Edinburgh Leisure’s much-loved Festive Gymnastics Display is back for another year, bringing together over 800 gymnasts from across the city and beyond to perform in front of an expected audience of more than 2,000 spectators at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
Now in its 19th year, the event will feature 46 teams from six Edinburgh Leisure gymnastics venues, including a special performance from some of the coaching staff. Joining them are guest clubs from across the Lothians and Fife, showcasing a dazzling array of talent and teamwork.
Dorothy McQueen, Gymnastics Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This event is a celebration of progress, participation and pure enjoyment.
“It’s a chance for our gymnasts to show their families and friends what they’ve been working on all year, and for guest clubs to experience the energy and community spirit of Edinburgh Leisure. The atmosphere is always electric, and it’s a wonderful way to round off the coaching year.”
The day is split into two sessions:
Morning session: 09:00 – 12:15
Afternoon session: 13:00 – 16:15
Tickets are priced at £5.80 per person, with under-5s free (no seat provided).
Tickets are on sale now via TicketSource, with participating gymnasts guaranteed one pre-sale ticket. Each customer can purchase up to six tickets.
Edinburgh Leisure is also welcoming volunteers to help the day run smoothly.
From assisting with registration to guiding guests, it’s a great opportunity to get involved in a community event. No gymnastics experience is required.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Dorothy McQueen at:
Edinburgh Leisure’s gymnastics programme caters to all ages and abilities, from toddlers in Baby Nippers to advanced gymnasts in disciplines such as trampolining, acro and display gymnastics.
Seven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
Partnership with Edinburgh Napier’s Screen Academy Scotland showcases Class Act writers from Scotland, Ukraine, India and Finland
First film released is Grandmother’s Pie, performed by Imani Preyor, with further releases to follow each week through August.
Glimmers: micro-moments of positivity that help us to feel joy, safety and connection. It could be a fleeting sense of safety or love, happiness, or hope. But it leaves a positive lingering feeling.
Glimmers are ephemeral, much like theatre: a swift moment of magic, over too soon, but whose impacts can last forever.
This summer TravFest25 shares Glimmers with audiences and visitors. The series of short films have been penned by some of our brightest young voices, nurtured and discovered through the Traverse’s flagship engagement programme Class Act, then filmed within the Traverse Theatre and given a platform at the world’s biggest performing arts festival.
Voices from across the world – including Ukraine, India, Finland, and Scotland come together in Glimmers, supported by the Traverse’s leading mentors and directors including John Tiffany, Douglas Maxwell, Nicola McCartney, Natalya Vorozhbyt and Gareth Nicholls.
Created and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University’s Screen Academy Scotland, these wonderful miniature theatre works have become short films to be shared online and within the Traverse itself throughout August.
The first of the seven films is released today – Grandmother’s Pie, a new piece submitted by former Class Act Finland participant Anastasiia, performed by Imani Preyor.
Further Glimmers will be released through the coming weeks, uploaded to enjoy for free via the Traverse Theatre’s Youtube channel as well as popping up on digital screens within the building throughout the month.
The full set of films is:
1 in 2 by Seren (Class Act Dumfries submitted in 2024) – performed by Eloise King Anderson
Grandmother’s Pieby Anastasiia (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers)– performed by Imani Preyor
One Two Three by Matvey (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Alexander Tait.
More Like Mum by Jules Risingham (Letters to Our Future Government piece submitted in 2024) – performed by Lawrence Boothman.
Ryokoby Kate (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Janette Foggo.
The Light by Alisa (Participated in Class Act Finland 2023 – Cultura Foundation and Fenix Finland Ry, new piece submitted for Glimmers) – performed by Eve Buglass and Sydney Mulligan.
Last Chance to Save the Planet by Kayla (Submitted in 2023) – performed by Rebecca Wilkie.
A team of 23 camera, sound, lighting, technical and production staff from Edinburgh Napier University’s Screen Academy Scotland honed theatre capture skills in a short residency at the Traverse Theatre in July.
Camera: Grant Deans (him), Owen McCaffrey (him), Natalie Weir (her), Tony Ross (him)
Nearly 80 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh this month for a showcase of creative talent.
Following the success of their August markets, Tea Green Events are returning to the beautiful venue on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November 2024 (10am to 5pm).
The Edinburgh event will be attended by almost 30 Edinburgh-based makers including a number of graduates of Edinburgh College of Art.
