The tents are up, the sun is out and we are now counting down the days until we bring you our 2023 festival!
We open the gates to our site in the Lodge Grounds at 10am on Friday and we can’t wait to welcome you inside.
Fringe by the Sea is for everyone: big people, little people, four-legged friends so, whether you’re coming to see a show or not, you can still soak up the festival atmosphere at the North Berwick Trust Festival Hub with free live music and performances from the Lighthouse Live Stage, have a wander round the stalls at the Coulters Makers’ Market, grab a bite to eat at our Street Food Village or Pincho tapas bar, or a drink from our new container bars.
All the big headline shows have now sold out but with more than 225 events in the programme, there is a lot more to uncover whether you’re looking for family fun, musical gems or inspiring talks.
Edinburgh: Rose Theatre pop-up music venue set to be city’s hottest ticket
A pop up live music venue that will offer the sort of freewheeling feel of the original Fringe and features many of Scotland’s most talented performers, is set to open its doors in early August on Rose Street. Tickets are now on sale.
Over 25 days the venue will host 50 jazz, folk and other concerts featuring many of Scotland’s most talented performers. Some of those already confirmed are Fergus McCreadie, Aidan O’Rourke, Su-a Lee, Shooglenifty, Roddy Woomble, Mr McFall’s Chamber and Georgia Cécile.
Located at the west end of Rose Street (Charlotte Square end) and open from 4pm to midnight 7 days a week, The Rose Theatre (Venue 76) will feature two ticketed performances a day in the Cabaret Bar and main theatre alongside spontaneous, pop-up performances in the child and dog friendly Café Bar area, curated by Soundhouse.
Ticket prices are set at £15.00 and are available from the Fringe Society from Wednesday 26 July.
Joining forces to run the month-long pop up live music venue at The Rose Theatre, are two independent organisations – the Soundhouse live music charity and Edinburgh-based, Bellfield Brewery.
Douglas Robertson from Soundhouse said “We’ll present a showcase of the best of Scottish music at this year’s Fringe: we believe our series will be the best that the Fringe has seen in living memory.
“Events at the Rose Theatre will provide the excitement, spontaneity and creativity that has long been replaced by the crass commercialism of the London-owned mega-venues around Edinburgh University. Great music, great beer, great venue! What’s not to like?”
Speaking about the venture, Bellfield’s Alistair Brown said, “Together we will offer some of the Fringe Festival’s most exciting acts alongside award winning, locally-brewed craft beers.
“Locals and visitors will receive the same friendly welcome from our team that they get in our Abbeyhill Taproom (voted the best Taproom in Scotland 2022).”
The Soundhouse Organisation draws on the success of Edinburgh Tradfest whose popularity grows year on year. Bellfield Brewery’s previous festival experience includes a collaboration with Pianodrome at the Old Royal High School in 2022 and the Hidden Door Festival earlier in 2023.
The partners hope to repeat their Festival successes this year at The Rose Theatre where they have secured a month-long lease, prior to the building being redeveloped.
