From the Highlands to Hornbill, Scottish folk takes centre stage in India

Supported by the British Council, Scottish musician RuMac is in India this week bringing the accordion to thousands of people at Hornbill festival, one of India’s largest cultural festivals

Originally from Ullapool, Ruairidh Maclean, a singer-songwriter who performs as RuMac, took to the main stage at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland this week (Tuesday 02 December), where the United Kingdom is this year’s Country Partner for the festival.

RuMac’s performance at Hornbill marks his first visit to India. Following his festival appearance, he performed at the historic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata (Thursday, 4 December).

Nicknamed the “Festival of Festivals”, the 10-day Hornbill Festival is celebrating its 26th year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. It is India’s largest celebration of tribal heritage, with audiences given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, music, and folklore of the Naga people.

RuMac began his solo set in front of a large projection of the Scottish flag, bringing a blend of traditional Scottish folk, Gaelic song, and a mix of genres to the Hornbill stage. Known for high-energy performances that move from traditional accordion playing to heavy rock, he has built a reputation as a unique live act that went down well with the large crowd.

RuMac said he felt proud to showcase Scottish culture internationally and saw parallels between Highland and Naga folk traditions, saying: ““I’m thrilled to be performing in India for the first time, in a part of theworld I’ve never had the chance to visit before.

“I didn’t know how the performance would go as the accordion is quite a weird instrument!  but the crowd have made me feel at home and it was brilliant.

“I’m especially looking forward to my show in Kolkata and to bring a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland along with me; hopefully they’ll like what I do! Slàinte!”

Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: “It’s been brilliant to follow RuMac’s journey to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, which is such a significant moment in the Indian cultural calendar.

“His performance shows how music can bridge cultures and continents and we’re proud to create platforms for Scottish musicians to find new global audiences.”

The British Council has brought UK artists to Hornbill in previous editions, with the festival creating opportunities for musicians to connect with audiences and experience the rich musical traditions of Nagaland, a region whose folk heritage resonates strongly with Scotland’s own.

The visit forms part of the British Council’s ongoing work to foster cultural connections between the UK and India, creating opportunities for artists from both regions to share their work and develop new collaborations.

It continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts and education.

Winter Welcome: Heriot-Watt University Christmas Concerts

If the winter gloom is getting you down, Heriot-Watt has two events guaranteed to raise your spirits with some festive cheer. 

Our ever-popular Christmas Carol Celebration is taking place at the Edinburgh campus on Friday, December 12th.  Come to the James Watt Centre at 5.30pm for an unforgettable evening of seasonal music and readings. 

Members of the University Choir will be accompanied by the University Orchestra. Complimentary mince pies and mulled wine (alternatives available) will be provided before the concert starts at 6.30pm.  

Matthew Brown, Heriot-Watt’s Director of Music, has promised a memorable evening: “The Christmas Carol Celebration is a highlight of our year, bringing together the community to share in the joy and beauty of the season through music. We can’t wait to welcome you.” 

Tickets are free and early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Please secure your place through Eventbrite – and mark your calendar!  

If you can’t make the Christmas Carol Celebration, why not come to ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Wednesday December 10th at 7.30pm?

In the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, the Heriot-Watt Chamber Choir will entertain you with words and music based on the Charles Dickens classic.

Further details and tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ are available through

TicketSource. 

Over 16,000 people enjoyed free weekend events at Ross Bandstand

Over 16,000 people enjoyed free community and music events at Ross Bandstand over the St Andrew’s Day weekend celebrations, presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Edinburgh Christmas, Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Among many others, audiences danced to the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers (pictured) and whirled-away to The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world!

Edinburgh’s Christmas events and activities continue until 4 January!

Another fantastic weekend of entertainment features Edinburgh Sings! this Saturday and the annual Santa Fun Run & Walk and Santa Paws on Sunday.

Going to the theatre could boost city’s local economy by up to £295,000 PER SHOW this winter

From pantomimes and touring productions to West End favourites, theatre remains one of Britain’s most cherished cultural experiences, and plays a vital role in local economies.

According to the Society of London Theatre, for every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, an extra £1.40 is generated for the surrounding community through dining, transport and accommodation spending, with new analysis from Twickets showing just how much could be pumped back into local economies through the support of local theatre shows.

