Tag: programme unveiled

From “Cretaceous Cocktails” to 100 Scientists: Dynamic Earth unveils 2026 Edinburgh Science Festival lineup

Dynamic Earth has announced its most immersive Edinburgh Science Festival programme to date, with a month-long celebration of discovery running from 3 April to 3 May 2026.

As a programming partner of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, Dynamic Earth will host hands-on workshops, live storytelling, outdoor geological adventures, immersive Planetarium screenings and the chance to meet real scientists working at the forefront of research today. 

From dinosaur encounters to astronaut training, this year’s programme invites families, curious adults and science fans of all ages to dive into discovery.

Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 at Dynamic Earth is designed to move science beyond the page and into real experiences. Young explorers will be able to:

  • Take part in Astronaut Training (6–10 April) and prepare for lift-off!
  • Join Jurassic Juniors Storytelling (6–10 April) and Journey Into Space Storytelling (13–17 April) designed especially for early years
  • Step back into the 1700s with Hutton in Edinburgh (7–9 April), an immersive walking theatre experience
  • Explore Holyrood Park’s dramatic landscape during Rocks Uncovered: A Geological Walk with Vojta Hybl (10 April)

Across the festival, visitors can also meet researchers tackling some of today’s biggest scientific questions, including:

  • University of Edinburgh – 7 Days, 100 Scientists (7–13 April)
  • British Geological Survey – Planet Power (15 April)
  • Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Napier University – Meet the Scientists (17 April)
  • Scottish Association for Marine Science – Meet the Marine Scientists (16–17 April)

These free drop-in sessions give visitors the rare opportunity to speak directly with experts and discover how science is shaping our world.

Dynamic Earth’s 360° Planetarium will become a festival stage in its own right, hosting an exciting programme of family favourites and special late-night screenings.

Families can enjoy dino-themed adventures including The Land Before Time, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, The Good Dinosaur and Dinosaur.

For adults, Planetarium Lates offer a completely different atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a Cretaceous cocktail before settling in for prehistoric blockbusters including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and Godzilla.

Festival evenings also include an immersive 360° experience of The Dark Side of the Moon, alongside Stargazing Late and Live – presenter-led journeys across the cosmos with Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers.

Throughout the festival, families visiting Dynamic Earth can also take part in an Egg Hunt Across the Ages, included free with admission from 3 April to 3 May. The trail encourages children to explore the galleries while uncovering clues linked to Earth’s extraordinary history.

Speaking about the programme, Dynamic Earth Director Conor Ellis, Director for Science Learning and Engagement said: “Edinburgh Science Festival is a highlight of the year for us.

“It’s a chance to fill our galleries and Planetarium with even more energy, curiosity and hands-on discovery. Whether you’re training to be an astronaut, meeting real scientists or enjoying a blockbuster under the dome, there is something here to inspire every curious mind.”

Located at the foot of iconic Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth offers visitors a full day out, combining immersive galleries, live science engagement and one of the UK’s most striking Planetariums.

Events run from 3 April to 3 May 2026 and can be booked via Dynamic Earth’s website:

https://dynamicearth.org.uk/easter-at-dynamic-earth/.

Advance booking is recommended.

Full Programme: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/easter-at-dynamic-earth/

Free Fringe programme revealed

Pick of the Fringe is back this year – with a new clean version to add on to the adult shows!

Getting ready for The Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

Our Pick of the Fringe and comedy selection shows this year will be spread throughout the day, and this year along-side the adult shows we have the ‘Clean Pick of the Fringe’ for the first time – a PG rated stand-up show suitable for all 12+.

That new show debuted at this years Adelaide Fringe, followed by the Brighton Fringe and is now making it’s first appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

And we know comics can occasionally slip-up and accidentally put a swear in. So our host Dave Chawner will be on hand with the swear jar and some stern words for any naughty comics!!!

CLEAN Pick: https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/laughing-horse-clean…

ADULT Pick: https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/laughing-horse-pick-of…

ADULT Comedy Selection: https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/laughing-horse-fringe…

See you in August at The Three Sisters – Edinburgh, Pear Tree Bar Edinburgh, Bar 50, Cabaret Voltaire and 32Below!

Festival of Politics: Holyrood 2022 programme unveiled

The big issues facing people in Scotland will feature at the Festival of Politics, with the programme for the event being unveiled today.

Taking place over three days from Thursday 11 until Saturday 13 August, the Festival features a number of online and in-person events taking place in the iconic surroundings of the Scottish Parliament.

Themes such as end of life choices, the state of the UK union, cost of living crisis, our climate, migration and equality will all feature. Alongside distinguished panel guests drawn from all walks of life across Scotland and beyond, sessions will allow festivalgoers to share their own experiences and ask questions. 

The Debating Chamber will also see well-known figures address the audience in a series of ‘in conversation’ style events.  On Thursday, philosopher Professor A.C. Grayling will talk about the three most urgent challenges facing the world today: climate change, technology and justice. On Friday, well-known footballer John Barnes will talk about his experiences of racism and what needs to be done to tackle this in modern society. 

This year the Festival will also feature a rehearsed reading of Holding / Holding On from the National Theatre of Scotland scripted by Nicola McCartney in collaboration with care-experienced people and those within the care system.  A powerful reading that has, at its heart, the intersection where care, class and poverty meet. 

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said: “This programme that has been unveiled today captures the topics of conversations that are happening all over Scotland with family and friends around kitchen tables, on social media, in newspapers and on television. 

“We wanted to bring together those issues that are important to people and allow them to hear different perspectives drawn from people across civic society about how we can make a difference. 

“I really do hope that there is something for everyone in this programme and I’m delighted to be welcoming people back into the Parliament for this event.” 

Book tickets now at www.festivalofpolitics.scot  

In partnership with Scotland’s Futures Forum