Parking Lot Social brings carloads of comedy to Edinburgh

The Parking Lot Social has announced the line-up for its hugely popular “Parking LOL” sessions. Scottish comedy heroes Des McLean, Susie McCabe, Christopher MacArthur-Boyd and Ray Bradshaw will all be taking to the stage to entertain crowds at Dalkeith Country Park on Sunday 23 May.

The Parking Lot Social has been delighting audiences across the UK for the last two months with an unrivalled line-up of drive-in entertainment, adding additional dates in many cities due to demand. With comedy clubs across Scotland still closed due to COVID, Parking LOL is on hand to provide those longing for laughs with a hilarious night out. 

Here’s what to expect from Parking LOL in Edinburgh:

Des McLean – Des McLean is an award-winning stand-up comedian, presenter and actor.

Based in Glasgow, Des has toured extensively across the UK, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. A regular on TV, Billy Connolly has cited Des as his favourite Comedian!

Susie McCabe – Susie took her first steps into comedy as part of a drunken dare. Most people have to do a shot or strip. Well, Susie was drunk with her clothes on and building a career out of it. After a successful career working in the construction industry Susie has cemented herself as one of rising stars of UK stand up.

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd – Born and bred in Glasgow, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd is a rising star of Scottish stand-up. Fast becoming a Fringe festival favourite, Christopher’s debut hour Home Sweet Home was officially the best reviewed of any Scottish stand-up at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Ray Bradshaw –  One of the brightest and most exciting acts on the UK Comedy circuit, Ray has performed sell out solo festival shows in Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd (above) said, “I’m really looking forward to doing stand-up again. I think it’s brilliant that Parking Lot Social are booking Scottish comedians instead of shipping in acts from elsewhere.

“Some of my pals have worked with them before and they said it was class, so I’m really looking forward to it. COVID struck a real blow to live comedy, so it’s great to be out doing events like this in front of a live audience again.”

Josh Kinnersley, Chief Operating Officer at XL Event Lab, added: “Parking LOL is always a popular session for us, and it’s been great to work with such incredible comedians up and down the UK, giving people access to live comedy while the clubs are sadly still shut.

“Scotland has a fantastic scene and we’ve got four of the country’s best loved performers on this bill for this event, so laughs are guaranteed!”

As well as Parking LOL, drive-in tickets are also on sale for a host of other live entertainment. Legendary party night The Big Weekender takes place on May 21, live spring panto The Wizard of Oz is May 22 and there’s two chances to catch the interactive family fun of Social Kids, taking place on both May 22 and 23. Classic films will play over the three days too.

Audiences will be entertained in their cars from a vast custom made stage. Shows are broadcast across two 60ft screens and audio is transmitted from the stage directly to each vehicle through a dedicated FM radio channel. Food comes from street food masters The Big Feed with orders made online and delivered straight to each car.

For tickets, live updates and information visit The Parking Lot Social website at https://theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/tour/edinburgh/

Edinburgh drive-in announces extra Drag Queen event

After selling out a string of dates as it tours the UK, Scotland’s Parking Lot Social has announced that it is adding a second drive in drag show to its Edinburgh dates, with tickets now available for both Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22. 

Stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be taking to the stage at Dalkeith Country Park later this month, promising unmissable live comedy, entertainment and runway worthy looks. Hosted by Whiplash, lineups over the weekend include UK Drag Race alumna The Vivienne (season one winner), Baga Chipz, Ellie Diamond and Cheryl Hole. 

Josh Kinnersley, Chief Operating Officer at XL Event Lab, said: “Drag Race fever has swept the nation, and we’re delighted to welcome some of the TV show’s most talented stars to join us for the UK’s first ever drive-in drag show.

“We’ve seen a real appetite from the public for all of our Edinburgh events, and we’ve added an additional DriveTime Drag show to meet demand. Our drag queens have loved getting back in front of a live audience and have plenty of surprises in store, so we’d urge everyone to get their tickets now to avoid disappointment.”

