Tag: music

Pete Townshend’s music amplifies Blood Donor Day celebrations

  • Musician Pete Townshend has given permission for his classic song ‘Give Blood’ to be used for the first time to promote blood donation. Global Blood Fund, a charity focused on encouraging voluntary blood donation, has produced world-music interpretations in multiple languages for international use to inspire a new generation of blood donors.
  • World Blood Donor Day on 14 June is one of only nine official WHO Global Health Days, celebrating each year the vital contributions of tens of millions of blood donors around the world in enabling hospital procedures and saving lives. This year’s event is especially important as global pandemic has devastated worldwide blood collection.

To celebrate World Blood Donor Day today (14 June), the charity Global Blood Fund (GBF) has released multiple interpretations of Pete Townshend’s song ‘Give Blood’, performed by leading musicians from around the world.

Set to video to encourage sharing on social media and through other channels, these are being donated by the charity free-of-charge to blood services in low and middle-income countries throughout Africa, Latin America and the Middle-East for use on and around World Blood Donor Day.

Pete Townshend, guitarist and principal songwriter for the legendary rock band The Who comments; “Although it is now more than 35 years since I wrote the song ‘Give Blood’, this is the first time it has actually been used to encourage donation.

“Shortage of blood around the world is a huge issue, particularly in poorer countries, and so I was delighted to give permission for Global Blood Fund to use my work to help communicate the need for more donors to come forward.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that the minimum number of units of blood needed to sustain an adequate level of health equals 1% of a nation’s population – 10 units per 1000 people.

Yet many poorer countries fall well short of this goal. The lack of infrastructure and equipment for collection and processing of blood components is a key impediment to providing a sustainable blood supply, as is a severe shortage of volunteer donors.

Though blood and safe transfusion services are essential parts of any strong health system, the safety, sustainability and adequacy of blood remains a major health challenge for numerous countries.

GBF’s Executive Director, Gavin Evans, explains the thinking behind the approach. “Each year it becomes harder for messages about the importance of blood donation to cut through to the public, even though tens of thousands tragically die because of blood shortages.

“But with music such an influential part of people’s lives – especially in many of those countries that struggle most to collect enough blood – for 2021 we are using lyrics and melody to highlight the extraordinary impact of donor generosity.

“Not only do these individuals help save the lives of those in need of a blood transfusion, but the benefit to family, friends and the wider community of helping that patient recover is also profound. Using music as the medium, we think we have some really powerful messaging – and a great set of songs that people will enjoy in their own right.”

Working closely with national and regional blood services around the world, the music tracks will be released through multiple channels in the run up to 14 June, with national blood services encouraged to ‘get creative’ in how they use materials; as young donors in Bungoma County in Kenya did here and in Cameroon here.

Evans adds; “Our hope is that thousands of new life-saving blood donors will come forward in all the countries using these materials.”

The following versions of the song, which are featured in a purpose-made video, are being released:

As well as YouTube links above, all materials can also be accessed via: 

https://globalbloodfund.org/wbdd-resources/

Edinburgh hip-hop artist, CTRL, breaking through with poignant new single ahead of Father’s Day

From a childhood diagnosis of ADHD to his darkest moments dealing with grief – the latest track from Edinburgh hip-hop artist, CTRL, is a raw, gritty, full, and frank autobiographical insight into his life.

Solo artist Chris Thomas, also known as CTRL – a play on his initials and a reference to his determination to control his own future – speaks openly about his personal experiences on the single, ‘R.S’. The most defining moment being the untimely death of his father, Richard, when CTRL was just 19 years old. His decision to release the record ahead of Father’s Day is a fitting tribute to the most important figure in his life story.

Discussing the inspiration behind the track, CTRL explains: ‘R.S. is about facing up to the worst moments in my life, processing it all, and channelling that energy into shaping my future. It’s based on a text message my father sent me – his words of wisdom which still guide me today – and it’s what I wish I had the chance to say to him today’.

