St James Quarter Sessions artists celebrated the finale of St James Quarter Sessions – a free live music event series that took place at St James Quarter throughout August.
With an impressive line-up of over 60 live performances and DJ sets, the Quarter transformed into a music festival site with guests reserving tickets to enjoy exclusive sets from talent including Russell Stewart, Grace and the Flat Boys and Super French.
Multrees Walk, Edinburgh’s most stylish destination, announces the expansion of the designer retailer Louis Vuitton, in Edinburgh. Louis Vuitton – the world’s leading high-quality products group – has been extended from 3,072 square feet to over 6,500 square feet, doubling in size.
Opening in Edinburgh over 20 years ago, Louis Vuitton was the second store to open in Multrees Walk. Over the last 2 decades, the retailer has established a loyal clientele throughout both Edinburgh and Scotland. Coupled with the added benefit from the recovery in international travel and tourism and a demand from international students, the Edinburgh store has gone from strength to strength.
The solid growth for the brand and outstanding performance and demand for the fashion and leather goods, has granted the retailer the opportunity to double in size.
Commenting on the expansion, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “Multrees Walk has become home to many leading and exclusive fashion brands, and we are proud to announce the next chapter for Louis Vuitton.
“As one of our first retailers to open, to see Louis Vuitton trade so successfully to the point where they decided to upsize their store and expand their product offering in Edinburgh is fantastic and testament to the strong trading environment offered by Multrees Walk.
“We look forward to continuing to evolve the retail offering by welcoming further High-End Luxury retailers in the near future.”
Offering a prime location, Multrees Walk provides a luxury shopping experience in the heart of Edinburgh and houses many exclusive fashion brands including Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton, Edinburgh is the only store in Scotland and has cemented its reputation as the destination for designer leather goods.
This Festival Fringe, St James Quarter is bringing a diverse programme of emerging music talent and street performances straight to the heart of Scotland’s capital with ‘St James Quarter Sessions’.
Taking place throughout August, The Quarter will provide a unique addition to this year’s Fringe programme. Inviting music lovers to a month-long festival held in the lifestyle district of Edinburgh, guests attending St James Quarter Sessions can sit back, under cover and enjoy music from the comfort of their very own deck chair on the Galleria without a muddy field in sight.
The free music festival runs from the 5th to the 27th of August and will fill The Quarter with the sound of the best music across two main stages – the Canopy Stage on Level 4 and The Yellow Stage on Level 3 – as well as in key outlets. Artists that will be taking the stage include Chef The Rapper, Lubana, SHEARS and Russell Stewart.
As well as established artists, St James Quarter will be providing an all-important platform for 33 buskers taking part in the Edinburgh Fringe Street Events programme with the support of Essential Edinburgh, helping showcase their talent to large audiences.
Top dining destinations, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Bonnie & Wild will host free ticketed events, showcasing performances from artists including Amy Duncan, Brodie Barclay and Alice Faye to name a few, with tickets bookable via the St James Quarter app. Keeping the festival spirit going, Sofar Sounds will be coming to a secret location within The Quarter on Sunday 20th August at 6:00pm with a lineup of 3 incredible artists. Tickets are available to purchase through the Sofar Sounds website here.
To mark the launch of the programme, St James Quarter will be hosting the Launch Event at Everyman Edinburgh on Friday 4th August from 7.30pm till late, featuring performances from dynamic rock duo Midnight Ambulance and Chef The Rapper, a rising star in the music industry. Tickets for the launch event are limited and can be purchased through the St James Quarter app.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, St James Quarter – “We are excited to be bringing such a diverse line-up of amazing music performers to this year’s festival, the ‘St James Quarter Sessions’ will offer our guests an undercover musical experience in luxurious surroundings.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society again after such a great 2022 and are delighted to be supported by Essential Edinburgh. Partnering with the Fringe goes beyond entertainment, as it is an incentive for tourism and a boost for the city of Edinburgh.
“At St James Quarter, we love bringing entertainment to elevate guests shopping experiences, which is why we are delighted to welcome some of the best up-and-coming talent that Edinburgh has to offer and bringing some of that renowned festival atmosphere to our Galleria and eateries.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh – “We are delighted to be supporting the ‘St James Quarter Sessions’ music programme taking place during August.
“This time of year is so important to the city as welcome our residents and visitors into the city centre to enjoy the fantastic arts and culture on offer. It will be great to see some of our local talent playing in the St James Quarter as well as giving the audiences a chance to combine great entertainment with the retail and hospitality available.”
Secure your tickets online now to be a part of the launch event, which will welcome VIP guests from the music industry. For the full event programme, tickets, additional details, and exciting updates about the Fringe, download the St James Quarter app here.
For mobile users, download the St James Quarter app here.
MORE THAN FIFTY JOBS CREATED
The countdown is on for acclaimed bar-and-restaurant The Botanist to open its doors at St. James Quarter in Edinburgh.
Cocktail lovers will be able to get their hands on the venue’s famous innovative drinks from Monday 7th August, when the venue is set to welcome in guests for the first time.
The brand is looking for a full team to run operations at its new venue, with 50-60 roles available including both front and back of house staff, from Chefs to Servers to Bartenders, and encourages creativity, individuality and personal flair from its employees. Roles are also advertised for a Duty Manager and Sous Chef to join the growing team.
Edinburgh’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s fresh seasonal flavours, reviving botany-inspired cocktails and signature hanging kebabs that they’ll want to keep going back for.
Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social space, ideal for family meals, after-work drinks, sophisticated evenings with friends and celebrating special occasions.
The interior fit-out of the space is currently underway and the brand is renowned for its grand botanical-inspired interiors.