VENUETOP SHOW via TwicketsVENUE CAPACITYMIN TICKET PRICEMAX TICKET PRICEMIN SOLD OUT SHOWLOCAL ECONOMY BOOST PER SHOWMAX SOLD OUT SHOWLOCAL ECONOMY BOOST PER SHOW
Edinburgh PlayhouseFawlty Towers – The Play3059£36£69£108,595£152,032£211,071£295,499
MK TheatreMiss Saigon1400£65£75£91,000£127,400£105,000£147,000
Bristol HippodromeMamma Mia!1951£35£80£68,285£95,599£156,080£218,512
Swansea Building Society ArenaMamma Mia!3500£20£25£68,250£95,550£85,750£120,050
The AlexandraMiss Saigon1347£50£74£67,350£94,290£99,678£139,549
Empire TheatreMiss Saigon2348£20£40£46,960£65,744£93,920£131,488
Donald Gordon TheatreMiss Saigon1897£22£95£41,734£58,428£180,215£252,301
Palace TheatreMamma Mia!1998£20£70£38,961£54,545£138,861£194,405
Grand TheatreThe Book Of Mormon1550£25£91£38,750£54,250£141,050£197,470
Sunderland EmpireFawlty Towers – The Play1860£20£20£37,200£52,080£37,200£52,080
New TheatreMiss Saigon1785£20£62£35,700£49,980£110,670£154,938
King’s TheatreMiss Saigon1785£20£40£35,700£49,980£71,400£99,960

Based on the minimum ticket prices and the maximum capacity of some of the UK’s favourite local theatre venues, research shows that between £50,000 and £295,500 could be generated for surrounding businesses per show.

With many venues facing tighter budgets and rising production costs, it’s never been more important for audiences to show their support. A third of UK theatres are expected to report a financial deficit this year, according to The Stage (2025), as they continue to recover from pandemic-related challenges and inflationary pressures.

Richard Davies, founder of the fan-to-fan ticket resale platform Twickets, said: “Theatre is one of Britain’s greatest creative strengths, it inspires communities, supports jobs, and brings people together.

“Every ticket sold helps sustain local venues and the creative talent behind them. This winter is a brilliant time to rediscover live theatre, and there are still plenty of affordable ways to do it.”

Twickets, which partners officially with a growing number of theatres and touring productions, allows fans to buy and sell genuine tickets at face value, ensuring that seats don’t go to waste and that more people can enjoy live performances at fair prices.

Davies added: “Because plans change, tickets come back on sale all the time. Through Twickets, fans can find verified, face-value seats, sometimes just hours before curtain up, without worrying about scams or inflated resale prices.

“Whether it’s a midweek matinee in Manchester or a last-minute night at a West End show, there are brilliant options available for every budget.”

How to make theatre affordable this winter

  • Set up alerts: Create a free Twickets account and follow favourite shows to get instant email notifications when tickets appear.
  • Check 24–72 hours before: Many listings appear last-minute when sellers realise they can’t attend.
  • Be flexible: Matinees, weekday performances and regional theatres often offer the best-value seats.
  • Combine discounts: Look out for local access schemes and key-worker discounts.
  • Make an offer: Lots of listings on Twickets accept offers, allowing you to secure tickets at less than face-value.
  • Use verified platforms: Always use trusted resale sites like Twickets that cap prices at face value and verify every ticket.

Ten of the most in-demand theatre shows on Twickets this Winter:

  1. Disney’s Hercules
  2. Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright
  3. Sleeping Beauty
  4. Miss Saigon
  5. Fawlty Towers – The Play
  6. Mamma Mia!
  7. Paddington The Musical
  8. Back To The Future In Concert
  9. The Book Of Mormon
  10. Here & Now – The Steps Musical

Founded in 2011, Twickets has grown into one of the UK’s most trusted fan-to-fan resale platforms, partnering officially with artists, promoters and venues across music, comedy and theatre.

Every ticket sold through Twickets is verified, and transactions are protected, ensuring buyers get real tickets, not inflated prices or scams.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay reveals full lineup for First Footin’ programme

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY REVEALS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP & ARTIST EXCHANGE PROGRAMME WITH BASQUE COUNTRY

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill. 

The announcement finalises a vibrant citywide celebration on 1 January, with homegrown talent and visiting artists transforming the Capital into a free, open-air music trail. 

For the first time, Scottish electronic-trad sensations Valtos will host a musical and cultural exchange with acclaimed Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Inziarte at Greyfriars Kirk, as part of a new international partnership between Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Fair Saturday Foundation, supported bythe Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative Scotland. 

This new partnership with Fair Saturday Foundation welcomes the first international artists to perform as part of the First Footin’ programme, and provides a platform to raise the profile of Scottish artists to international audiences.  

The new collaboration celebrates the creative ties between Scotland and the Basque Country – two regions with strong cultural identities and deep musical traditions. 

The partnership began this autumn, when Valtos performed in Bilbao at the Fair Saturday Foundation’s Ura Bere Bidean festival at Bizkaia Arena on 24–25 October. They opened each night of the event, performing to sold out audiences of over 20,000 across both dates.  

On New Year’s Day, Valtos will host an afternoon of spectacular live music and collaboration at Greyfriars Kirk from 2pm – 6pm, welcoming all three Basque artists to the stage. Music fans can enjoy the meeting of two rich musical cultures within one of Edinburgh’s most historic venues. 

Maren brings a blend of minimalism, psychedelia and roots influences, using the universal language of music to connect with audiences of all backgrounds. She will perform alongside Navarre-born Olaia Inziarte, who fuses traditional and avant-garde sounds for her striking “dark pop” style. 

Rounding out the programme is acclaimed Basque musician Mikel Urdangarin with a special performance marking 25 years of his influential career. Together, the artists are set to spotlight the richness of contemporary Basque music. 

Martyn Macdonald of Valtos said: “We were absolutely delighted to be asked by Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to return to Greyfriars Kirk for First Footin’ on the 1st January 2026.  

“The event was one of our highlights last year and we’re excited to be bringing the full band this time. It’s an iconic venue and to be able to share it with, and showcase it to, our new friends from Bilbao makes us extremely proud, and we hope they love Edinburgh as much as we do.” 

Maren said: “I’m really excited to travel to Edinburgh to perform for the first time! It’s wonderful to connect our cultures through music, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with these amazing artists. I’m sure it will be a very special experience.” 

Also announced today, and expanding the First Footin’ programme with both Scottish and international talent, are: 

  • Wide Days Presents brings a showcase of homegrown voices to Virgin Hotel’s Greyfriars Hall, featuring indie Edinburgh-born indie-folk duo Quiet Houses, three-piece alt-rock outfit Her Picture, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Goodnight Louisa and energetic Gourock six-piece Slix.
  • Leith Arches welcomes a wave of soul and funk sounds as homegrown High Fade are set to deliver a groove-driven set, joined by Highlands singer-songwriter Tamzene, whose music blends soul, funk, R&B and reggae. 
  • Fruitmarket Gallery hosts an energetic ‘Day Rave’ led by electronic innovator and DJ Neil Landstrumm of legendary Edinburgh club night Pure, set within the immersive sculptural world of artist Jamie Cooper’s Levelling Up installation. 
  • Brand new venue Gilded Saloon is set to host an afternoon session from acclaimed Americana songwriter Cahalen Morrison and award-winning Australian folk duo Rain of Animals. The two acts will come together later in the day to perform a unique collaboration set. 
  • Also at Leith Arches, Scotstown Dance Band will bring their modern take on traditional folk to audiences in search of a Scottish party. 
  • The Scottish Cafe will set the stage for an acoustic performance from indie duo Logan’s Close.
  • The elegant Eve Edinburgh at Virgin Hotel welcomes classical pianist and talented singer-songwriter Chiara Lordi to an already stunning line up of music from Justin Beverly and Theo Bleak
  • At Portobello Town Hall, families can kick-start 2026 with a lively afternoon of ceilidhs led by The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, with free sessions running throughout the afternoon.   
  • Previously announced, St Giles’ Cathedral, will host a carnival of sound as Edinburgh’s Tinderbox Orchestra set up residence, joined by special guests Kathryn JosephJames Emmanuel and Rachel Sermanni throughout the day. The orchestra’s explosive combination of rappers, singers, strings and thundering drums will fill the cathedral from 2–6pm, transforming the space into an unforgettable New Year’s Day celebration. 
  • A spellbinding collaboration between Grammy-nominated guitarist Sean Shibe and award-winning fiddler Aidan O’Rourke continues the party at New College’s Rainy Hall.
  • Plus, the music continues into the evening with the First Footin’ Session with Cold Town Beer, a foot stompin’ programme of free traditional and contemporary live music in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs, to keep the party going into the night. 