Programme
A couple of dates/performers are still to be confirmed. The line up at present is:
4th @ 9.30pm Don Paterson and Graeme Stephen
6th @ 7pm Karen Marshalsay
7th @ 7pm Roo and Neil
8th @ 7pm Juliet Lemoine
8th @ 9.30 Nimbus Sextet
9th @ 7pm Adam Holmes
9th @ 9.30pm The Penalty – Live score – Graeme Stephen and Pete Harvey
10th @ 7pm The Firelight Trio
10th @9.30pm ballboy
11th @ 7pm Ross and Ali (with Jenn Butterworth)
11th @ 9.30pm “Motian & Me” – Tom Bancroft, Phil Bancroft & Norman Wilmore
12th @ 7pm Inge Thomson and Fraser Fifield
12th @ 9.30pm Helena Kay Trio
13th @ 7pm Brian Kellock
13th @ 9.30pm Nosferatu – Live score – Graeme Stephen and Aidan O’Rourke
14th @ 7pm Dancing Mice
14th @ 9.30pm Phil Bancroft’s Standards Trio
15th @ 7pm Viper Swing
15th @ 9.30pm Trio Mágico
16th @ 7pm Simon Bradley Trio
16th @ 9pm Matt Carmichael & Fergus McCreadie
17th @ 7pm Aidan O’Rourke & Brighde Chaimbeul
17th @ 9.30 ‘Motian and Me’ – Tom Bancroft Phil Bancroft and Adam Jackson
18th @ 7pm Chris Stout & Catriona Mackay
18th @ 9.30 Fat Suit
19th @ 7pm Jarlath Henderson and Innes Watson
19th @ 9.30pm Shooglenifty
20th @ 7pm Su-a Lee & Friends (D Chisholm, H Napier, D Shaw)
20th @ 9.30pm Shooglenifty
21st @ 7pm Tallulah Rose
21st @ 9.30pm Ciaran Ryan Band
22nd @ 7pm Konrad Wisniewski and Haftor Medboe
22nd @ 9.30 Georgia Cécile with Fraser Urquhart
23rd @ 7pm Georgia Cécile with Fraser Urquhart
23rd @ 9.30pm AKU!
24th @ 7pm The Brothers Gillespie
24th @ 9.30pm Matt Carmichael Quintet
25th @ 7pm Niki King
25th @ 9.30pm Roddy Woomble
26th @ 7pm Gnawa Trance Fusion
27th @ 7pm Mairearad Green and Mike Vass
27th @ 9.30pm Tommy Smith & Peter Johnstone
28th @ 7pm Mr McFall’s Chamber
28th @ 9.30pm Greg Lawson, Mario Caribé & Phil Alexander
Project fosters creativity alongside leaving legacy for Primary Seven pupils
A project involving pupils from Echline Primary School and students and staff from Edinburgh Napier University has hit the right note with the creation of a new school song.
Echline Feels Like Home has been written, performed and recorded by primary seven pupils at the school, supported by staff and students from Edinburgh Napier’s music department.
The song – which is now available on Spotify – was devised over a number of writing sessions within the primary school before being recorded by around 50 pupils in June at a studio within the University’s Merchiston-based School of Arts and Creative Industries.
The project – which was the brainchild of Edinburgh Napier music academic Dr Zack Moir and his brother Jude Moir, headteacher at Echline Primary School – saw the pupils work with Edinburgh Napier music education students and embrace their creativity to write and produce the song which will now be left as a legacy gift to the school to be sung for years to come.
The song itself features lines such as ‘We are friends ‘til the very end, and we’re always there to show we really care’ as the primary seven pupils were encouraged to reminisce on their time at the school and sing about some of their favourite experiences from throughout the last seven years.
The project gave Edinburgh Napier music education students a valuable opportunity of working in a school setting and teaching pupils about writing songs and producing music.
The backing track to the song was recorded and performed by a number of Edinburgh Napier music students as they too gained valuable performing, working with young people, and collaborative project experience.
Dr Zack Moir, Associate Professor of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It was great to be able to create an opportunity for our music education students to get into a school and work with these excellent young people.
“It was beautiful for me and my colleague Bryden Stillie to get to see our students running workshops, leading writing sessions, and just getting the pupils to feel excited about music and helping them to really believe that they are capable of writing songs and singing!”
Jude Moir, Headteacher at Echline Primary School, said: “The project was fantastic from start to finish. It allowed us to think deeply about our values as a school, and what aspirations we had for the future.
“Working alongside the University students gave the project authenticity and made the creative process very real and exciting. This is something the children will remember forever, and the fact we can listen on Spotify was the icing on the cake.”
The full track is now available to stream at numerous places online including Spotify.
How you can throw your own for just £3 per person!
With Reading and Leeds festival announcing the world’s largest silent disco, digital headphones magazine headphonesty.com has revealed why they are rising in popularity and how you can throw your own at home for just £3 per person.
