Curious about performing and creating a small show this summer? Join our Drama Summer Camp at NEA!
Whether you’re a budding actor, curious about the stage, or just want to try something new, this is a fun, supportive space to explore drama. We’ll play games, try improvisation and stagecraft, and work together to create a brand-new piece of theatre to share with family and friends.
No experience needed — just bring your imagination!
Monday 4 to Friday 8 August
10am–1pm (Friday starts at 10.30am, with a sharing at 12noon)
For local young people (ages 7–14) living in Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw & Telford
NEA Drama Summer Camp will be led by Marilyn Blyth Wilson who is a performer, director and acting teacher. She works with various theatre companies and runs her own company Blythwood Theatre, focusing on collaboration with young people to bring new writing and performances that focus on what matters to them.
Marilyn will be with us at NEA as part of EPAD’s Supported Residency programme, which aims to support the creation of new work and to build connections between Edinburgh-based performing arts creatives and venues across the city
We can now reveal the SURPRISE FILM selected by the North Edinburgh Arts Film Selection Group for the Folk Film Festival Opening Event this Saturday is… The Elephants’ Graveyard!
The Elephants’ Graveyard is a 1976 British drama television play. It was written by Peter McDougall for the BBC’s Play for Today. It stars Billy Connolly and Jon Morrison.
The event will also feature a special short film, Red Ash, as well as music and time for refreshments and discussions.
Drivers are being told that harsh acceleration and braking could be contributing to poor fuel efficiency.
Experts at LeaseLoco.com are sharing ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money.
As prices continue to rise, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.
Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning ahead for fuel top ups can make a big difference in cutting costs.
Motorists should plan journeys and try to include well priced petrol stations in their route to prevent unnecessary detours for fuel.
Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.
Other tips like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle, and minimising air conditioning use can prevent vehicles from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.
These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). By minimising energy consumption, EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging, ultimately saving money.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “Fuel costs are continuously rising but there are a few ways to combat this which can help make a difference to your monthly budget.
“Some common bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.
“If you have an older car you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models however should definitely consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption.
“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle’s consumption.”
10 fuel saving tips:
Shop around
Checking out where near you has the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out.
Accelerate and brake smoothly
Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.
Reduce engine revs
Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.
Use cruise control
Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.
Remove unnecessary weight
The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.
Top up tyre pressures
Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.
Combine trips and plan ahead
Plan your trip in advance to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you’re taking the same route.
Cut down on air conditioning
Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel to operate. To reduce fuel costs, it’s best to minimise the use of air conditioning when possible.
Close windows
Driving with the windows open can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Particularly on fast roads, keeping the windows closed will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Turn engine off
When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.
A Night of Radical Music for International Workers’ Day
Songs For Solidarity: A Night of Radical Music for International Workers’ Day
Join us at North Edinburgh Arts for an unforgettable evening of radical song and solidarity. In celebration of International Workers’ Day, we’re bringing together folk musicians from Edinburgh and beyond for a night of powerful performances, inspiring stories, and collective spirit.
Sponsored by: Fair Pley, Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders May Day Committee, Allan McDougall Solicitors, Democratic Left Scotland, UCU Scotland and the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC).
We’re delighted to be part of this year’s Folk Film Gathering, and to be hosting the opening event featuring a Surprise Film curated by our NEA Film Selection Group.
The Folk Film Gathering is an annual film festival that showcases community minded stories on screen. In partnership with Transgressive North and Cameo Cinema, we are hosting the first two screenings of the festival.
Visit our website to find out more & book your FREE tickets:
Were you involved in the Create Community Wealth project?
If you were part of the Create Community Wealth project in any way, we kindly invite you to join us at the Cameo Cinema on Saturday 29 March at 12.15pm. The documentary film tells the story of this ambitious and rewarding project through the experiences of participants and staff alike.
Friends and family are welcome. We’d love for you to let us know if you’re planning to attend but you’re welcome to turn up on the day. However, if you’re bringing a large group, please let us know by emailing projects@whalearts.co.uk.
Entry at 12.15pm. The film starts at 12.30pm sharp. Social gathering in the Cameo Bar afterwards depending on availability.
If you have any additional needs or disabilities, please let us know so we can properly prepare the venue.
Join us for CREATE calm, an inclusive play sessions for children, this Friday 21st March at 2.45pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Experience the joy of play in a welcoming, supportive space! Our CREATE calm taster sessions are for local families with children aged 0-7 that might benefit from a smaller group and a calm, quieter experience.
This could include children with disabilities or health concerns; autism; neurodivergent; those struggling with school or other learning environments; challenging family or care circumstances; or other social or emotional support needs.
No diagnosis or referral needed – parents, carers, and siblings are welcome!
Safe, accessible play space
Activities tailored to sensory needs and interests
*By ‘local families’ we mean families living in the community surrounding North Edinburgh Arts, which includes areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Granton.
Friday 1 August – Celebration & Exhibition of work created
North Edinburgh Arts, Macmillan Hub, 12c Macmillan Square, EH4 4AB
Free to attend, but places are limited – all materials provided!
To sign up: Email 
Call 0131 315 2151
Or drop by the NEA Welcome Desk (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Safe, accessible play space
Activities tailored to sensory needs and interests
Opportunities for family bonding and connection
Families can explore and play at their own pace
Tea, coffee & snacks provided