Made possible with funding from the Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund through Creative ScotlandFirst Footin’ transforms some of Edinburgh’s most beloved venues on 1 January into a citywide celebration of music, words and community – with a line-up of free eventsinviting audiences to start the year with some of the country’s best musical talent. 

Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culturesaid: “The First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programmes look like they’re shaping up to be a great way for people of all ages and interests to ring in the New Year.

“Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day festivities are much-loved at home and abroad, and are a wonderful showcase for the extraordinary range of artistic talent we have in this country.  

“The Scottish Government is therefore proud to continue our support with £180,000 for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay from our Festival Expo Fund, which aims to support festival innovation and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them.” 

Jordi Albareda, Founder & President of Fair Saturday Foundation said: “We are so proud to collaborate with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on this new cultural partnership, bringing a taste of the Basque Country to Edinburgh with some incredible artists performing alongside Valtos for the people of Scotland.

“The Basque Country has long had strong links to Scotland, and to further connect our passion for music and creativity at this world-famous festival is the beginning of something special.” 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh has always been a city that knows how to celebrate, and there’s no time of year that shows it better than Hogmanay. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Valtos and Basque Country artists Maren, Mikel Urdangarin and Olaia Intziarte to Edinburgh as new additions to our brilliant First Footin’ programme. 

“With plenty of performances by Scottish and international artists in some of our most renowned venues and public spaces, this year’s First Footin’ programme is not one to miss.” 

With performances spanning music, spoken word, and family events, First Footin’ 2026 invites audiences to cross the threshold into a new year surrounded by creativity, friendship, and shared celebration, from the streets of Grassmarket to the atmospheric spaces of St Giles’ and Greyfriars Kirk. 

Tickets for all events, including Concert in the Gardens with Wet LegTorchlight Procession, and Night Afore Concert with Peat & Diesel, as well as further event information and times, are available at www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook and Instagram.  

RESISTANCE: North Edinburgh Fights Back

NORTH EDINBURGH ACTIVISTS GO TO TOWN

NORTH Edinburgh community activists are taking their message to town this afternoon with two events taking place at art galleries in the city centre.

The events have been built around artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen’s RESISTANCE photo exhibition, which runs at the Modern 2 gallery on Belford Road until 4th January.

First up, community stalwarts Anna Hutchison and Willie Black will reflect on campaigns past and present in a panel discussion in the National Gallery at 12.45.

With so many years of campaigning experience Anna and Willie have a host of stories to share and, having known the pair for the best part of thirty years, I’ll be there to try to keep the event running to time!

The free event is sold out, but you can still register to watch online.

Later in the afternoon, two North Edinburgh groups have been working together on an ambitious project that encapsulates North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

The result of the collaboration is the Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh exhibition, which opens at The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street from 2pm today (details below).

It promises to be very good and it’s free – don’t miss it!

The details of today’s events:

RESISTANCE|NORTH EDINBURGH PANEL DISCUSSION

Free – Booking essential SOLD OUT

Book tickets

PICTURE: Craig McLean, Outside Drylaw Police station, community campaign GRASP protesting against Police harassment and violence, 2001

The Resistance exhibition chronicles 100 years of protest across Britain from 1903–2003. Using the exhibition as a starting point, activists Willie Black and Anna Hutchison alongside chair Dave Pickering, editor of the North Edinburgh News and Information Worker at Granton Information Centre, discuss North Edinburgh community activism, campaigns and actions, and their relationship and solidarity with local, national and international protests and change.

All tickets for the live event have been snapped up, but you can watch the discussion online in a streamed version of the live event.

Ticketholders will be sent a joining link before the event to either watch live or view the recording later. 

SOLIDARITY WINS: CREATIVE RESISTANCE in NORTH EDINBURGH

Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh Exhibition Launch

2pm – 4pm

National Galleries of Scotland, The Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, EH2 1J

Celebration with food, song and creative activities in the Contemporary Space of the Portrait Gallery. Art works, archive films and research material gathered by Art for Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Arts & Culture Group.

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community and conversation celebrating North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

As part of the Resistance exhibition, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Community Development programme has been working with North Edinburgh groups to create responsive work inspired by the area’s long history of community resistance.