Free to enter, the event marks a fitting end to the Scottish company’s record-breaking year of markets to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Founder, Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen commented, “There is nowhere more magical than Edinburgh at Christmas and we’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the city’s offering this year, a place to buy so many beautiful, locally made products.
“Whether you’re looking for a hand-knitted jumper, bag, ceramics, jewellery or illustrations, it’s all here and all made in Scotland, much in Edinburgh itself. It’s extra special to be working within such a stunning and important location which adds so much to the experience we’re creating together.”
One of the designers preparing to showcase her work is award-winning French author and illustrator, Marie-Alice Harel of Maharel.
Based in Edinburgh, Marie-Alice designs and illustrates books for readers of all ages. Her work, mostly traditional (watercolour, pencils and ink) is regularly exhibited in galleries in the UK, the USA and France. She also teaches Book Illustration and makes artist books, ceramics and textile pieces when time allows.
Marie-Alice, who will be selling books, prints, stationery and greetings cards, said: “Art galleries are so needed, allowing people and artists like me to get close and personal with the original artworks under their roofs.
“The art that inspired me as an artist/illustrator is from the past, so museums and galleries are the way I can experience them in person. Each artist is at the end of a long line of creatives and makers, building on a heritage of skills, ideas and techniques that, purposefully or unconsciously, both nourish and push their practice further.
“There is, however, a wide divide in perception between today’s practitioners and the masters of yesterday. It’s good to see efforts to bridge that gap, with the National Galleries hosting Tea Green events and their beautiful selection of makers.
“Each creative person is at the end of one of these invisible lines, each at their own scale and in their own discipline, so it makes a lot of sense to welcome them under the same roof. You will be able to meet them this November, next to their respected predecessors (who are no doubt cheering them on silently from the museum’s walls). Some of today’s artists will grace those same walls someday.
“You might want to buy a print, a greeting card or some other carefully crafted item (a life’s work really) while they’re still alive.”
Marie-Alice’s work will beautifully complement the brand new exhibition on show at the galleries. Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House is a spectacular group of some 50 Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings and watercolours, spanning from about 1500 to 1700 and exhibited in Scotland for the first time.
Marie-Alice will be joined by fellow illustrator Susie Wright, who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2003.
Susie, also based in Edinburgh, added, “I’ve been inspired by the artworks and spaces in the National Galleries since I was a student and made my very first screen print after a research trip drawing in and around the galleries.
“Edinburgh is also a continued source of inspiration, I love how the changing light throughout the year highlights different details and views as I walk around the city. The Tea Green markets have allowed me to meet like-minded makers and wonderfully supportive customers, which in turn has created a really lovely creative community.”
Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said, ‘We are so delighted to welcome Tea Green’s winter market and all of the amazing independent designers to the National.
“We are thrilled that we can offer the beautiful surroundings of the National gallery to showcase the talents of these incredible creatives and support Scottish businesses. With the market on at the same time as our spectacular exhibition, Dürer to Van Dyck : Drawings from Chatsworth House, visitors will have the unique opportunity to discover historical drawings in the Royal Scottish Academy and then pop through to the National to explore the current works of the illustrators on offer at the event.
“We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art. There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the National.”
Before the year is out, Tea Green Events markets will also be held at V&A Dundee (Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December) and Bowhouse in Fife (Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2024).
Scotland’s freshest performers tread the boards at top Edinburgh venues
GIFTED STUDENTS at one of Scotland’s leading performing arts schools will take to the stage in a captivating spring showcase to flaunt their singing, dancing and acting skills.
In a series of highly entertaining performances, The MGA Academy will be showcasing the graduating class of 2023 as they perform well known shows including Jekyll and Hyde, Little Women and Jerry’s Girls alongside a Triple Bill of fantastic choreography, promising an unforgettable experience for audiences.
The Academy firmly believes in the educational value of students performing in front of live audiences and it is an integral part of its philosophy to offer the chance to put students’ learned skills into practice within a professional setting.
Marcella Macdonald, Principal of The MGA Academy, said: “Live performance is at the heart of everything we do here at the MGA Academy so we encourage all musical and theatre lovers to come along to watch the fantastic performances in the flesh.
“It’s so important for our students to have the opportunity to showcase their talents and for their family, friends and the general public to enjoy the fruits of their labour, especially after a challenging few years for the industry.
