Tag: music

Edinburgh International Festival 2024 set to ignite festival season opening weekend

  • The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival begins today with the first of more than 160 events in an exhilarating 24-day celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital city. More than 2,000 internationally renowned artists from across 42 nations, including more than 1,000 Scottish artists, will perform.
  • The International Festival opens with Opening Event: Where to Begin, an immersive outdoor experience in partnership with The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky. The event is set to welcome thousands in central Edinburgh, blending installation, projection and live performance for only three nights, from 2 – 4 August. 
     
  • First week highlights include: the world-premiere staged adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir The Outrun, the Scottish premiere of Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov’s La Pasión según San Marcos, and the UK production premiere of Carmen, direct from Paris’s legendary opera house, Opéra-Comique. 
  • To ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to cultural discovery, 2024 sees our most generous concessions policy to date: 50% of tickets for the 2024 International Festival are sold at £30 or less. More than 4,000 £10 Affordable Tickets across every event in the programme have already been allocated to those who need them, and many more are still available. Tickets can be purchased from www.eif.co.uk. 

TODAY, the Edinburgh International Festival opens its 24-day programme of more than 160 events for its 77th edition. The original festival, the one that started it all in Edinburgh, runs 2 – 25 August, and features a hand-picked programme of the world-leading artists in theatre, dance, music and opera, framed by the theme of ‘Rituals That Unite Us’.  

More than 2,000 artists from across 42 nations will perform at the International Festival this August, in a major moment in the international arts calendar. Over 1,000 of these performers are from Scotland, and all five Scottish national performing arts companies are represented in this year’s programme. 

In 2024, Festival Director Nicola Benedetti’s second year, the International Festival brings 5 world premieres, 13 UK and Scottish premieres, and 2 European premieres to Edinburgh, including an extensive opera programme, with promenade opera Oedipus Rex in the National Museum of Scotland and two staged operas from major international companies: Carmen from the Opéra Comique and The Marriage of Figaro from Komische Oper Berlin. 

Kicking off the International Festival, Opening Event: Where to Begin invites nearly 10,000 visitors and locals alike to ignite their festival season with a communal experience which evokes the mythology and history of Scotland’s rich heritage. The new event in Edinburgh’s festival tradition will transform the grounds and magnificent renaissance architecture of George Heriot’s with immersive installation, live performance and video projection. 

Presented in partnership with The Macallan, with creative producer Pinwheel and support from EventScotland, the Opening Event runs across three nights from Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August. Tickets are available online for £15 and concessions from £7.50 are available. 

The first week of the International Festival also features not-to-be-missed performances from some of the world’s leading artists, including:

  • The world premiere of The Outrun, the stage adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir. Brought to life by Olivier Award-winning playwright Stef Smith, director Vicky Featherstone and Edinburgh’s producing theatre The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, The Outrun will run throughout August at the Church Hill Theatre. 
  • The most popular French opera in the world, Carmen, direct from Opéra-Comique – the Parisian opera house where it all began. The new production of Georges Bizet’s masterpiece is brought to the stage by director Andreas Homoki, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Music Director of the Opéra-Comique, Louis Langrée, with an international cast led by Gaëlle Arquez as Carmen; runs 4-8 August at the Festival Theatre. 
     
  • A two-part opening weekend exploring different ways of telling the same story, with two distinct interpretations of the Passion: Latin American and Afro-Cuban musical styles mix with contemporary classical expressions in the Scottish premiere of Osvaldo Golijov’s La Pasión según San Marcos, on 3 August at Usher Hall. On 4 August at Usher Hall, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, their Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus take on Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion.
  • The UK premiere of Penthesilea,Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s production of Heinrich von Kleist’s classic. Ferocious and emotionally charged, Penthesilea is a powerful fusion of a rock concert and an ancient tragic love story, likened to Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet; runs 3-6 August at The Lyceum.
  • The Scottish premiere of Please right back, award-winning company 1927’s new family production combining fantastical animations with bold storytelling to explore the effects of the criminal justice system; runs 2-11 August at The Studio.

2024’s programme also offers an increased range of innovative and informal audience experiences, designed to create a closer union between artists and audiences.   

Beanbag concerts are back after popular demand, designed to immerse audiences in an orchestral experience. Inspired by the work of Budapest Festival Orchestra founder and conductor Iván Fischer, audiences can take in the thrill and drama of the orchestra from the comfort of a beanbag or choose standard seating in the circle or balcony. Beanbag seating is still available for concerts by Brazil’s Ilumina, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the European Union Youth Orchestra conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. 

The Hub, the International Festival’s home on the Royal Mile, once again hosts the most intimate performances in informal surroundings. During August, The Hub is home to The Hub Club Cafe (11am-6.30pm; food service until 5pm) & Bar (6.30pm – late), with drop-in open-doors rehearsals and ‘Ask the Artist’ moments on select days. The Hub music series is truly international – spanning Scotland, Ireland, Wales, India, China, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, US, Germany, Egypt, Estonia and West Africa, with these artists sharing their musical heritage, cultures and rituals.  

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said: “As we raise the curtain to open this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, we’re reminded of the power of art to unite and inspire us all.

“One of the most moving things in the world, to me, is to see mass, collective effort at work. Each person adding their expertise and experience to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts – and this year’s International Festival programme is the epitome of such a thing.

“I can’t wait for us all to come together this month, to seek, feel and discover something new.” 

The 77th Edinburgh International Festival continues to 25 August.

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.eif.co.uk.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street hosts unmissable shows & exclusive experiences for Festival Fringe

Festivalgoers will be treated to the perfect blend of performances and given the chance to co-create their own bottle design using the power of AI

Johnnie Walker Princes Street The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience* on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh, is hosting a series of events from local performers as part of its Edinburgh Festival Fringe sponsorship which is now in its third year.

Kicking off the programme of Fringe events, which will be held in the venue’s Label Studio, will be a host of incredible talent from Be United. 

The group will energise audiences with electrifying performances from disco, soul, jazz and hip-hop as part of ‘This Is Your Fringe’(2nd & 3rd August), developed to showcase phenomenal Black talent within the Scottish creative sectors, inviting them to change the game at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The four artists, including singer Eyve, who performs a unique blend of hip hop, trap, jazz, and music which reflects her African roots are set to bring a celebration of community and exceptional music.

Additionally, throughout the festival (13-14, 16-17, 24-25th August), audiences can enjoy shows from a quartet of Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s very own Nicola Alexander and Lori Flannigan, and friends, who will be taking centre stage with ‘She Burns’.

The group who met while working in the venue will perform renditions of Burns poems interspersed with their own stories in a music and comedy cabaret style show, through a modern lens.

‘She Burns’ group members and current Experience Ambassadors, Nicola Alexander and Lori Flannigan, can also be spotted leading Johnnie Walker Prices Street’s signature ‘Journey of Flavour’.

What’s more, those visiting the venue from across the world will, for the first time at the venue, have the chance to enjoy this multi-sensory tour in Mandarin, Spanish, French and soon German, using special translation headsets.

Nicola said: “For us, performing She Burns in the place we met is an exciting full-circle moment. It will be brilliant to perform in this iconic building in the centre of Edinburgh during The Fringe.

“The team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street has always been behind us, nurturing our talents and continually championing the thriving arts and culture scene Scotland.”

Be United’s Creative Director, Collin Hills, said: “It’s fantastic to see a venue like Johnnie Walker Princes Street collaborating with smaller artists, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents in the centre of Edinburgh throughout the festival.

“Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s ambitions to champion the arts align perfectly with our own. ‘This is Your Fringe’ is a great fit to help open up the art and culture scene throughout The Fringe to both those who have never ventured into the festival, as well as for Fringe veterans.”

Those looking to add a truly exclusive experience to their Fringe itineraries can now book the Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith: Blue Label Bottle Design & Tasting Experience. Here, guests can co-create their very own unique bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label by harnessing cutting-edge, purpose-built AI-technology. 

The bottle design element can be complimented at no extra charge by a bookable expert-led tasting of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, as well as a guided tasting of the incredibly special limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Elusive Umami’, in the rooftop Explorers’ Bothy bar.

Catch ‘She Burns’ at Johnnie Walker Princes Street on: 13-14, 16-17, 24-25 August: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/she-burns

Search Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith experience to book: https://bit.ly/3W5R12v

August 2nd:

  • Groove Down: An Edinburgh-based disco-soul band, formed in 2022, Groove Down blends progressive soul, disco, house, and funk to create a fresh, multicultural sound that is uniquely their own.
  • Cling: Known for his infectious Afrobeats, Cling is poised to light up the stage with an energetic performance that will set the tone for the festival.

August 3rd

  • Eyve: Bringing a passionate blend of hip hop, trap, jazz, and African roots, Eyve’s music reflects her life experiences and commitment to social and political issues, gender equality, and inclusivity.
  • JEmmanuel: Making a significant impact since 2023, JEmmanuel will deliver a mesmerizing performance of Retro-Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Funk, continuing to captivate audiences across Edinburgh.

Local dementia charity to host showcase event

THE Forget Me Notes Project, an Edinburgh based charity which offers support to dementia sufferers throughout the capital via the medium of music, is hosting a showcase event next month to highlight and illustrate the wide range of activities it undertakes.

The charity was founded in 2018 by Alan Midwinter and Paul Barfoot and it focusses on utilising music as a means of helping alleviate the symptoms of those who live with dementia.

Activities include weekly performances by a 40 strong choir, regular music based attendances at care homes, community centres, parks and day centres as well as home visits for people living withThey also embrace modern technology by broadcasting their activities via ZOOM to people’s living rooms.

All in all Forget Me Notes undertakes in excess of 30 musical activities every month with a view to improving the lives of both those affected by dementia and their families.

The showcase event will take place on Tuesday 13th August at St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2DZ at 2pm.

Between 2pm and 5.30 it will feature a series of drop-in sessions, film and audio presentations as well as musical interludes, all designed to raise awareness of the charity’s aims.

The event will close at 5.30 followed by a ceilidh hosted by local musician Kenny Vass and his band.

Admission is free but those wishing to attend the ceilidh must book tickets (also free of charge) in advance. Full details of the event, along with a link to order tickets for the ceilidh, can be found on :-

http://www.forgetmenotes.org.uk/new-events-1/2024/8/13/forget-me-notes-showcase

Alan Midwinter, who is co-chief executive, said “You are  welcome to join us at St Brides to sample just what music can do both for our wellbeing and all round health. We are in for an inspiring day!”

Creative Scotland announces latest round of Open Fund awards

Across Scotland, 54 culture projects have received £1,245,021 from The National Lottery in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards. 

This round of awards spans a wide range of exciting projects from all genres, including a selection of musical projects taking direct inspiration from Scotland’s unique culture and landscapes.  

Video game director Kyle Banks has received funding for the composition of two modern renditions of Robert Burns’ song, My Heart’s in the Highlands, composed by Jon Konsolakis and with vocals performed by four-time BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year award winner, Siobhan Miller. 

The tracks will be released worldwide on all streaming platforms and featured on the soundtrack of Farewell North, a new Edinburgh-produced video game exploring the Orkney islands, available on 15 August. The game, named after the song, draws focus on Scotland’s rich culture and landscapes as your character embarks on a mental and physical journey to restore colour to the islands and her world. 

Director Kyle Banks commented: “With the support of the Open Fund we have the opportunity to take a beloved song segment from our game, Farewell North, and compose a pair of full-length singles for our audience to enjoy as a standalone piece of art.

“As a small team this is something that would not have been a viable option for us without this funding and it’s allowed us to share our love of Scotland worldwide.” 

Composer Ruta Vitkauskaite is collaborating with Founder and Director of the Illuminate Women’s Music Project Angela Slater to bring the project series to Scotland. Founded in 2017, Illuminate is a commissioning and touring series celebrating the creativity of women both as composers and performers.

Illuminate will tour newly commissioned works by diverse Scottish composers with each piece inspired by Scottish folklore reimagined through a contemporary music lens.  

Angela Slater and Ruta Vitkauskaite, photography by Ilmė Vyšniauskaitė and Adam Whittaker PR Gloo

Ruta Vitkauskaite says: “We are absolutely delighted to receive funding from Creative Scotland’s Open Fund. The support will allow us to introduce the Illuminate Women’s Music concert series to Scotland for the very first time, bringing some of the most vibrant female musical talents to audiences across Scotland.” 

The series will see concerts, workshops and talks taking place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Linlithgow, Kinlochard and onwards to Vilnius, Lithuania, providing creators with international exposure.

The first public in-person concert be held on Thursday 12 December at The Old Hairdresser’s in Glasgow and tickets will be available on the Illuminate Women’s Music website. 

Musician and composer Kate Young will release her second studio album, Umbelliferæ: A Musical Journey Through Plantlore in September 2024, accompanied by UK-wide album launch tour.

Originally commissioned by Celtic Connections, the album features a repertoire of songs inspired by Scotland’s natural heritage, with special focus on plant lore and traditional remedies made from native plants. The music is arranged for string quintet, double bass, harp and percussion.  

Kate Young photography by Somhairle MacDonald PR Gloo

Kate Young commented: “This is the release project of an album inspired by the world of traditional plant lore and medicinal uses from around the UK, which looks to spread awareness about such dying traditions through music.

“We look forward to taking this string quintet performance to a number of venues this Autumn.”  

For full tour details please visit Kate Young’s website.  

Further awards in this round of the Open Fund include: 

The full list of awards in this round of the Open Fund can be found on our website. 

Paul Burns, Interim Director of Arts at Creative Scotland commented: “Exploring the rich landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage of Scotland provides immense value to our communities.

“The latest initiatives supported by our Open Fund will offer invaluable opportunities for people across the country to engage with Scotland’s unique culture, made possible with the support of the National Lottery.” 

Fringe By The Sea: Score a Hat-trick in North Berwick next Saturday!

MUST-SEE THREE: Ray Mears, Tinderbox Orchestra, Yoko Pwno

With our big top headliner Del Amitri SOLD OUT (sob, sob) many weeks ago, it’s just as well we have oodles of other fab musical extravaganzas on next Saturday 3rd August…

In the Lodge Tent, you’ll find Yoko Pwno deliver their brilliant mash-up of original folk and electronic beats – a sound to behold.  

Earlier in the day the Tinderbox Orchestra will have the big top bouncing with a live musical experience that’s like no other.  “This is an orchestra Jim, but not as we know it…”

And if you’re after something more sedate or tips on how to survive on the wild side, Ray Mears is your man. What he doesn’t know about living in the great outdoors probably isn’t worth knowing.   

Of course, there’s plenty more comedy, kids shows and outright creative brilliance on show next Saturday, so take your pick and make a great big day out to the seaside complete. 

Don’t leave it too late, or you might just miss out like many a Del Amitri fan…

Do YOU have a talent? Join the line-up for Fort Kinnaird’s first ever Summer Live event!

Scotland’s largest outdoor shopping centre, Fort Kinnaird, is on the lookout for local performers to step into the spotlight as part of its inaugural Summer Live event.

Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2nd August – 18th August between 12-5pm, the centre is giving all type of performers from musicians, dancers and actors, to uplifting choirs, spoken word poets and solo singers the chance to showcase their talents to hundreds of local people.

The Summer Live stage will be set up near Hotel Chocolat, with a seating area for visitors to enjoy acts, and performers will be allocated a 30-minute time slot.

Fort Kinnaird is also partnering with East Lothian Arts Service – a council run programme supporting the arts – to host a series of workshops and performances from local community groups across the three weekends.