The artist, now 23, first made a name for himself in the Edinburgh rap and hip-hop scene as a regular DJ in the capital. And now he’s taking his love for the genre one step further by founding a record label, Habibi Records, with fellow music lovers, Paddy Do Rego and Mezzo.

‘We want to provide a platform for the amazing talent here in Scotland and we’re looking to sign aspiring, hungry, lyrically-driven rappers’ says CTRL.

Spotting and nurturing talent is something that comes naturally to CTRL, who is also CEO of tech company, incovo, co-owner of street food venue, Ozen, and podcast presenter on The Chris & Ryan Show.

As he says on the single, ‘Richard said, anything worth having in life will take a plan, time and effort’. And with plans to release further tracks in the coming months as well as talk of musical collaborations, it’s clear his father instilled an admirable work ethic in his son, whose unrelenting dynamism and energy is getting him noticed.

R.S. was written and performed by CTRL, produced by Paddy Do Rego, and mixed and mastered by Leftmind. It was recorded in Edinburgh, and the accompanying video was also shot in the city. Watch the full video at https://youtu.be/zjSK-SqI44s or download the track at ditto.fm/rs-ctrl.

To find out more, follow @ctrl_musicofficial on Instagram, @habibirecords_ on Instagram, and Habibi Records on YouTube.

Music students perform exclusive gig for care home residents

ASPIRING musicians from Edinburgh College blew care home residents away during a private garden concert.

The three performers, Nualla Macgregor, Seonaid Wilson and Chloe Mak, visited Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa to deliver an outdoor musical extravaganza consisting of singing, piano, clarinet and clarsach – a Celtic harp.

Inspired by a class project, the group, NCS Collective, chose to play for the Midlothian-based care home after it was recommended to them by a teacher.

Band member, Seonaid said: “After hearing about the concerts our teacher had performed at Pine Villa, and how much the residents loved it, we all decided to perform there ourselves.

 “It was our first concert out of lockdown and first concert at a care home so we were especially keen to organise a socially distanced performance to bring some in-house entertainment while venues are still closed.

“It was amazing to finally be able to make music again and perform for other people. It was really gratifying.”

After hosting a successful concert in April, the group were eager to schedule a summer performance in the sunshine.

The band perform a variety of songs from Disney anthems to The Beatles and are all selected by the residents themselves.

Clarsach player, Nualla, added: “It’s important to us that we perform songs the residents want to listen to, so we prepare a questionnaire with lots of different choices for residents to fill out.

“From there, we compile a set list and rehearse together ahead of the concert. Some top picks included Abba, Disney, The Beatles and pop songs – which were all so fun to perform and very different from our usual classical music set list.”

“We’re hoping to keep this going on a regular basis and arrange for concerts every couple of months if we have the time and if the residents want us back.”

Denise Williams, Pine Villa Care Home Manager in Loanhead, said: “It was amazing. We had residents tapping their feet and singing along, they really enjoyed it.

Margaret Morton, resident at Pine Villa said: “It was lovely sitting in the sunshine listening to the music.

Rena Flavell, resident at Pine Villa added: “The harp music was very special, it was all really lovely.”

20 year old Chloe said: “It was a great time! I think both the staff and residents really enjoyed it. The residents loved seeing all of our individual instruments and talents, so we prepared more solos as well as ensemble pieces.

“As classical performers, this isn’t something we usually get to do, so seeing how much everyone at Pine Villa enjoyed our performance was really inspiring and has definitely encouraged us to go back.”

Mansfield Care specialise in small, friendly residential care homes in Edinburgh, Borders and west of Scotland; each designed to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Mansfield Care ethos is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.

Hidden Door Festival heads to Granton Gasometer

MAIN PICTURE: Fabio Scalici Photography

Hidden Door Festival 2021 is heading to Granton Gasworks, with the festival taking place in the shadow of the historic gas holder. The site at West Shore Road will be transformed into an outdoor celebration of music, visual art, theatre, dance and spoken word from 15 – 19 September 2021.