In the previous ten years, silent discos have established themselves as a beloved staple of the Reading and Leeds Festival. As a result of this when Festival Republic cancelled the event in 2016, supporters started an online petition to bring it back to the line-up.
This year It has been announced that the Reading & Leeds Festivals will host the world’s biggest ever silent-disco, in the world’s first simulcast main stage set across both sites. The festival has stated that headliners of the silent disco; multi-platinum drum and bass duo Sigma, will be playing to around 60,000 people in total.
But why are people making so much noise for the silent disco?
Originally in the early 1990s eco-activists utilised headphones at outdoor events to minimise noise pollution and disturbance to wildlife. However, there was still only one channel for music to be played on. Since then, silent discos have adapted to be able to have 2 or 3 or even more channels, which means every single person in attendance can listen to something that they enjoy.
The use of headphones creates an immersive experience tailored to the individual, being able to adjust the volume, change to the listener’s preferred genres, and being able to stand anywhere in the arena and not compromise on sound quality. All of this is achieved while also creating safer spaces for people who may struggle with the usual sounds and sensations of traditional festival sets.
It also fosters a more interactive environment in which people can communicate with other people without having to shout over the music or go to quieter parts of the venue. This is great for meeting new people or talking to your friends or family you are there with.
The other benefit of these events is that it allows music festivals to go on longer by continuing past noise curfews, which for many festival-goers who want to party on through the night is what makes these such great events.
How to throw your own silent disco!
Silent discos utilise headphones that are wireless, this enables individuals to listen to music without the need for a traditional sound system or speakers. These are expensive to buy and rent, can only play 1 track at a time and sound quality varies depending on where you are in the venue. Also depending on where you are throwing this party you may not want to be known as the noisy neighbours.
The silent disco mitigates these issues while creating a fun and versatile party atmosphere. Once you have your venue sorted, whether that’s your home or local club, pub, hall etc… you can focus on the music.
After reviewing multiple companies for headphone hire the standard pricing for 25 headphones was around £135 which works out at £5.40 per person, or for larger parties 50 headphones was £165 which averages out at £3.30 per person.
Once you have the headphones you can set 3 channels to various different playlists and genres so that your guests can enjoy their favourite music all night long!
As with all events its always worth considering getting additional lighting and visuals such as strobes and lasers to elevate the auditory experience and create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for guests.
A spokesperson from headphonesty.com commented: “Silent discos offer many advantages for both organisers and the audience. Everybody can discover something they like because of the capacity to offer personalised music experiences through a variety of channels that appeal to different interests.
The smooth transition between talking and partying fosters a lively and friendly environment and the headphones’ immersive qualities increase interaction and compel visitors to fully appreciate the music and atmosphere.
Furthermore, the ability to set individual volumes ensures that each guest may enjoy the party at their desired volume level. You can create a genuinely distinctive and unforgettable party experience that will be talked about long after the night comes to an end”
Edinburgh’s globally renowned festivals are gearing up for another spectacular year, with Friday’s launch of the 2023 Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.
Last night Council Leader Cammy Day, Culture Minister Christina McKelvie and Jason Rust, Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, launched the Festival alongside performances from Baila Venezuela and Marianne McGregor.
Taking place over ten days from 14-23 July the festival will include over 110 concerts featuring: top Scottish bands, international stars, and festival favourites alongside new names.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling 0131 226 0013 or through the festival website.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was delighted to attend yesterday’s launch as both Council Leader and as the newest Board Member of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.
“I am proud that our residents and visitors are able to take advantage of such an internationally eclectic and exciting festival.
“The Council is a proud supporter and funder of the EJBF and this year, I am pleased to see events held in every area of the city – from established music venues to churches and community centres – and spanning the length of our new tram route from the Pianodrome in Ocean Terminal to performances at Edinburgh Airport.
“I’d also like to thank the EJBF Board, the artists and everyone else who has contributed to the festival”.
Jason Rust, Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival said: “We are absolutely delighted to launch our 45th Festival.
“There is something for everyone in our ten-day programme and in communities across the city. We are really grateful to our funders, including the Council. Let’s make this a Festival to remember.”