This will include sessions from The Brunton’s Performing Arts Network, East Lothian Youth Music Forum (ELJam), Sistema and Tinderbox Collective. Separately there will also be a variety of performances from The Theatre School of Scotland.

And as part of the centre’s commitment to supporting the arts, Fort Kinnaird will also be donating £1,000 to Tinderbox Collective to support an ongoing initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries, so people can borrow them for free – just like taking out a book – which is currently operated locally within Craigmillar and Moredun libraries.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “With a series of city-centre events hosting Edinburgh’s talent across the summer, we wanted to get involved to support even more local performers and groups to share their talent with the local community.

“We also hope our donation to Tinderbox Collective will help more people discover or continue to pursue their musical talents.

“We’re incredibly excited for our first ever Summer Live event. If you would like to take part, or even just find out more information, we’d encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible as we expect the line-up to fill up pretty quickly.”

Fancy taking part? All you need to do is contact info@fortkinnaird.com with the following:

  • Your stage name and type of performance
  • How many people are in your group (maximum is 30)
  • What times/days you are available and how long your set is
  • Details on if an electrical supply is required
  • The equipment you would like to bring*

For more information visit: Got talent? Take part in Summer Live | Fort Kinnaird Shopping in Edinburgh

To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

*Please note that all electrical equipment must be PAT tested.

Friends of Saughton Park set to mark tenth anniversary this Saturday

The Friends of Saughton Park are celebrating our 10 year anniversary with a community event on Saturday 27 July from 12 till 4pm.

There will be music at the band stand and family activities – hope you can come and celebrate with us!

BBC ALBA celebrates 25 years of Skipinnish with a special broadcast of Edinburgh Castle concert

BBC ALBA is giving viewers the chance to relive a special concert celebrating 25 years of Skipinnish with the broadcast of Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal.

As part of the summertime Castle Concerts series, Scotland’s celebrated Celtic rock band Skipinnish played a stunning set at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Supported by Scottish folk singer Karen Matheson OBE, and with guest appearances from long-time collaborator Rachel Walker, Runrig legend Malcolm Jones and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, the open-air concert paid homage to the band’s journey, emerging from the heart of the Scottish Highlands and Islands to become a household name across the nation. 

Recorded at Edinburgh Castle in front of thousands of fans, BBC ALBA is giving audiences across the country the chance to revel in the musical highlights of the momentous concert.

Viewers have the opportunity to watch the band perform some of their best loved songs, including fan favourites Walking on the Waves, Alive and The Island, just a week after the live event, on Friday (19 July.)

Angus MacPhail, founding band member said “This was the gig of a lifetime. The majestic setting, our friends and heroes Malcolm Jones, Karen Matheson and Donald Shaw joining us, the power and presence of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, the sheer number of our amazing fans and the sound of them cheering and singing – even the weather was on our side!

“Our families were there with us to celebrate and importantly it’s been captured for posterity by BBC ALBA.”

Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: “Being at Edinburgh Castle last Friday, basking in the glorious summer sunshine and witnessing an incredible musical performance from Skipinnish was a moment that will live long in the memory.

“Their longstanding success is testament to the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music. It’s great to be able to share such an iconic concert with BBC ALBA viewers – giving both those who were unable to be in attendance, and the fans who made their way to Scotland’s capital, a chance to relive a magical night.”

Alongside the music that made the band famous, an additional programme will broadcast on BBC ALBA later this year, featuring exclusive interviews with members and co-founders Angus MacPhail and Andrew Stevenson.

Don’t miss Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal, premiering on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Friday 19 July at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: BBC ALBA – Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal

Old Mother Blackbird takes flight for singer songwriter Sophie Bancroft

Celebrated local singer songwriter Sophie Bancroft’s short film Old Mother Blackbird has recently been chosen as part of a dementia-responsive programme of short films, screening on Virgin Atlantic flights over the next six months.

