

Martin Botha, OMNi Edinburgh Centre Manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce our improvement plans for OMNi, a project that reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our visitors and a bustling environment for our brands.

“This transformation will bring exciting new features, modern amenities, a brand revamp and the introduction of live events and experiences, creating a space that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the 4+ million visitors we welcome each year.

“We’re on a mission to inject a sense of fun and excitement into everyone’s visit and at each brand touchpoint, whether that’s meeting up with friends before venturing out into the city or spending quality downtime in-centre, day or night.

” We look forward to embarking on this exciting new chapter and truly owning the title of Edinburgh’s top leisure destination.”

Thomas Archer Bata, Director at Triple B, said: “Triple B is committed to investing in OMNi to enhance the wider community and support the brands within.

“This refurbishment marks the start of a brand-new phase for OMNi; the physical enhancements, coupled with a new mission to integrate and connect further into the vibrant city of Edinburgh, will deliver a greatly improved and welcoming space for our visitors, whilst enhancing the overall customer experience.”

The centre refurbishment coincides with brand-led refurbishments with more news on this soon. OMNi and its brands will remain open and fully accessible throughout the refurbishment project.

Refurbishment updates will be available throughout via the OMNi website and social media channels. OMNi Edinburgh is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.

Edinburgh Cup Raceday is weekend tonic for Musselburgh racing fans

Musselburgh Racecourse is preparing for one of its most competitive race days of the summer season – The Edinburgh Cup in partnership with Edinburgh Gin – on Saturday 7 June.

A thrilling day of top-class horse racing, live entertainment, and premium hospitality is on the cards at the seven-race meeting with prize money of almost £160,000 on offer.

The feature race, the £50,000 Edinburgh Cup, run over 1 mile 1 furlong, is complemented by the equally prestigious £50,000 Edinburgh Gin British EBF Queen of Scots Stakes, which showcases the finest fillies and mares over seven furlongs.

The Queen of Scots event – a Class 1 Listed race – has become a key stepping stone for horses targeting Royal Ascot and the major summer festivals during the flat racing season and this year’s renewal is expected to attract another stellar field.

Musselburgh Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “The Edinburgh Cup has established itself as one of the standout fixtures in Scotland’s racing calendar, consistently attracting high-quality fields from leading trainers across the UK, and this year promises to deliver the same exceptional standard of racing that has made this meeting so popular with both racing enthusiasts and social racegoers alike.”

For racing fans keen to keep up with the action at the Betfred Derby, screens around the course will show the world’s greatest Flat race live from Epsom Downs.

Away from the track, Musselburgh’s Main Stage will feature live music entertainment, building up to the legendary After Racing Party hosted by Forth One’s popular Boogie in the Morning, which is open to all racegoers after the final race.

Best dressed racegoer of the day could win a £500 clothing voucher and four Pimm’s Enclosure tickets to Musselburgh’s sell-out Ladies Day on 8 August, courtesy of Slater Menswear, who are the official Men’s Fashion Partner to The Edinburgh Cup Raceday.

Open to both ladies and gents, other prizes include £250 and £150 Slater gift vouchers and admission tickets to the popular Oktoberfest Raceday or Friday Night at the Races events. Head to the Style Standout fashion wall by the Main Stage to enter and the winner will be announced before the final race by radio presenter Boogie.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in offerings from Scotland’s finest street food vendors, with options carefully selected to cater to all dietary requirements and The Edinburgh Gin Botanical Bar will serve refreshing, botanical-inspired cocktails, perfectly complementing the summer racing atmosphere.

“We’ve created an event that appeals to everyone – from serious racing fans who appreciate the quality of our racing, to groups of friends looking for a fantastic day out,” added Bill Farnsworth.

“The combination of top-class sport, excellent food and drink, live entertainment, and our beautiful Links setting makes for an unbeatable experience.”

Gates open at 11.15am, and the first and last races are scheduled for 1.20pm and 4.55pm, respectively.

Tickets and hospitality packages are available through the Musselburgh Racecourse website www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk