The Winter Concert is a fantastic celebration of our talented young musicians, featuring performances from the Choir, Jazz Band, Mr Allan’s School of Rock, soloists and many more!
It would be amazing to see lots of people there to support our young people.
The event will start at 6pm and finish by 7.30pm.
Tickets are free – please make sure you book your tickets by scanning the QR code
The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, and a silent film accompanied by live music.
Headliners include experimental folk band Constant Follower led by songwriter Steven McAll playing tracks from their latest album Let the Healing Begin which has recently been added to the long list for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award, 2024’s Scottish Jazz Vocalist of the Year Niki King; genre blending spoken word artist, rapper, and rising star Bee Asha; andguitarist 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.
In addition, award-winning Scottish composer and guitarist Graeme Stephen will present his score for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, performedby Stephen on guitar and a classical string quartet lead by Fiona Winning on viola.
The quartet is completed by 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.
Other highlights over the weekend include harpist and lead vocalist Dara Dubh performing fan favourites and new tracks with Tony McVey on drums, Eve Simpson on keys/vocals and Brad Phillips on doublebass.
Multi-instrumentalist and folk singer Cahalen Morrison performing songs from his forthcoming album with his freshly minted trio; and jazz saxaphonist Rachel Duns, whose music ranges from blues and soul, to thepsychedelic sounds of the 1960s.
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 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; The Ewan Johnston Trio formed of pianist Ewan Johnston, Christopher Quinnon on bass and Roan Anderson on drums; and the Milele Collective a young five-piece making waves on the Scottish scene with their jazz, latin and afro grooves.
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 Scotlandsaid: “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.”
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has announced tickets are now on sale for listeners and fans to join the star-studded ceremony this autumn.
Taking place at The Usher Hall on 13th November 2025, the awards show will feature performances from top names in music and entertainment, whilst honouring and celebrating community heroes.
Tickets now on sale from £28.60 via forth1.com and The Usher Hall Box Office
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
One of the biggest nights in Edinburgh’s music calendar, The Forth Awards honours local heroes and organisations going over and above for their community, as well as a top-secret line-up of celebrities from across music and entertainment.
Previous winners and performances include Lewis Capaldi, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald, Erasure and Simple Minds, with the line-up kept secret until the day itself.
Hosted by Boogie and Arlene from Forth 1’s breakfast show, the afternoon show is the perfect start to winter festivities, with fans, listeners and guests packing out the Capital’s Usher Hall to enjoy music, comedy and musical theatre performances.
Plus, the awards panel reviews hundreds of listener nominations for categories that recognise those who go the extra mile in communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians – from the best teachers, restaurants and workplaces as well as the Forth Cash for Kids award.
Richie Jeffrey, Commercial Events Manager from Hits Radio Scotland said, “We are so proud that The Forth Awards at The Usher Hall is back again and we can’t wait to reveal a stunning line up and, of course, some wonderful winners.
“Tickets are selling fast as always so if people want to come and join in the fun, they should act now.
“It’s always a spectacular afternoon filled with fun and laughter, and amazing celebrations of outstanding achievement from Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
The Forth Awards 2025 Categories
The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris
The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire
The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room
Got the voice of an angel? The soul of a disco diva? Or the raw energy of a rock god? Or perhaps you see yourself more as a Simon Cowell figure, wielding the power of the red button and letting your friends know exactly what you think of their singing!
Whatever kind of music you’re into, the brand-new interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is the place for uninhibited singing, selfies and self-expression.
Described as a bold, immersive, musical playground, this private room features hand-painted cityscape murals, quirky lighting and interactive props — all designed to make revellers feel like they’ve snuck into a rooftop party above the city.
Visitors can choose their top tunes, set the mood with their choice of lighting effects, then take to the stage. The audience can show just how impressed (or unimpressed!) they are by the performance by pressing buttons that play hilarious snippets and soundbites of praise and put-downs from well-known celebrities.
Those wanting to wet their whistle while they wait for their time in the limelight can choose from a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as more than 50 gins – and order them via a retro phone booth. And if belting out hit after hit works up an appetite, they can order fresh, stone-baked pizzas and have them delivered straight to the room.
This fully immersive, interactive karaoke room is unlike any other, continuing Marco’s legacy as entertainment trailblazers.
Speaking ahead of the launch, owner Paul Demarco commented; “Marco’s was the first ever big screen karaoke venue of its kind in the country, kickstarting the karaoke craze in Scotland.
“Back in the 1980s, more than 500 people would flock to Marco’s karaoke per night at the weekend to sing their hearts out. And now this extensive redesign has taken karaoke at Marco’s to the next level. It’s a unique and creative setting that’s perfect for showcasing talent, making memories and capturing it all on social media.”
The unveiling of the interactive karaoke room is just the latest development at Marco’s as it continues to challenge preconceptions of a traditional pool hall. From the edgy, graffitied walls and life-size subway carriage art installation, to the retro video games and fun interactive dartboards – Marco’s has upped its game and cemented its position as one of Edinburgh’s most creative entertainment venues.
The interactive karaoke room at Marco’s is available for private hire for groups of 6-16 people, with prices starting at just £30 per hour. It’s perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during the day, and will no doubt also prove popular with corporate, stag and hen parties in the evening.
We are so excited to welcome you to our Gala Day next Sunday 7 September, 11am–5pm! Join us for a free day of art, music, tours, makers market and children’s creative play, and scroll down to view the schedule for the day.
Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral
TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.
On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.
A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.
Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.
Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:
Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
Julia Hart (violin)
Cameron Smith (cello)
Erin Sawicka (piano)
The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.
The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.
The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.
“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.