“We’re hoping to see a great turn out from the general public and they snap up tickets for one or more performances to support our students, who are some of the most exciting and driven young performers in Scotland.”
The spring showcase series will kick off on Thursday, 4 May with a radical reimagination of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Jekyll and Hyde, which will see the BA Hons Acting Class of 2023 portray the clash between civilised Victorian London and seedy Soho in a story of scientific experimentation.
Directed by Becky Hope Palmer, performances of the Edinburgh-inspired tale will be held at Assembly Roxy on Thursday, 4 May at 7.30pm, Friday, 5 May at 7.30pm, and twice on Saturday, 6 May at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
For dance enthusiasts, a Triple Bill performance will be a showcasing of three exciting dance pieces devised by three different choreographers. While for those with a musical theatre interest can expect impressive performances of Little Women and Jerry Girls by MGA’s Musical Theatre cohort.
Marcella added: “The spring showcase is one of the school’s largest performance projects of the year and it really demonstrates the level of skills our aspiring performers have learned throughout their time with us – it is definitely not one to miss!”
The MGA Academy of Performing Arts was established in 2005 to provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges.
The performing arts school is Scotland’s only full accredited vocational college, holding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD) certifications and also has a partnership with Bath Spa University to offer full-time degrees.
theSpaceUK kicks off their 27th year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in style
It was a night to remember as theSpaceUK kicked off their 27th year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a powerhouse performance packed launch at theSpace Triplex.
Artists from a wide variety of genres came together to wow audiences with a small flavour of the 400+ shows available in this year’s programme. Featuring eleven fantastic acts, the launch was a showcase of music, comedy, theatre and packed with plenty of action, to give a taste of the talent on show at theSpaceUK this year.
theSpaceUK pioneered the return of grass roots performance to the festival last year and continues to offer the most established programme for new and original writing as well as established work offering that unique and special experience that can only be found in Edinburgh during August.
Highlights from theSpaceUK Press Launch
Kicking off proceedings was the Hip Hop Orchestra Experience direct from California which seamlessly fused hip-hop and classical music. Upcoming theatre company koi collective premiered a new comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe, Crossing the Void, with a swirl of intrigue and emotion.
A multimedia hybrid, part live stand-up, part film, Apartness featured Sylvester McCoy, Linda Marlowe in a tale of two isolated souls and their devilish comedian saviour. Prejudice & Pride was new folk musical comedy that reimagines Jane Austen’s classic novel in modern America with gender-swapped characters.
How do predators justify what they have done? Why do some victims survive and others perish? Brother’s Keeper is about courageous survival. Merrill gets diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and tries to make sense of her life and chaotic childhood in Merrill Means Well.
The Mistake is a compelling new play by Michael Mears that explores the events surrounding the catastrophic “mistake” that launched our nuclear age.
UK Underdog is a solo show based on true events in a London, Jewish boy’s life told with humour and plenty of chutzpah.
A modern tale of the gay scene which can be harsh and lonely, Soho Boy is packed with glamour, sex and songs.
One-liners and light-hearted jokes from the UK Pun Championships winner 2022 and Scottish Comedian of the Year runner-up 2021, Richard Pulsford had the audience in stitches.
Puppet Pansori Sugungga is an untraditional staging of classical Korean themes using the traditional puppetry of pansori and live music. All hosted by the freshest comedian at the Fringe, It’s Fraser Brown.
About theSpaceUK
Established in 1995, theSpaceUK hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the fringe. Companies, both professional & amateur, are given an affordable, supportive and professional platform to showcase their work.
About the venue
theSpaceUK operates 19 venues across 7 sites including: theSpace@Surgeon’sHall, theSpace@SymposiumHall, theSpace on North Bridge, theSpace on the Mile, theSpaceTriplex, the Space@Venue45. Further details will be revealed in the coming months.
Crowds at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to be taken on a thrilling Scottish musical journey by one of New York’s leading vocal groups at the 2022 showcase, Voices.
The Highland Divas will be showcasing their talentand sharing three incredible voices, making their debut on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The Highland Divas are made up of Marla Kavanaugh, originally from Dunedin, New Zealand, and now living in LA, Margaret Kelly, originally from Falkirk, now residing in New York, and Georgia Johnson from Edinburgh, who is now based in Massachusetts.
