Tag: Princes Street Gardens

Coronation to be screened live in Princes Street Gardens

West Princes Street Gardens will host a special free screening in the Capital to mark the Coronation of HM The King.

On Saturday 6 May, Edinburgh’s screening will coincide with celebrations taking place around the country as the nation marks the crowning of the King alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort, with a special extended bank holiday weekend.

The ceremony, which is taking place at Westminster Abbey in London, is scheduled to begin at 11am but access to the screening area will open from 10am. Entry is free and un-ticketed.

On Sunday 7 May, the screen will remain in place and broadcast The Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle to spectators in the Gardens. The Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.

As a new Royal era begins, residents are also invited to share their memories and record well wishes for the new sovereign from Tuesday 2 May in the online Book of Congratulations. Physical books will also be available at the City Chambers and Central Library from Tuesday 2 May until Tuesday 9 May from 10am until 5pm. 

In his role as His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge will be representing the City of Edinburgh at the proceedings in London.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “The Coronation of King Charles is a truly historic event and we’re proud to be joining in with screenings and services in towns and cities across the United Kingdom for those who wish to come together and celebrate the occasion.

“Watching the ceremony and celebrations on the big screen will be a great way for people to be involved and soak up the atmosphere of the extraordinary weekend.”

The big screen has been supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. 

People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, however the Scott’s café will be open and can provide take-away food and beverages.

The screening will take place outdoors, so we are advising those wishing to attend to plan ahead, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water. Toilet facilities will be available and there will be limited seats so we advise bringing blankets or chairs. Extra litter bins will be in place and BBQs will not be permitted.  

To mark HM The King’s Coronation, communities and citizens have applied for street closures to celebrate this historic event.

Ross bandstand

National activities
There are also number of national initiatives taking place with residents encouraged to gather and it’s hoped Coronation Big Lunches and The Big Help Out will bring communities together over the weekend.

Coronation Big Lunch

The Coronation Big Lunch on 7 May is designed to bring neighbours and communities together to share friendship, food and fun and be part of history.

More detail on getting involved is available on the Coronation Big Lunch website.

The Big Help Out

Bank holiday Monday 8 May will see a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the value and impact of volunteering.

It is an opportunity to explore how rewarding volunteering can be. You can get involved and find out how you can make a difference in your community.

There will be lots of different kinds of opportunities, with many of the UK’s leading volunteer charities supporting the initiative. More detail is available on The Big Help Out website. 

Trees planted in Princes Street Gardens

Over 50 trees have been planted in Princes Street Gardens following donations from FLY Festival and the Edinburgh Million Tree City Project.

Organisers of FLY Open Air – which was last held in West Princes Street Gardens in 2021 – donated £5,000 towards trees for the community and this has been match-funded by the Million Tree City Project.

In 2021, Edinburgh officially launched its ambitious target to become a Million Tree City by 2030 as part of its commitment to be net zero by the end of the decade.

The Edinburgh Million Tree Forum is made up of representatives from relevant Council services, the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, the Woodland Trust and partners who are all working together on an updated vision for trees in Edinburgh and to find ways of planting more trees, more quickly.

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker, joined Sam Joss, FLY Festival Director, to plant the final of 51 trees donated to the Gardens.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “We’re very proud that Edinburgh is already one of the UK’s greenest cities, with more trees than people and more green space and green flag parks than any other place in Scotland for people to enjoy. But we want to do even better, especially as we strive towards our hugely ambitious target of making the city net zero by 2030.

“I’m delighted to join Sam to plant the last of these donated trees. After years of successful events in our gardens it’s a fantastic way for the festival to give back to the community. These trees will be enjoyed for generations to come. It’s impossible to overstate the benefits trees bring to the urban landscape. They help clean our air, reduce the risk of flooding, keep us cool in the summer and warmer in winter while giving the wildlife in our city a home.