Organisers plan on building two stages for music performances, lighting up the gas holder to create a dramatic backdrop, with sculptures displayed throughout the site.

The large, open space will allow Hidden Door 2021 to be flexible, adapting to comply with the  coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.

Over five days, the event will showcase the work of at least 30 graduates, four site artists, eight dance groups and two theatre companies, highlighting some of the best emerging talent in Scotland.

An old pencil drawing of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting on their horses, by Wilhelm Marstrand.

David Martin, Creative Director of Hidden Door, said: “Taking on the site of the Granton Gasworks is an exciting opportunity for Hidden Door to adapt, as we need to, in order to start bringing live events back to the city. We are used to working in the nooks and crannies of disused buildings, so moving to a big open site like this is really liberating!

“We are designing the event so that there will be enough space for everyone to be safe and to be able to accommodate social distancing if we still need to work with those restrictions, but the epic nature of the site, with the incredible gas tower landmark looming over us, means we will be able to create a spectacle and an atmosphere, and bring about the wow-factor that our audience expects from a Hidden Door venue. 

“We can’t wait to get on site and start turning it into a creative and joyful showcase of Scotland’s emerging talent. Early career artists and performers have been so badly affected by the pandemic, so they are front and centre for this event, and we are looking forward to showing how much talent there is to celebrate.”

Edinburgh College, who occupy the area close to the Gasworks where the festival will be held, are enthusiastically welcoming the festival on to the site. As well as opening the gates to Hidden Door, they hope to use the festival as a training opportunity for students on a number of courses.

Jakki Jeffery, Head of Creative Industries at Edinburgh College, said: “It’s fantastic that Hidden Door have chosen this site close to the iconic Granton Gasworks to host their 2021 festival.

“It will be wonderful to see the space transformed to showcase creative talent which we hope our students can play a part in, and take inspiration and experience from to boost their future careers.” 

Tickets

Tickets are available via www.hiddendoorblog.org/tickets or from Citizen Ticket. Once the full programme is announced, ticket holders will be able to select which days they would like to attend.

Native Edinburgh to host Scottish band Fatherson on their terrace

Leading aparthotel group Native is set to host Scottish alternative rock band, Fatherson on their private garden terrace next month.  

This one-off money-can’t-buy event takes place on June 5th with thirty lucky guests to celebrate the stylish Edinburgh hotel reopening. 

The band made up of Ross Leighton, Greg Walkinshaw and Marc Strain have toured relentlessly including sold-out headline shows across the UK and Europe, plus support slots with Lewis Capaldi, Kings Of Leon, Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Augustines, Idlewild and Twin Atlantic

When they’re not touring, Fatherson spends the rest of their time cooking up a storm – and sharing their recipes with fans through their ‘Cooking With Fatherson’ channels on their website. Their pizza pop-ups have become legendary amongst other bands backstage at festivals across the country and now they’re bringing their cooking to Native Edinburgh.

This exclusive ‘Cooking With Fatherson X Native’ event will be a chance for fans of the band to hang out and enjoy a pizza Fatherson on Native’s terrace. They’ve previously cooked for Lewis Capaldi so you’ll be in good company. 

To get your hands on complimentary tickets for this intimate gig, simply head to Fatherson’s Instagram between Tuesday 25 to Thursday,  27 May to enter their giveaway.

Thirty lucky winners will be announced to join them at Native Edinburgh for this exclusive get-together and complimentary pizza and drink.  

Greg Walkinshaw of Fatherson said: “Cooking With Fatherson started out after we took our pizza oven on tour feeding our crew, pals and other bands backstage at festivals.

“After a long year without seeing anyone, we’re really looking forward to dishing out some slices to some new pals next month in Edinburgh!”