Workshops have included song writing, poetry, photo-montage and exploring photographer Craig MacLean’s back catalogue of North Edinburgh activism, all of which will result in an riso-graph exhibition at the Portrait gallery in November.

As well as this North Edinburgh Arts worked with Local Cinema to programme films as part of their ‘Local Resistance’ programme.

Each screening event included a creative element, one of which included the Resistance choir performing their collaboratively penned song ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘, along with some well known songs on power of solidarity and friendship.

Thanks to song writing facilitator and choir leader Penny Stone and Tinderbox Jed Milroy and artists Sam Rutherford, Jj Fadaka and Megan Rudden, and all those involved so far!

The programme is a partnership with North Edinburgh Arts Art 4 Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group.

IMAGE (above): Collaborative piece by Art 4 Grown Ups members, framed by Muirhouse anti-racism campaign image, 1991.

If anyone is free 2 – 4pm today, it’s the launch of ‘Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh‘ exhibition at the Portrait Gallery, which has been a collaboration between North Edinburgh Arts’ Art 4 Grown Ups project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group (writes HOLLY YEOMAN).

Together they have reflected and responded to North Edinburgh activism and campaigns over the years. There is a community lunch catered by Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and we will be singing our anthem ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘ at around 3pm-ish(!)

The exhibition will run till April, and we welcome community groups who might want to visit. If interested please email hyeoman@nationalgalleries.org

Holly Yeoman

Soundhouse Winter Festival Kicks off next week 

Dates: Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December 2025 

www.soundhousewinterfest.com 

There is just one week to go before the Soundhouse Winter Festival kicks off in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

The Festival Programme is packed with big names and up and coming bands from across Scotland including 2024’s Scottish Jazz Vocalist of the Year Niki King; experimental folk band Constant Follower who were longlisted for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award; genre blending spoken word artist, rapper, and rising star Bee Asha; and guitarist Chris Amer and his Sextet (Matt Carmichael, Fergus McCreadie, Gus Stirrat, Stephen Henderson and Mhairi Marwick) performing music from their new collection Making Peace With What Is

The festival’s programme also includes early evening concerts with harpist and lead vocalist Dara Dubh performing fan favourites and new tracks from her forthcoming album, who will be joined by Toni McVey on drums, Eve Simpson on keys/vocals and Brad Phillips on doublebass.

Also performing will be multi-instrumentalist and folk singer Cahalen Morrison performing songs from his forthcoming album with Fergus McCreadie (keys) and Corrie Dick (drums); and jazz saxophonist Rachel Duns whose music ranges from blues and soul, to the psychedelic sounds of the 1960s. 

In addition, award-winning Scottish composer and guitarist Graeme Stephen will present his score for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, performed by Stephen on guitar and a classical string quartet led by Fiona Winning on viola with Tom Hanky (violin), George Smith (violin), and Robert Irvine (cello).

Graeme will also be giving a non-participatory masterclass in Developing Concepts for Composition, Improvisation and Practice, for learners to explore creative ways to turn their ideas into compositions.

Milele Collective who will perform as part of this year’s Spotlight concert. This young five-piece includes Alex Handyside (guitar), Zoe Downs (saxophone), bass player Ashwari Panesar, Finlay Mayers-Porras (drums) and Laura Oghagbon (vocals). 

Over the weekend, audiences will also be treated to an afternoon concert from Scottish/Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters who rose to stardom after their debut album premiered at No.1 in the Official Classical Charts.

Plus, three emerging artists playing in this year’s Spotlight concert, showcasing the very best up and coming jazz musicians in Scotland.

They include the Milele Collective a young five-piece making waves on the Scottish scene with their jazz, latin and afro grooves; guitarist and double bass player Timmy Allan who won the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award in 2024 and this year’s Alan McAuley Jazz Award; and The Ewan Johnston Trio formed of pianist Ewan Johnston, Christopher Quinnon on bass and BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year Roan Anderson on drums. 

In addition, cellist and improvisor Simone Seales will be giving an Improvisation Workshop for beginners on how to make sound without musical notation, open to amateur or experienced instrumentalists, vocalists or musicians from any other discipline.  

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “After last year’s multi-genre celebration of the Scottish music scene, we are delighted to be back for our second annual Soundhouse Winter Festival.

“We’ll be presenting jazz, pop, rap, classical, soul, funk, folk, trad, and many points where those categories intersect. It will be heartwarming, life affirming and a great antidote to the November blues.