“We became the first local authority to sign the tree charter and in doing so we pledged to keep nurturing, planting, celebrating, cherishing and increasing Edinburgh’s trees and through our Million Tree City initiative. It is really important that we look after Edinburgh’s wonderful tree legacy for future generations.”

Sam Joss, Fly Festival Director, said: “We are very proud to call Princes Street Gardens our home so I am thrilled to be able to make this donation with funds raised through our music festival; FLY Open Air.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the council and hope to continue to work in partnership to bring improvements to green spaces in the city and show what a positive impact events can have.”

Edinburgh’s MIND BE KIND Festival

First MIND BE KIND Wellbeing Festival launching in Edinburgh 18th and 19th June 2022 at Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens

www.mindbekind.org

With people’s concerns about wellbeing being at an all-time high, a new two-day Festival MIND BE KIND, will be taking place at Edinburgh’s Princes Street’s Ross Bandstand on 18th and 19th June, focusing on wellbeing. 

This new social enterprise, MIND BE KIND, aims to raise awareness of wellbeing and help signpost ways of combating issues such as anxiety and isolation with workshops, stalls, and a concert. 

The event also aspires to support and motivate people to access wellbeing information, find more enjoyment and perhaps different more positive ways of coping with challenges, and has something for all ages at this family friendly event. Organisations such as Health in Mind and UpStart Scotland will be there to provide some help and information to support people with wellbeing matters.

Lynne Stanford, Fundraising Manager says “At Health in Mind we’re excited to be a part of the Mind Be Kind Festival. 

“It feels more important than ever to raise awareness of mental health, the things we can all put in place to keep well, and how to access the right services when we need them – and so it’s brilliant of the organisers to be bringing us all together.  

“Health in Mind services are free to access across Edinburgh, including our online information resource iThrive that includes a wide range of self-help materials. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival”. 

Tania Pramschufer, founder member of MIND BE KIND stresses the importance of care and kindness for oneself and others and noted: “The Festival is a chance for people to connect with practitioners, professionals, therapists and learn more about how to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing and ways to cope with anxiety and low mood.

“We believe that Edinburgh is a city of hospitality and friendship and that by organising something with kindness at its heart, will have a positive impact on our community.”

The concert will be hosted by amazing television presenter and Mind Be Kind ambassador Gail Porter. 

Commenting on the new Festival, celebrity presenter Gail Porter added: ”Being an Ambassador for MIND BE KIND is an absolute honour and a pleasure. Kindness is something that should be second nature. Unfortunately, it isn’t on everyone’s agenda these days. 

“An event, after all we have been through over the past few years, that is dedicated to kindness..is exactly what we all need. And… It’s in Edinburgh. Could it be anymore perfect? 

“Kindness, love, listening, talking, smiling, crying, sharing. It’s not that difficult. I can’t wait to come home. I can’t wait to be involved in such a wonderful event. And I’m more than happy if you want a hug. I do love a hug! 

Gail concluded: “Kindness… it’s very simple. It costs nothing and can change a person’s outlook. Or just give them that hope they need.”

Onstage events also include Laughter Yoga; Yoga with Jen McGregor, Zumba with Nadia Alkoc, Zumba with Ross MacPherson and numerous talks including inspirational speaker Mike Stevenson.

Performances from acts such as amazing newcomer and local act Rane Delyte, Dopesick Fly, The Rouse, Paul McDonald, Supa & Da Kryptonites, Demi McMahon, Tony Wright, and Manchester based rapper Conduit. Edinburgh based drumming group Pulse of the Place, The Well Happy Band and the amazing Got Soul Choir will also be performing over the two-day Festival.

Two local radio stations will be on hand to promote the event, SAM Radio (Scottish Autistic Media Radio) and Mix One radio, who will both be providing DJ’s.

Scran Academy and Punjabi Junction are also going to be there with amazing and delicious food to help refresh everyone’s mind, body, and soul. The MIND BE KIND team is also organising a raffle for people to have a chance at winning prizes.                                                                 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover some of the costs as the Festival is not run for profit but for the benefit of the our community:

:https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-be-kind-festival

StagEHd: Edinburgh’s Theatre Festival

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29 May
Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens

StagEHd is a two day festival of theatre, celebrating the performing arts in Edinburgh.