Native Edinburgh – newly opened last year in Kintore House on Queens Street, was originally constructed in the 1790s. The building is a significant part of the original fabric of Edinburgh’s New Town, an area of outstanding neo-classical and Georgian architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site.

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.

Gary White, Regional Manager of Scotland Native aparthotels, said: “Like the rest of the world, it feels good to be back reopened and being able to put on intimate events.

“Cooking with Fatherson is our first event on our Edinburgh terrace and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off than with this incredible Scottish band. If you’d like to join us, make sure you visit Fatherson’s Instagram page.”

Cooking with Fatherson X Native Edinburgh will take place on Saturday, 5th June from 4pm until 7pm on the Native Edinburgh terrace. 

For more information on Native aparthotels, head to:

https://www.nativeplaces.com/property/native-edinburgh/ 

Napier students hit the right note with record label launch

Up and coming musicians, bands and artists from across Scotland have a new platform to showcase their talents on thanks to a new record label launched by Edinburgh Napier music students.

Launching last night (10 May) with a special online showcase event, Mirror Glass Records and its first four bands and artists were unleashed into the world.

Founded and run by 14 third year BA (Hons) Popular Music students, the label aims to give a platform to the best new music from Edinburgh and further afield.

The first batch of artists signed to the label include Niamhy Mac, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the remote village of Applecross in the Highlands, Edinburgh-based producer Coben, Edinburgh band Ketracel White and Glasgow-born, Hawaii-raised artist, Sacul.

All four were part of last night’s online launch event and will feature on the label’s first showcase EP which will be released later this month.

Mirror Glass Records has been set up as part of the students’ Music Industries and Entrepreneurship business module, but the aims and goals of the label are far-reaching.

The students behind the label want to redefine how a music label operates and aim to give its artists and community the voice they believe they deserve.

From supporting its artists through transparent and fair contracts, to being committed to equality among its staff, artists and events, the label is focused on doing things differently. 

Anibal Ravani, a member of Mirror Glass Records’ development team, said: “Mirror Glass Records is an ethical, eclectic, new artist music label that aims to do things differently from day one.

“Led by a group of musicians and entrepreneurs from all over the world, we are committed to developing and innovating our own and our artists’ musical practice in Edinburgh.

“We’re so excited to launch the label after months of planning and we’re so proud of our four initial bands and artists – we can’t wait to help shine a spotlight on their talent.

“We want to be known as a transparent and ethical record label, involving our artists and staff in the entire process, making it as fair and as equal as we can. This is really the bedrock on which the entire label has been founded upon.

“We have a vision for Mirror Glass Records in that we want to create a community of creative professionals, firstly from within Edinburgh Napier and then further afield. The University, through its creative students such as those who study Graphic Design, Journalism and Film, already has this community but we want to harness this even more and help create something that all associated with the University – and hopefully many others – can be proud of.”

Dr Paul Harkins, Lecturer in Music, said: “I’m very proud of what this group of students have achieved over the last few months. As part of the Entrepreneurship module, we set them a task in January to plan, organise, and release an EP of music by Edinburgh Napier students.

“They have worked with energy and enthusiasm to develop a label for the University based on new and innovative ideas.

“Collaborating with students on other programmes to create a strong visual identity, they have identified some of the most exciting talent on both our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.”

More details on Mirror Glass Records can be found at www.mirrorglassrecords.co.uk

The label and EP launch event can be viewed at the label’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Percussionist Fang Zhang wins BBC Young Musician 2020

17-year-old percussionist Fang Zhang – born in China’s Henan province and a recent student of Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester – has been revealed as BBC Young Musician 2020.

The announcement was made during the broadcast of the competition’s Grand Final on BBC Four and BBC Radio 3 last nght, presented by BBC Young Musician regular Josie d’Arby,  organist and conductor Anna Lapwood, and star saxophonist Jess Gillam.