QUARTER OF MUSIC AND THEATRE VENUES CONCERNED ABOUT CLOSURE
A quarter of music venues (27%) are concerned they may need to close down[1], as more than a third (35%) of business expenses go towards energy bills[2]
Many are running at half capacity (50%)[3], and have resorted to production cost cutting (17%)[4] and raising ticket prices by up to 25%[5]
Two in five (39%) have also found that customers are purchasing less expensive seats and buying fewer refreshments[6]
Three in five (60%) music venues say that energy bills are their top concern for the next year, above inflation rates and staff costs[7]
Uswitch for Business energy expert, Jack Arthur advises businesses to check the contract they are on and to review energy usage across all organisational levels.
Energy bills are taking the centre stage of concern for live performance venues, as energy bills make up more than a third of overall business costs, according to Uswitch for Business, the business energy comparison and switching service.
Performance venues are widely recognised as energy-intensive spaces, and the new research of UK music venues, concert halls and theatres shows over a quarter (27%) are concerned about potential closure due to rising costs.[1]
Air conditioning, heating, as well as extensive sound and lighting systems required to create immersive experiences for audiences are all adding towards total energy expenditure costs, with venues needing between 6 -1,000 kw to power low level concerts to major artist events[8].
Venues of all sizes report running at half capacity (50%) on average[3]. More than one in four (26%) sold fewer tickets this year, compared to last year. [9]
Consumers attending live performances are also more inclined to choose less expensive seats (39%) or buy fewer refreshments (39%)[6].
The show must go on: responding to the high energy costs
One in six (15%) venues report having to increase ticket prices[4], at an average of 25% per ticket to cover increased expenditure[5]. In addition, more than a quarter (27%) have also increased the prices of refreshments.[4]
Venues are also looking at new ways to reduce their energy output to directly tackle the problem. Training staff in energy efficiency measures (45%), switching to more energy efficient or LED lighting for both onstage and offstage (41%), and turning off, down or restricting air conditioning and heating (36%) are just some of the tactics. [4]
Nearly one in five (19%) are also choosing to only open their doors during peak times of the week, and 17% are using less energy intensive movable staging and production measures.[4]
But as energy prices continue to oscillate at high levels, three in five (60%) businesses are citing bills as their top concern for the next year, followed by inflation rates (41%) and staff costs (30%).[7]
Venues say they may have to make considerable changes if business costs were to increase further, especially as more than one in three (34%) state their business margins are now lower than before the cost of living crisis.[6]
Two in five (40%) fear they may have to make staff redundant to reduce costs, and one in three (35%) worry they may not be able to pay their energy bills on time.[1] Overall, 32% feel anxious about the future of the industry.[10]
Jack Arthur, energy expert at Uswitch for Business comments: “Live performances are central not only to the UK’s culture and entertainment sector, but also to the UK economy.
“While the sector has seen some recovery since the pandemic’s impact, the cost of energy has added new additional challenges.
“With higher utility costs taking the stage, venues need to be meticulous about how energy usage is being considered at all levels of their organisation – from the stage floor to sound production.
“Investing in more energy efficient appliances where possible may help to bring costs down, and prevent the final curtain for many.
“Music venues should also make sure they’re aware of their energy contract terms and end date, so they can shop around for the best rates at the time of renewal. Getting expert advice where needed and speaking to someone could help many businesses make significant savings.”
Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive of Lighthouse Poole Centre for Arts says: “Energy costs have been a major challenge to our venue, and indeed all venues in the last year, just as we were beginning to recover and get back on our feet following the devastating effect of the pandemic on culture and hospitality.
“In 2023 our electricity bill alone will increase by 200% and we are doing everything we can to meet this cost. However, this is on top of the significant increase in the cost of living which has increased our costs in all areas of the business and has also meant our audiences have less leisure spend available, restricting the number of times they can attend cultural events.