With a collective ambition to share traditional Scottish music with the world and honour Scottish culture, the trio were formed in 2012. They’ve headlined New York City Tartan Week in recent years and have performed at iconic venues including, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre.
The performance at the Tattoo will wow audiences with its musical journey that spans the folk music of Scotland and New Zealand. From Celtic ballads, through to exciting, harmonised interpretations of both pop and classical music, the Highland Divas’ performance will have something for everyone.
One of the singing trio, Marla Kavanaugh, said: “We really want our performance to speak to the hearts of everyone whose lives have been disrupted or changed forever because of the challenges of the past two years.
“We want to bring hope and joy to the Tattoo this year with our performance and our voices. We’re spending a lot of time together just now rehearsing and learning the Scots Gaelic we need over a nice wee cup of Scottish Blend tea.
“We’re so excited and humbled to have the opportunity to perform in front of such amazing fans from around the world who will descend on Edinburgh this summer.”
The group have all grown up as huge fans of the Tattoo and have watched the performances from afar over the years.
Their set will include traditional Celtic songs, as well as a nod to New Zealand, creating a wow moment on the Esplanade and give a heartfelt expression of this year’s Tattoo theme, Voices.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said:“We’re thrilled to be welcoming The Highland Divas to the Tattoo, fresh from their recent performances at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Gardens in New York City.
“World-class vocalists of this calibre are an exciting new addition to our lineup and are the perfect fit for this year’s show, Voices.
“We have some special surprises planned when The Highland Divas take to the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and can’t wait to share the magic with our audiences.
“If you haven’t booked tickets already, then I’d urge people to get moving. It’s going to be an incredible show.”
This year’s Tattoo performance will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance, and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5-27.
The Show will run from 5-27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Edinburgh College creative students launch annual festival
Edinburgh College’s creative students are ready to take over the city with a number of unique performances and exhibitions taking place at venues across the capital as part of the annual Glow Festival.
Glow, the culmination of a year’s hard work for the College’s Creative Industries students, will see students perform and exhibit at venues in Edinburgh throughout April, May and June.
The festival will feature events covering the wide range of the College’s Creative Industries courses including: Performing Arts; Broadcast Media and Photography; Music and Sound Production; and Art and Design, with music concerts, theatre shows, exhibitions, film showings and more.
The ninth annual Glow festival, which sees a return to events happening in-person following two years of online performances and exhibitions, launched at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery last week (27 April) with performances from the College’s Musical Theatre students and Brass Ensemble.
Students will showcase their skills and talents across some of Edinburgh’s top venues including Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Festival Theatre, The Biscuit Factory, Bannerman’s, Assembly Roxy, Church Hill Theatre, Everyman Cinema, and the College’s campuses.
The programme of events includes large-scale end-of-year shows including a musical theatre performance with a modern twist on the classic tale Cinderella, an exhibition of Theatre Costumes, a new play set around 1990s rave culture, the Performing Arts Studio Scotland Cross Currents dance event and an exhibition of make-up artistry.
Edinburgh College Assistant Principal Curriculum for Creative Industries Jakki Jeffery said: “After hosting virtual events for the past two years, we are absolutely delighted to be launching our return to an in-person Glow Festival for 2022.
“Our students have been hard at work over the last few months perfecting their work and performances and can’t wait to show off their talents at venues across the capital.
“Glow gives our students the perfect opportunity to showcase their work in front of live audiences or at exhibitions in Edinburgh, giving them the experience that will help set them up for a successful career in the creative industries. We have some spectacular events planned this year, and look forward to seeing you all there!”
Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business support service, is putting the spotlight on rural and urban businesses as part of its new TV campaign which features businesses from both Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.
The campaign will highlight Business Gateway’s extensive programme of support to help business owners, including those getting ready to reopen as restrictions ease.
This support includes the chance for businesses to put their questions directly to industry partners such as the Federation of Scottish Businesses, VisitScotland and the Scottish Retail Consortium through a series of panel webinars. These are designed to help businesses get to grips with the guidance and requirements they will need to follow as they look ahead to reopening safely.
Alongside these, a new series of national webinars covering key topics like HR, business strategy, marketing on a budget, mental health and wellbeing, and more will also launch this month. And business owners are also encouraged to reach out to their local Business Gateway office online where virtual, specialist 1:1 support from an adviser remains available.
To promote the campaign, Business Gateway is showcasing businesses that have benefited from Business Gateway support during the crisis.