Fang Zhang (above, left) follows in the footsteps of 19-year-old American-born/UK-based pianist Lauren Zhang, who won the competition in 2018 and went on to perform in the UK and beyond, including a debut at the BBC Proms in 2018, and appearances as soloist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, European  Union Chamber Orchestra, China National Symphony Orchestra, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – among others.

Previous BBC Young Musician winners include celebrated classical music stars such as cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, violinist Nicola Benedetti, and clarinettist Mark Simpson.  

A recent student at Manchester’s prestigious Chetham’s School of Music, which he joined in September 2018, Fang Zhang is a member of China Youth Percussion Orchestra, and thanks to this scheme he has been performing around the world since he was 11 years old.

Despite his young age, he has already won prizes at international percussion competitions all around the world, including USA, Japan, and his native China. Among his tutors are international percussion luminaries such as Royal Northern College of Music Deputy Director of Percussion Le Yu, and Chen ShaoLun, president of the Shanghai National Percussion Association.

Fang Zhang impressed the judging panel with a performance of one of the gems in contemporary marimba repertoire: Prism Rhapsody by Japanese composer and marimba innovator Keiko Abe. He was accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth. 

The panel was chaired by Chief Executive of Saffron Hall Angela Dixon, and included composer, clarinettist and BBC Young Musician 2006 winner Mark Simpson, composer Errollyn Wallen, Principal Conductor with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Ryan Bancroft, and experimental composer and turntable artist Shiva Feshareki.

Taking place after a year-long delay due to the global pandemic, the socially-distanced BBC Young Musician 2020 Grand Final was filmed on Sunday 25 April at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall without an audience in attendance.

The competition’s three finalists performed on stage with the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, performing with reduced  numbers to allow the required social distancing.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1387814009710256128

Fang Zhang says: “I am honoured and delighted to win BBC Young Musician 2020, and feel so lucky considering the talent of the other finalists.

“The BBC team is amazing and I want to thank them and my schools, Chetham’s School of Music and Qingdao Percussion College, for supporting me through the whole programme in every possible way.”

On Fang Zhang’s performance at the Grand Final, Angela Dixon says: “BBC Young Musician 2020 has been an outstanding competition, the standard has been incredibly high and all three finalists showed exceptional musicianship.

“Fang chose to perform on a single instrument, the marimba, but elicited a kaleidoscope of colours and expression from it that deeply moved the jury and presenters.  It was a privilege to be one of the few people to hear his performance live.”

Conductor Mark Wigglesworth says: “BBC Young Musician is always a glorious celebration of the future, but especially this year, it offers a much needed sense of optimism to everyone in the classical music world. 

“All three finalists have shown a tremendous passion and determination to maintain their commitment to the competition across a year of uncertain silence. They play with humility and respect but daring and personality too, encouraging all who hear them to look forward to more positive times ahead.”

The BBC Young Musician 2020 Final also featured exceptional performances by the winner of the brass final, 18-year-old French horn player Annemarie Federle from Cambridge, currently in her first year studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London; and 19-year old oboist Ewan Millar from Reading, Berkshire, who won the woodwind category. Ewan is now in his second year reading music at Oxford University.

Jan Younghusband, Head of BBC Music TV Commissioning says: ““BBC Young Musician competition is always a great celebration of incredible young talent. But this year in particular, with Covid restrictions still in place, broadcasting the grand final has had particular poignancy. 

“All of these musicians have shown that there is much to look forward to. We wish Fang – and all of our outstanding finalists – the best for the future, and we are delighted that audiences at home were able to join us for such a spectacular display of musicality and technique.”

BBC Young Musician Executive Editor, Paul Bullock says: “We will surely remember the 2020 edition of BBC Young Musician as a unique and ultimately very special one.

“The three finalists have shown extraordinary resilience over the past 12 months when it’s been difficult for us to tell them when and if the final would go ahead. To see and hear them perform last weekend alongside the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth was both thrilling and deeply moving.