“Together, these factors have made it a testing time for organisations like ours and theatregoers alike. I am desperate for energy and living costs to come down so that we can keep bringing top class artists and productions to Poole, support local talent development, provide opportunities for cultural participation, and ensure that culture within our region continues to play a vital part in our community.”
Mark Davyd, CEO & Founder of the Music Venue Trust says: “We have seen an incredible explosion in energy prices right across the grassroots music venue sector in the last 12 months.
“The current situation is really on a knife edge, with venues essentially clinging on to the end of existing fixed term contracts and any new tariff effectively immediately creating a venue under threat of permanent closure.
“We desperately need some action from Ofcom and the Government to make the energy market work for music.”
The issue will be debated at the ‘Festival of Politics,’ which will be held in Edinburgh between Wednesday 9-11 August.
The panel, being held on the evening of the 11th, is entitled ‘Scotland’s Music Venues’ will examine why, despite Scotland’s worldwide reputation as a music nation, Grassroots Music Venues are under extraordinary financial pressures with many facing closure, and how politicians can step-up and help create security for these spaces.
Chaired by Michelle Thomson MSP, Convener, cross-party group on music, the panellists will include Scottish singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk, MVT COO Beverley Whitrick and major event professional Jim Frayling.
Unless otherwise stated, all figures taken from omnibus research carried out by onepoll on behalf of Uswitch for Business.
This was an online poll of 100 entertainment venue decision makers in the UK. The research was conducted between 6th and 9th June, 2023.
Respondents were asked ‘If costs of the business you work at were to increase to higher levels, which of the following do you believe could happen to the business?’, 40% said ‘it may have to make staff redundant’, 35% said ‘it might be unable to pay energy bills on time’, and 27% said ‘it may have to close down’.
Respondents were asked ‘Please estimate the proportion of your total business expenses that can be attributed to energy bills?’, the average response was 35.2%.
Respondents were asked ‘At what capacity (i.e., number of tickets sold) is the business you work at currently operating at for shows/performances?’, the average response was 50.4%.
Respondents were asked ‘What actions is your business taking to deal with high energy costs?’, 45% said ‘training all staff in energy efficiency measures’, 41% said ‘switching to more energy efficient / LED lighting (onstage or around the venue), 36% said ‘turning off, down or restricting air-conditioning or heating’, 27% said ‘increasing prices of refreshments at venue bars’, 19% said ‘opening the venue only during peak times of the week, 17% said ‘using less moving staging and production during shows, and 15% said ‘increasing prices of tickets’.
Respondents were asked ‘By what percentage have you had to raise overall prices?’, the average response was 25.1%.
Respondents were asked ‘What effects has the cost of living / rising energy prices had on your business?’, 39% said ‘customers are buying less refreshments’, 39% said ‘customers are choosing less expensive seats when buying tickets, 34% said ‘our business margins are smaller than previously’, 19% said ‘less of a demand for on the day tickets’.
Respondents were asked ‘What are your biggest concerns for your business in the next year?’, 60% said ‘energy bills’, 41% said ‘inflation rates’, 30% said ‘staff costs’, 27% said ‘customers reducing non-essential spending’.
Respondents were asked ‘Does your business currently have as many tickets sold compared to this time last year?’, 26% said ‘it has less tickets sold than this time last year’.
Respondents were asked ‘Which of the following statements do you agree with’, 36% said ‘my business was just starting to recover from the impact of the pandemic, and now energy costs are providing an even worse challenge’, 35% said ‘I am hopeful that the price of energy will drop in the next 3-6 months’, and 32% said ‘I feel anxious about the future of the industry’.
Tickets are on sale now for National Youth Choir of Scotland’s (NYCOS) tour of Europe in late July. Widely acclaimed as one of the best choirs in the world, regardless of age, they are set to bring magical performances of Maurice Duruflé’s ethereal Requiem, Benjamin Britten’s ever popular Rejoice in the Lamb and American composer Stacy Garrop’s exploration of three types of love in Sonnets of Desire, Longing, and Whimsy.