Alex Feechan, founder and CEO of FINDRA Clothing, received start-upsupport from Business Gateway when she first launched her business.
Through the Business Gateway team, she was signposted to South of Scotland Enterprise and was able to access a grant through DigitalBoost, Business Gateway’s digital upskilling programme. This grant has enabled Alex to revise FINDRA’s ordering and CRM system.
Alex said: “I worked with Business Gateway when I first launched my business and they were a fantastic source of support, so I knew who to turn to when I decided to overhaul and update my business’s website.
“This investment was only possible through the DigitalBoost programme. Thanks to the grant, I am confident that FINDRA customers can now really enjoy the best online ordering experience when they purchase our products.”
Through DigitalBoost, businesses can access a variety of free support and resources including includes webinars, a digital health check, 1:1 support from a digital expert, online tutorials, and practical guides on topics including social media, cyber resilience, data analytics, digital marketing strategy and e-commerce.
Edinburgh based business, eteaket, is also featured as they prepare to reopen.
Founder Erica Moore said: “The whole team at eteaket are excited to get back to delighting customers in our tearoom and tea shop. We can’t wait to catch up with our regulars and to see our wholesale tea business ramp up.
“We have lots of exciting new ideas planned for this year which are all based around our Tea in Mind system which lets customers choose teas based on how they are feeling. Freeing your mind while your tea brews is the perfect way to unwind. Come and join in the fun!”
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, said:“As lockdown restrictions begin to lift, businesses will be focused on how they can adapt and strengthen their operations. Our campaign is designed to help them do this, ensuring they are aware of the variety of local and online support available to them, no matter their size, location or sector.”
The television advert is set to air from 3rd May.
For more information about how Business Gateway can help you and your business, please visit: https://www.bgateway.com/
Screen Education Edinburgh is hosting a screening event to showcase films made by our young people on their BFI Film Academy, Cashback for Creativity, Princes Trust: Get Started with Media and SEE It Make It (Into Film) programmes.
This event will take place on Saturday 22 October at The Filmhouse.
Showcase aims to raise £250,000 to aid Macmillan Cancer Support in anniversary year
Following the hugely successful Showcase 25, charity Showcase Musical Productions is now in rehearsals for its regular annual show-stopping performance.
From 22-26 September, Showcase returns to the Church Hill Theatre to continue celebrating its 25th anniversary raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This will be a double celebration as this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Church Hill Theatre.
Director, Andy Johnston, describes the programme as: “An eclectic mix of old and new including songs from throughout the lengthy career of Sir Elton John and a tribute to the genius that was Jacques Brel.
“We celebrate the recent reunion of classic 1970’s megastars Fleetwood Mac and perform some of the most celebrated cover versions of all time, including songs from artists as diverse as Pet Shop Boys, Faith No More and J2.
“We even manage to squeeze in songs from classic shows such as Les Miserables, Priscilla – Queen of the Desert and Cabaret, alongside songs from current West End hits Gypsy, The Kinks Musical; Sunny Afternoon and Carole King’s Beautiful.”
Showcase is one of the biggest fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, having raised over £230,000 in the last 25 years. Showcase hopes to raise sufficient funds from this anniversary year to reach their £250,000 target.
This is a cause that is close to all Showcasers’ hearts, many of the company and supporters have first-hand experience of the tremendous work of Macmillan.
Jayne Forbes, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Edinburgh, said: “The support of Showcase is pivotal to Macmillan’s presence in Scotland. We couldn’t have developed services in the way we have without them. And with more people living – and not dying – from cancer, the need for our support is greatly increasing.
“It’s great to work with Showcase. They are fantastic fundraisers but more than this they are truly passionate about, and dedicated to, Macmillan. We couldn’t wish for better advocates and supporters and we would like to thank each and every one of them for their commitment to us.”
Showcase 25 was a phenomenal success and it helped to kick off the 25th anniversary celebrations for Showcase. All Edinburgh Theatre’s Thom Dibdin felt that Showcase ‘rose to the challenges of staging a big choral show on the King’s stage with significant success.’
Showcase 2015 is already shaping up to be just as exciting and is a show not to be missed. Vice President Alan Hunter sums up why tickets should be bought for this performance: “By coming along and buying a ticket, you are genuinely making a difference to somebody’s life, and what could be better than that?”