Old Mother Blackbird, which will also be highlighted in Virgin’s onboard magazine Vera as a ‘Vera Loves’ highlighted film, is a story about maternal love, caring for your children as they grow up, and the emptiness often felt when they finally leave home.

It was first screened at the Women Over Fifty Film Festival (WOFFF) in 2023, and was inspired by a mother blackbird who nested in Sophie’s own garden in Pathhead, a village situated 12 miles south of Edinburgh, during lockdown.

The music and words are written and performed by Sophie with her duo Bancroft & Lyne, and her collage used to illustrate the story, is hand-made.

Sophie works as a solo artist, collaborator, and as part of duo Bancroft & Lyne with bass player and partner Tom Lyne. 

She has released nine albums to date and plans to release the song from Old Mother Blackbird as a track on the duo’s forthcoming album.

Sophie’s first short film (S)kin about a mother’s hands and the generational love between mothers, grandmothers, and their children, won best documentary short at the 8 & HalFilm Awards and was screened at the Women Over Fifty Film Festival – WOFFF in 2021 and Italian film festival Cinema D’Idea in 2022. 

Sophie’s creative work has often reflected her own personal story. Her current work is inspired by the perspectives of middle age. She has recently collaborated on creative ageing projects with her local choir and with arts organisation Deepness Dementia Media, who are based in the Isle of Lewis.

Deepness Dementia Media provide help for people with dementia to ‘live well’, become autonomous and get the most out of life, and Sophie is currently working with them as music director, songwriter and composer for Dementia: The Musical written by Ron Coleman, which will tour major theatres around Scotland this autumn.

Sophie said: “I am thrilled that my short film Old Mother Blackbird is part of this dementia-responsive programme.

“Inspired by an extraordinarily brave and loyal mother blackbird that set up nest in my garden in a wee village south of Edinburgh, Scotland, it is wonderful to see her universal story of maternal love and family taking flight across the world.”

Sophie Bancroft is a singer and songwriter with a unique blend of jazz and folk influences. She has released nine CDs to date including Songs which was listed as one of The Herald’s top 50 Scottish albums of 2015. 

Monday Nights, the most recent release from her duo Bancroft & Lyne was listed in Jazzviews top jazz albums of 2020.

Her music has been used on HBO’s award winning TV series Six Feet Under and recorded by top jazz vocalists including Liane Carroll with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2019 she was awarded a Masters with distinction in Creative Writing and more recently she has expanded her creative practice to include creative writing, photography and film-making.

Sophie also co-leads The Pathhead Choir, is a founder member of the award-winning Pathhead Music Collective, and of Jazz Forward, a new collective music organisation representing and showcasing some of the original jazz being written in Scotland.

Old Mother Blackbird is available to watch on YouTube and as part of Virgin’s inflight entertainment package from now until December 2024.

The film has also been made into a children’s book and a series of greeting cards which are available to order online.

www.sophiebancroft.co.uk

Music legend Lulu reveals she has moderate hearing loss as a result of 60 years of live performances

New poll finds nearly a quarter of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing

  • The revelation comes just weeks after the showbiz icon, who is in her seventh decade of performing, appeared at Glastonbury Festival and announced the second part of her farewell tour.
  • Specsavers has partnered with the music legend, alongside DJ and tinnitus sufferer Woody Cook and the Night Time Industries Association, to encourage people to safeguard their hearing.

British legend Lulu has revealed she is living with moderate hearing loss – after a hearing check at Specsavers revealed the impact that 60 years in the music industry has had on her hearing.

The news that her career has damaged her hearing comes just weeks after the Scottish singing sensation – who is on her seventh decade of performing her debut single ‘Shout’ – wowed crowds at Glastonbury and announced dates in November as part of her farewell ‘Champagne for Lulu’ tour.

The music icon is now calling on music lovers to take steps to protect their own hearing, as a new poll reveals 23% of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing.