As well as the drag shows, drive in tickets are also on sale for a host of other live entertainment. Legendary party night The Big Weekender takes place on May 21, live spring panto The Wizard of Oz is May 22 and there’s two chances to catch the interactive family fun of Social Kids, taking place on both May 22 and 23. Classic films will play over the three days too.

Audiences will be entertained in their cars from a vast custom made stage. Shows are broadcast across two 60ft screens and audio is transmitted from the stage directly to each vehicle through a dedicated FM radio channel. Food comes from street food masters The Big Feed with orders made online and delivered straight to each car.

For tickets, live updates and information visit The Parking Lot Social website at www.theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/tour/glasgow

Edinburgh set for Spring Breakout

Edinburgh’s entertainment schedule just shifted up a gear – The Parking Lot Social is back – and this time it’s bigger than ever. With tickets on sale now, The Parking Lot Social Springtime drive-in extravaganza will be rolling back into Dalkeith Country Park from 19-23 May. 

2021’s tour brings with it a selection of familiar favourites alongside some amazing new additions, including Scotland exclusive Scary Movie sessions featuring live scare actors at midnight on each date.

Brand new for this year is The Parking Lot Social Easter Panto. The traditional theatre production has had a seasonal makeover – with cast members putting on a special performance of The Wizard of Oz, uniquely tailored to the drive-in format.

Sashaying onto the stage for 2021, the stars of RuPauls Drag Race UK will also be entertaining adults. Fans of the cult show can expect iconic performances from coveted cast members, including season one alumni Baga Chipz, Divina De Campo, Vinegar Strokes and Gothy Kendoll, with current season two queens Ginny Lemon, Ellie Diamond and Tayce also confirmed.

A host of drive-in movies for all ages are also on offer, as well as the hugely popular Social Kids event. Families can safely get together to enjoy the interactive showcase with an afternoon of quizzes, Car-a-oke, games and even a silent disco. For a drive-in laughs, the Parking LOL Comedy Night is once again back on the road, with some of the UK’s finest comedians to be announced.

John Kinnersley, Chief Operating Officer at XL Event Lab, the company behind the event, said: “As we know the arts, including drag performances and theatre productions, have been heavily impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, and we’re proud to give these talented entertainers the opportunity to perform to a live audience again. 

“Our debut summer tour was a huge success last year, and we’re keen to keep up momentum and continue to deliver first class events which are not only enjoyable, but completely Covid-19 friendly. Every detail of our drive-in tour – from entering the site to parking up and ordering food – has been designed with customer and staff safety front of mind, with ticket holders able to enjoy the experience with complete piece of mind.”

Attendees will be entertained in their cars from a vast custom made stage, with shows broadcast across two 60ft LED screens. Using the best technology, audio will be transmitted from the stage directly to each vehicle through a dedicated FM radio channel.

Safety is at the heart of the event and audiences take part in the immersive, interactive shows from their own cars. It’s a completely contactless event ensuring a safe and socially distant experience. Organisers set up strict cleaning and distancing rules for the most recent UK winter events and plans in place for spring will all be in accordance with local government guidelines.  

Tickets for The Parking Lot Springtime Drive-in Festival in Edinburgh are on sale now, along with the following UK locations: Glasgow, Aberdeen, Liverpool, Coventry, Manchester, Cheltenham, Bristol and Newcastle. Additional Scottish dates are still to be announced.

For tickets, live updates and information visit The Parking Lot Social website: http://bit.ly/3kGwWww

Parking Lot Social at Dalkeith Country Park this weekend

The Parking Lot Social is a Live Drive-In event running this weekend at Dalkeith Country Park.

The Parking Lot Social is an amazing, new touring experience which packs a load of exciting entertainment into one incredible night out.

We’ve created a spectacular event space and overloaded it with a programme of immersive and interactive entertainment that’s broadcast from our stage straight to your car, allowing us all to come together, while still keeping us that safe distance apart. 

You can learn more about the event at https://theparkinglotsocial.co.uk

For a chance to win a ticket, just tag who you would take in the comments, and share this post. For 20% off enter 20PERPTR during checkout at https://bit.ly/3gg2WDG