“Congratulations to Fang and all of the finalists and a thank to the musicians of the orchestra and Mark for their support and commitment. This is a BBC Young Musician Final like no other and we’re delighted that audiences at home can now share this experience – a celebration of the future and the joy of making music together.”

In addition to the coverage on BBC Four and BBC Radio 3, the BBC Young Musician 2020 Grand Final is now available on iPlayer for 12 months, and BBC Sounds for 30 days.

BBC Young Musician 2020 is managed and produced by BBC Studios Music and Entertainment Wales.

Stanley Odd celebrate release of new album with live recorded performance from Leith Theatre

Stanley Odd  

The Last Night In (a music film): STAY ODD live from Leith Theatre 

Date: 8th May 2021 @ 8.30pm 

Presented by Handsome Tramp Records in association with Creative Scotland

Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/2QNoQra 

Scottish hip-hop mainstays Stanley Odd have announced they will be playing a unique performance  of their latest album STAY ODD from the iconic main auditorium of Leith Theatre.

The band formed in  Leith over a decade ago. Now, four albums and almost twelve years later, the six-piece are returning  to the place where their journey began for a celebration of live music – and of Staying Odd.  

The band are known for their electric live performances and, although we cannot dance together just  yet, have decided to bring their explosive live show to fans’ living rooms.

The event will be ticketed  however – recognising the uncertain times that we’re living through – fans have the choice of four price  options. The standard price is £10, but fans will be offered an option of £5 – or nothing at all – to  ensure the gig is as accessible to all. An additional option of £20 will also be available to folks who  want to show some extra support. 

The album itself, described by BUZZ Magazine as the band’s “most accomplished work yet,”, was  recorded over a four-year period and showcases the sound of a band who are nothing but confident in  their Oddness.

STAY ODD takes the listener on a journey through the global news cycle on a stolen  bicycle, to a place where lying politicians are at odds with iconic female figures, and tales of witches  are interspersed with classic hip-hop. Each track is as truly unpredictable as the last. 

The album dropped on April 12th after being teased for over a year with the release of lead single  Where They Lie in February, and then another every six weeks since July. This stunning music film of  the band live from Leith Theatre is made possible by Creative Scotland’s Sustaining Creative  Development fund. 

The Last Night In was born out of the same desire to engage with their fans.

Frontman Dave Hook,  aka MC Solareye, says of the show: “Playing in this beautiful, semi-derelict space – on the floor in the  middle of the room – sort of represents all of the empty venues around the country just now.

“The Last  Night In is a bittersweet celebration of live spaces as well as of STAY ODD getting played in full – start  to finish.” 

Connect with Stanley Odd: Facebook Instagram Twitter Bandcamp

Pictures: Danny Bonnar

‘Cautious but optimistic’

Fringe update from Chief Executive Shona McCarthy

Last week, we announced to Fringe participants that we’ll be opening show registration – for both online and in-person performances – on Wednesday 05 May, in advance of the Fringe taking place from 06 – 30 August.

This is an exciting moment for the Fringe Society; it means all the preparatory discussions we’ve been having – with artists, venues, government and all members of the Fringe community – can finally be translated into action, with visible results.

The positive response we had to last week’s announcement only confirms what I knew in my heart – that there are many people out there who are just as excited and eager as we are to see the Fringe return!

Of course, opening registration is only the start of this process – we are acutely aware of how difficult the last year has been for artists, and we’re doing everything we can to support them in making work this year and beyond.

We’ve reduced registration fees across all tiers by 25%, and removed the top tier entirely.

We’ve also announced the opening a Fringe Artist and Venue Recovery Fund: a £75,000 funding pot which is available to Fringe companies, creatives and venues to support projects that will enable a return to the Fringe in 2021 or 2022.

The fund will prioritise projects that seek to improve opportunities for access on the Fringe by underrepresented groups – you can find out more at edfringe.smartygrants.com.au/recoveryfund. 