The study, commissioned by Specsavers of 900 adults who attend concerts and festivals, found that, in Scotland, 40% have noticed a negative impact on their hearing immediately after a gig – with 47% experiencing ringing in their ears, 33% buzzing and 35% a muffled sensation. Just over a quarter (26%) said they had suffered temporary hearing loss, while just under a quarter, (21%) experienced pain in their ears.

Despite this, over half (55%) of those in Scotland planning to attend a live music event this summer are unlikely to wear hearing protection. Of these, 48% said they avoid it because they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the experience as much, and over a quarter (33%) thought it would alter the quality of the music, which is not the case.

Lulu said: ‘After being on stage nearly all of my life, I have always noticed ringing and muffled sounds, but never really thought much of it.

‘Music has always been a cornerstone of everything I do, so it’s incredibly important that I can still enjoy it. Wearing hearing aids will mean I can continue to hear every note.

‘But it’s more than just this – connecting with people is a huge part of my life and I want to be able to join the conversation and not be left out of it. The good news is it’s not too late for me to preserve the rest of my hearing.

‘Using hearing protection is such a simple and easy thing to do when around live music and I urge others to wear it.

‘Music is still my life, and I plan to carry on enjoying it for many years to come.’

The average volume at a live music event is between 115 and 120 decibels (dB) – which could damage hearing if exposed to it for long enough without hearing protection. The survey found a quarter (74%) of people in Scotland didn’t know that the average volume was that high.

Romaan Babar, audiologist at Specsavers, said: ‘With festival season well underway, it is crucial music lovers protect their hearing. Repeated exposure to high decibel levels at gigs and festivals has the potential to lead to permanent damage, such as sound-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

‘In fact, hearing damage can start at around 85 dB if you are exposed to it for eight hours plus – such as at a festival – if you don’t wear ear plugs. Each additional 3 dB of volume cuts that exposure time in half, so by the time the volume reaches 100 dB, which is still less than the average gig, it could only take 15 minutes for your hearing to be damaged – which is quite scary.’

Specsavers has partnered with Lulu, DJ Woody Cook, who has tinnitus, and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to promote the need to wear hearing protection to live music lovers and people who work in the sector.

Woody says he wishes he’d taken steps to protect his hearing earlier. He says: ‘Without doubt, the tinnitus I suffer with today is a result of listening to loud music. Sometimes it makes me feel like I have a continual electric buzz or high-pitched noise in my head which makes me feel really disorientated.

‘I love music – and obviously, I work as a DJ – so my tinnitus has a massive impact on my personal and professional life. I wish I had known about the risks earlier. I’m now taking steps to protect my hearing from any further damage and recommend others to do the same.’

In another survey, among those working in venues with loud music in 91% have experienced a negative impact on their hearing, with reporting tinnitus (36%) or hearing loss (36%). 29%) rarely or never wear hearing protection at work – with a quarter (25%) saying that’s because their employer has not provided them with it.

The NTIA, which represents the UK’s clubs, bars and pubs, launched the Listen for Life campaign last October to raise awareness of the importance of hearing protection. It has partnered with Specsavers as part of a new industry report ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ to launch a new Night Time Economy Charter, which will help businesses to better look after the hearing health of colleagues and customers.

Mike Kill, CEO of the NTIA, says it’s worrying how common hearing loss and tinnitus are for those working in the night time industries. He added: ‘We want those who enjoy going to festivals, gigs, pubs, bars and clubs to be able to enjoy them without damaging their hearing – and for those who work in loud environments to be given the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves.

“This charter can play a massive part in doing that.’

Romaan Babar adds: ‘What might start as a minor annoyance after a gig can lead to long-term consequences.

“It’s never too late to start protecting your ears. Wearing ear plugs, not standing too close to speakers, and taking breaks from loud environments can all help preserve your hearing.’

You can read about more about hearing protection in the ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ report here: www.specsavers.co.uk/reports/hearing-health-2024, and more about ‘Listen for life’ and the NTIAs 10-point charter for businesses here: https://ntia.co.uk/listen-for-life-campaign/ 

Find out more about hearing protection at Specsavers at specsavers.co.uk/hearing. 

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