“We extend a warm welcome to all: come and be part of Edinburgh’s great music-loving community.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The closes and wynds of the capital are about to come alive as the Soundhouse Winter Festival returns to Edinburgh with another excellent array of rising stars and familiar faces.

“This compact and perfectly curated programme offers plenty of opportunities to discover new talent across an extended weekend in November, with must-see gigs each and every day.

“Organised by the same people as Edinburgh’s rejuvenated Tradfest, the quality of music is guaranteed to be top-level, with something to suit all tastes.” 

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com

Light the nights with a free festive concert this weekend hosted by radio DJ and panto legend Grant Stott

Light Night at Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 23 November, 2pm – 6pm

Ross Bandstand, East Princes Street Gardens 

Free, unticketed 

Winter Festivals

Insta | FB | Tiktok @edinburghchristmas  

#edinburghchristmas 

The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.

The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott. 

Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens. 

From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing! 

The line-up features

Leith Phoenix Community Choir

Angela Watson School of Dance

Little Voices Big Stars Choir

BollyFeat Dancers

Singerie choir

Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra

Magician Kevin Quantum

SoundSational 

(subject to change on the day)

Iconic Edinburgh record shop Avalanche Records moves to bigger space following record year

Independent Edinburgh record shop, Avalanche Records, has invested over £100k in partnership with Waverley Market owners Moorgarth, in a move to a larger premise in the centre, following a record-breaking year.

The new space, located in Waverley Market tucked above Edinburgh Waverley station and just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, was previously a storage area meaning a new shop has been created from scratch.

The new shop, dedicated to vinyl, CDs, posters and t-shirts, is considerably bigger compared to Avalanche Records’ previous location.

The move to the new space this month comes as Avalanche Records reports a record-breaking year since first opening its doors to music lovers four decades ago. A number of high-profile gigs in Edinburgh in 2025, including Oasis, AC/DC and Chappell Roan, have helped attract music fans to the store. 

Avalanche Records recorded its best ever month in August surpassing the previous record in December 2024 and 60% up on August 2024.

Everything in the new space has been purpose built to deliver the best shopping experience for customers. The space dedicated to stocking vinyl, CDs and posters will each grow by 50%, with t-shirt space seeing a 25% increase, meaning there will be even more stock for music lovers to choose from.

From those looking to discover Scottish artists old and new, to those wanting the latest vinyl from their favourite global superstars, Avalanche Records has it covered. The new shop front will also showcase two large window displays featuring the very best of  what Avalanche Records has to offer.

41 years after first opening its doors, Avalanche Records sticks to its original principles of promoting the artists they like while also listening to what their customers want.

Avalanche Records stuck with vinyl when vinyl popularity took a big dip but is now reaping the rewards of its revival, while not dismissing CDs, as well as catering for the huge demand for music merchandise with a wide range of t-shirts, posters, prints, cards, patches and badges.

The latest move from Avalanche Records follows a number of recent investments in Waverley Market, including the launch of gift and gadget shop Menkind on the upper level, and the soon to be open bowling and games bar with food and drink, King Pins. Further tenants will be announced in the New Year, with limited units remaining.

Avalanche Records has also been an ongoing supporter of Waverley Market, most recently hosting an exhibition in the Market’s “secret staircase” in collaboration with international artist Butcher Billy, with a number of striking Taylor Swift graphics on display which attracted over ten thousand visitors.

Kevin Buckle, Avalanche Records owner, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and, moving forward, we intend to work even more closely with our fellow tenants such as Rainbow Bubble Tea and The Cheery Churro who are particularly popular with our younger customers.

“The extra floor space means we can now stock more merchandise, for example we can now carry a full selection of the much sought after punk teddy bears lovingly made by the Fife artist Marie Allan and a popular present for those Christmas shopping.”  

Neil G Mackie, Waverley Market Centre Manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see not only the relocation and upsizing of Avalanche Records within Waverley Market, but also the confidence and commitment of this key tenant in the centre.

“Avalanche Records is a phenomenal retail offer, founded on knowledge and experience, which is unique not only to Waverley Market but more importantly to the wider Edinburgh retail landscape”.

Avalanche Records can be found in Waverley Market and is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm (11am – 5pm on Sundays).

For more information, visit: https://avalancherecords.co.uk/