Born out of a conversation about the commercialisation of Edinburgh’s public spaces, StagEHd is an open access, free-to-attend festival of theatre, featuring the best of Edinburgh’s independent, grassroots and community theatre companies.

The festival began partly as a response to the closure of the city’s arts spaces during the 2020 pandemic, by EGTG (Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group) in collaboration with other community theatre companies in the city, as an opportunity to showcase homegrown talent to a local audience.

The excitement builds: Colour A Corgi among plans for Jubilee celebrations

  • More than 70,000 ‘Big Lunches’ and events planned across the country
  • Activities for children released including Colour a Corgi

Big screens will be set up outdoors in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff so thousands of people can come together to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next month.

Screens broadcasting the events will be placed in The Mall in London, Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens and in Cardiff’s Bute Park.

From street parties and ‘Big Jubilee Lunches’ happening across the UK, to London’s Trooping the Colour, Service of Thanksgiving, concert and pageant, the nation and commonwealth will come together over four days to mark The Queen’s 70-year reign.

The screens are organised by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which today is launching an activity pack for children to help them learn about The Queen’s reign, including articles about how the country has changed in the last seven decades, opportunities to colour in a corgi or crown and bunting to decorate for street parties.

More than 70,000 Big Jubilee Lunches are planned in the four UK nations over the weekend, with an expected ten million people set to sit down with their neighbours on Sunday 5 June, to celebrate Her Majesty’s momentous jubilee.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “In less than a month we will come together as a nation and Commonwealth to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year reign. No other British monarch has reached this milestone and we will celebrate it with tradition, pomp and circumstance.

“I hope that people and communities across the country will come together to pay tribute to Her Majesty – whether that be to watch on big screens or toasting Her Majesty at a Big Jubilee Lunch with their neighbours or coming together in their local village hall.

In London, screens broadcasting the BBC’s live feed will be placed down The Mall and in St James’s Park for members of the public to watch the events taking place across the Bank Holiday weekend.

In Edinburgh, screens will be placed in Princes Street Gardens with thousands able to host picnics and watch the celebrations with a backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and entertainment provided by the Royal Marines and local performers.

The Welsh Capital is also inviting families to bring their Jubilee Picnic and enjoy an afternoon in Bute Park. The beautiful Grade I listed park in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre will provide the perfect venue for an afternoon of Jubilee celebrations as families are invited to enjoy the Jubilee Pageant on a large screen along with entertainment from the bandstand.

In Northern Ireland, a design competition will see primary school children create a ‘snapshot of Northern Ireland’, with the winning entry to be manufactured into a rug by leading company Ulster Carpets and sent to Her Majesty the Queen.

In addition, The Queen and other members of the Royal Family will receive Northern Ireland Platinum Jubilee Hampers showcasing over 50 top quality local food and drink producers, and representing the appreciation of the people of Northern Ireland for Her Majesty’s dedicated service.

Events taking place in London will be broadcast on TV networks BBC, Sky and ITV. In a further move to mark the occasion, the BBC is offering local communities a special one-off TV Licence dispensation so they can screen it on a big screen they organise themselves.

The plans will allow those celebrating with events arranged in town halls, community centres and streets to show live programmes throughout the weekend without needing to purchase a licence.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “Watching the celebrations on the big screens the UK Government is setting up around the country is a great way for people to really get involved and soak up the atmosphere of this fabulous occasion.

“We’re looking forward to a great family-focused event in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh where people can bring a picnic, enjoy the weekend’s festivities and raise a glass to Her Majesty to mark her 70-year reign.”

BBC Director-General Tim Davie says: “I am delighted we are helping to bring people together to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and I’m looking forward to seeing our coverage on big screens up and down the UK, as we mark this wonderful occasion.“

Can hardly wait … !