Between 25 and 30 July, the choir famed for its high-energy performances under the artistic direction of Christopher Bell performs this collection of rich choral work at St. Lawrence’s Parish Church in York as part of the Ryedale Festival; Église St. Eustache in Paris (yes, they are taking Duruflé to the French!), France; St. Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium; and St. Nicholaas Basilica in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The choir then returns to Scotland’s capital to finish the tour in Edinburgh this August. Christopher Bell will be conducting all concerts with Michael Bawtree on organ.
For many singers being a part of NYCOS is a life-changing experience and this tour is set to be special for many members as they head into their last year as part of the ensemble. It is also one of the most experienced groups that NYCOS has toured, with the leavers now in their mid-twenties with up to 10 years of singing together under their belts.
In a cosmopolitan trip round the continent to capitals both ancient and modern, a particular highlight is set to be its concert in Paris, where Scotland’s young singers perform in the Église St. Eustache. Gregorian chant and the deep emotion of Duruflé’s writing combine in his Requiem to fill this beautiful 17th-century church with mesmerising and shimmering sound.
The choir’s summer culminates in a performance at the Edinburgh International Festival on Sunday 13 August in a favourite venue for them, the Usher Hall. NYCOS will be joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, alongside former members of the choir – Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 Catriona Morison and member of Academia Teatro all Scala in Milan in 2019-20 Paul Grant – as soloists.
In a special open access session at 4pm preceding the concert, Christopher Bell – renowned for his expertise in music education – will give audiences a rare glimpse into NYCOS’ musicianship technique.
Masters of the Kodály method of music teaching devised by Hungarian musicologist Zoltán Kodály in the mid-20th century, Bell and 200 young singers will explore and explain the method which has been central to NYCOS’ work for 25 years in a typically sparky presentation, before performing their last concert of the tour.
Christopher Bell, Artistic Director of National Youth Choir of Scotland said: “The National Youth Choir of Scotland combines the best of singing with the energy, enthusiasm and passion of youth.
“Audiences, world renowned conductors and orchestras have been delighted to hear the quality of sound and experience the commitment of Scotland’s young people. Please join us for what promises to be five outstanding performances this summer.’’
Join them for DUSK, where you can experience a new wellness movement. Move your body through a glorious yoga practice to a DJ, reclaim the dancefloor, and still be home in time to pop your feet up on the sofa and get up early the next day. Or if you’re really feeling it, you could continue to party the night away!
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is kicking off the summer in style with its exclusive series of free rooftop events – Sunset Sessions.
Hosted on the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace that boasts unbeatable views of the city’s Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, the spectacular events will showcase Scottish musical talent, including Beth Karp and Kohla, who will bring the ultimate summer ambience as the sun sets over Edinburgh’s iconic skyline.
Launching on the 9th of June and taking place every Friday and Saturday evening from 7:45pm to 9:45pm throughout summer, the free events are set to bring Edinburgh’s music community together and provide a platform for up-and-coming artists.
The Sunset Sessions will offer locals and music lovers alike with an unmatched experience: providing views that can’t be seen from anywhere else in the city, local artist performances and refreshing drinks.
Better yet, blankets will be on hand so guests can cosy up whilst enjoying their favourite performers. After the sun sets, guests can enjoy more live entertainment, drinks and delicious food at Eve and Commons Club which will both be open till late.
The Sunset Session events nod to Virgin’s musical roots, with Virgin Hotels founder, Sir Richard Branson, starting independent record label, Virgin Records, back in 1972.
David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We are thrilled to launch the highly anticipated Sunset Sessions at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, as it promises to be an extraordinary experience for our guests.
“Our rooftop offers the absolute best vantage point to witness the sun as it sets over Edinburgh’s beautiful skyline and we’ve secured some of the very best up and coming musical talent from around Scotland to perform. We look forward to welcoming everyone to join us throughout the summer to enjoy unbeatable views, drinks and live entertainment”.
Sunset Sessions is just one of many events taking place at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, including a host of seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year.
To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s channels on social media here:
Friday 16th June
7pm
The Bongo Club | 66 Cowgate | Edinburgh