There’s certainly a lot more still to be done, but we feel this is the first of many steps we can take to support artists returning to the Fringe.

I recognise that any eagerness to restart the Fringe must be tempered by a sense of caution and responsibility.

We continue to work closely with Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council, and keep a close eye on official guidance as it emerges and develops, using it to inform every decision we make.

The most recent news indicates some easing of restrictions by the end of June, which is definitely encouraging, but if the last year has taught us anything it’s that things can change at very short notice, so for those dreaming fervently of a fun-packed summer in Edinburgh, we strongly recommend an attitude of cautious optimism at this stage. 

It’s also important to remember that this year’s Fringe won’t be the same as it was. Even as restrictions relax, we still expect to see some form of social distancing and other safety measures in Edinburgh this August.

Again, we’ll work with venues and other partners to figure out how best to use this information as it develops, creating clear guidance for audiences and participants. We also know that it will not be possible to produce our usual printed programme this year, though we are exploring alternatives.

While it is right and appropriate that we manage our expectations about a return to live performance, I am full of positive anticipation to see how Fringe artists channel their extraordinary creative energy into digital work at this year’s festival.

As happens with any seismic change in society, artists have responded to online life in brilliant and inventive ways, and I think it entirely correct that the Fringe – with its longstanding reputation for unleashing the creative spirit – showcases the best in digital inspiration as well.

Silver linings to the past year’s events are few and far between, but the increased availability of innovative, imaginative work – work that can be accessed virtually anywhere – is surely among them.

With this in mind, we’ve put a lot of time and energy into developing our digital infrastructure for this year’s Fringe. We’ve ensured that, whichever online platforms artists and venues want to use, we can support them to do it; they’ll also have access to our own innovative Fringe Player.

In addition, we’re creating an exciting new online events programme and meeting space to help artists and industry connect and collaborate, which we’re hoping to launch in summer. 

With the seeds of carefully laid plans now blooming into life, our goal – as ever – is to support Fringe participants.

As mentioned above, registration (and the wide range of benefits and services that come with it) will open in May, and will remain open right through to the end of the Fringe with no deadlines attached.

We’re also continuing to invest in our website so that audiences can search, browse and book shows as easily as ever, helping them find the artists whose work will resonate with them for years to come.

All of our plans are being made cautiously but optimistically, and as ever, public health will be our priority. But we can take heart in the fact that the Fringe is happening. And, whether online or in a venue, I can’t wait to see you there.

Shona

News from the Fringe

We are pleased to announce that show registration for Fringe 2021 will open on Wednesday 05 May. 

Artists and venues will be able to register Fringe shows right up until the end of the festival. The Fringe’s world-class programme will be available to browse and book at edfringe.com, with tickets going on sale for audiences in early summer.

As Scotland navigates its roadmap out of lockdown, much is still unknown about what the Fringe will look like this August. However, a range of scenarios are being prepared for, from socially distanced live events to digital offerings. 

The Fringe Society is supporting artists and audiences to find and book work online across a range of platforms, including the brand-new Fringe Player.

This online platform aims to bring some festival magic into homes across the world, while providing a secure platform for artists, companies and venues to host their shows. The platform is available to any registered 2021 Fringe show or venue to use if they wish.

Any live performance registered as part of the 2021 Fringe will be expected to adhere to public health guidance from the Scottish Government. 

Audiences can search, browse and buy tickets to both online and in-person work through edfringe.com. More details on individual shows and Fringe 2021 will be available in early summer.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Fringe Society, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open registration for 2021. Of course, we’re still very much in planning mode as we await further updates from the Scottish Government, but this feels like a hugely positive step in the right direction.

“Through the work being created across the various digital platforms, including the Fringe Player, artists have a brilliant opportunity to reach audiences and communities all over the world. I look forward to seeing how our Fringe creatives use these platforms in 2021 and beyond.”

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe will take place from 06 – 30 August 2021.