Man pleads guilty to planting Princes Street Gardens ‘bomb’

Police have welcomed the conviction of Nikolaos Karvounakis after he left an improvised explosive device (IED) in Princes Street Gardens in January 2018.

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, the 35-year-old Greek national pled guilty to being in possession of items for a terrorist purpose.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston said: “Karvounakis showed a blatant disregard for members of the public by placing the IED indiscriminately within Princes Street Gardens. Fortunately, it did not initiate, but his intention was clear and there was certainly the potential to cause significant, or even fatal, injury to innocent passers-by.

“I welcome his guilty plea and conviction which is testament to the perseverance of our diligent investigation team over the last four years.

“Since the discovery of the package, officers from Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit carried out extensive enquiries, including with European partners and law enforcement agencies. They were absolutely committed to the challenging inquiry to identify who was responsible.

“The successful conclusion of this investigation today has been founded on the strong co-operation and working closely with the Counter Terrorism Network across the UK and internationally.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas now open

Edinburgh’s Christmas is open! Festival goers at East Princes Street Gardens and Santa Land in its new home of West Princes Street Gardens made the most of opening weekend, with 92,446 people getting into the Christmas spirit in a fun, safe environment.

And one of the most spectacular new ice rinks in the UK is all set to open TODAY.

Visitors will be able to put their skates on for the first time since 2018 and make the most of the ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.

Those that were looking to stay cosy over the weekend, winter warmers such as mulled wine and hot chocolate were on the menu as visitors made the most of the food and drink offerings that you skate up to within the rink.

Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens

Children from across Scotland made their way through the Christmas Tree maze in a bid to find Santa’s Elves Workshop to get their Christmas wishes in early!

Christmas cheer was also in full force across East and West Princes Street where an array of festive craft, food & drink stalls and the Christmas Markets, Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions, including the Christmas Tree Maze, were bustling from morning till night.

Edinburgh’s Christmas will run until 4th January.

Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Christmas Tree Maze are available to purchase through Edinburgh’s Christmas website. 

Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets. 

Geometric snowflakes will also illuminate The Mound alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree from today.

Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, East Princes Street Gardens

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is back! Our opening weekend was a huge success and it’s been great to see everyone spreading the Christmas cheer – at long last!

“We’re so excited to unveil our spectacular new ice rink on George Street, it’s set to become an icon for the city and for Scotland of how to celebrate winter.”

Underbelly applies for planning permission for Winter events

Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have officially submitted planning applications for the Capital’s 2021 Winter Festival.

The new application includes complimentary additions to the already granted planning application for Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens and The Mound. The updated 2021 application also incorporates West Princes Street Gardens and George Street into the festive mix.

This year, 62 trading stalls and four attractions will pop up in East Princes Street Gardens. The Big Wheel, which has become a firm favourite in Edinburgh’s festive skyline, will also make an appearance in the east end of the city.

Additionally, at the west end, revellers can expect to see a further 15 stall concessions and 11 attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and a Santa’s Grotto.

For the first time since 2018, Underbelly is seeking permission to reinstate a firm favourite to the Christmas programme, an ice rink. The magical ice rink will have a brand-new location at the westerly end of George Street between Charlotte Square and Castle Street.

Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations. Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Essential Edinburgh, Underbelly has taken on board feedback from previous years to create an unmissable festive programme.

Boosting domestic tourism and reinvigorating Princes Street and the surrounding areas, Edinburgh’s Christmas is designed to support economic recovery in the city centre, driving footfall to the wider city centre area, and to bring some much needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors to Edinburgh.

More information on the programme and what can be expected for this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas will be announced shortly. Please make sure that you are signed up to the mailing list via the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly team has been working tirelessly to create a bespoke Edinburgh’s Christmas programme that not only provides unforgettable memories and experiences, but also makes visitors feel safe and at ease at all times.

“It’s been a very challenging couple of years for everyone but our proposed plans for Christmas are designed not only to support economic recovery in the city centre, driving footfall to both the East and the West end of the City, but to also bring some much needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors.”