Guests can expect to enjoy beautiful installations of greenery and exposed brick walls adorned with impressive hand painted artwork whilst they drink and dine. The bar will also feature a dedicated outdoor seating terrace.
Rachel Guy, Operations Manager at New World Trading Company said, “Our stunning new flagship venue brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals join us. Joining the business at the start of our journey means you’ll be bringing our unique brand to life in Edinburgh with the help of award-winning training.
“Our in-house Management Academy & Future Managers programme offers transparent career pathways and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”
To find out more about the opportunities available and apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/edinburgh-roles.
To stay up to date with The Botanist Edinburgh’s opening and be the first to know about, sign up to its newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive invites and offers for the opening week.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce details of the Fringe 2023 street events programme, a popular element of the festival experience. In 2022 56% of Fringe audiences watched street events performances, with iconic street scenes shared around the world across social media.
On the Royal Mile, family-friendly performers will take to the spaces of the High Street from 11:00 every day. Professional street performers from home and abroad will delight with a mix of theatre, comedy and circus skills.
In busker pitches dotted around the area, magic, music and sideshows will engage with audiences, with over 500 buskers performing over the festival. Living statues will deliver a range of surprises to those wandering by, with young children enthralled by the vibrant costumes while often confused by the seemingly impossible positions and shapes they take!
In a tradition dating back decades, each day at 10 am a street events draw will define the performances which will take place that day. A list of those performing will then be published on edfringe.com and shared across Fringe social media channels.
Working towards making the Fringe more accessible, the Fringe Society are again working with the team at Deaf Action, and BSL interpreted street performances will take place on various days throughout the Fringe, at the stage in West Parliament Square.
On the Mound Precinct this year the Fringe Society are delighted to welcome Belhaven Brewery to the festival as a new sponsor. The Belhaven team will be running a bar within this popular space, for audiences to enjoy their award-winning beers while watching nearby performers.
A large circle pitch will be central to this space, for daily street performance across a huge range of artforms. The popular Taster Stage for Fringe acts will also return this year, with an opportunity for local community groups to perform over three days of the festival.
St James Quarter will once again be joining the street events programme this year following a successful debut in 2022. Supported by Essential Edinburgh, they will be showcasing Fringe artists by programming 33 busker performances during the festival.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “The street events programme is a must-see for residents and visitors alike, when these iconic streets of Edinburgh are host to street artists and buskers from all over the world; whether they’ve been performing for decades or a first timer, the Fringe street events showcases a range of talents, skills and styles guaranteed to lift your day!
“Bring the family, enjoy the sights and sounds, Fill Yer Boots, and don’t forget to tip performers!”
The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and the City of Edinburgh Council.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting this year’s street events programme as it gets set to transform Edinburgh’s historic streets into a vibrant playground of creative energy and diverse imagination once again.
“The street events provide a wonderful opportunity for both visitors and locals to sample a slice of something new, whilst enabling performers to showcase their incredible talent. They are a key part of Scotland’s portfolio of events and further strengthen the country’s position as a world-leading events destination”.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The street events programme is one of the most anticipated parts of the Festival Fringe and I am delighted to see it return for 2023.
“For a month the bustling streets of the capital are transformed by buskers and artists from around the world including family friendly performers who each bring a unique and exciting performance to all who pass by.
“The programme has something for everyone so make sure to take advantage of the array of talent on offer during the festival period”.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, St James Quarter said: “We are delighted to once again partner with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society by hosting a curated selection of buskers to support our ‘St James Quarter Live’ music programme in August.
“We know our guests love to be entertained whilst they are in the Quarter and look forward to welcoming some of Edinburgh’s best unplugged music talent to the Galleria. The Fringe is Just Around the Quarter.”
The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the third year.
As part of St James Quarter’s commitment to putting the local community at its heart, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid have been named as the Quarter’s charity partners for 2023 – 2025.
Throughout the two-year partnership, St James Quarter will work closely with the charities, putting a spotlight on their important work, raising awareness of their services and the support they offer, hosting fundraising activities and events, and dedicating time to volunteering, to make a difference in the local community and beyond.
Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping over 2,000 women and 250 children each year. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence and the incredibly valuable services the charity offers, including, employability support, legal support, safe refuge and support groups to promote positive wellbeing and recovery.
Health in Mind is a leading Scottish mental health charity based in Edinburgh, with a vision that everyone in Scotland should have positive mental health and wellbeing, and can access high-quality support if, when and how they need it.
Recognising the far-reaching impact of mental health, St James Quarter hopes that this partnership will shine a light on the many resources and support services that Health in Mind offer, and the real difference they can make to people’s lives.
Alex McGinness, Technical Services Director and Corporate Social Responsibility Chair at St James Quarter says, “St James Quarter is committed to supporting charities that do incredible and valuable work in the city and beyond and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid for the next two years.
“We will support each organisation’s charitable initiatives and work together on exciting events and activations to raise awareness or funds. The partnerships will also open up training opportunities for our employees on important matters relating to mental health and domestic abuse. The charities are truly doing transformative work and it’s a privilege to be partnering with them”.
Wendy Bates, Chief Executive of Health in Mind says, “Health in Mind has been promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in communities across Edinburgh since 1982 and we’re pleased that now includes the St James Quarter community – from its staff to those who visit.
“St James Quarter is a key venue in Edinburgh and our partnership will have a lasting impact in raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing and our available Health in Mind support.”
Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid says, “In our 50th anniversary year, we are absolutely delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter. Both Edinburgh Women’s Aid and St James Quarter are key actors in life in Edinburgh.
“This amazing partnership creates an opportunity for us to jointly signal that supporting women and children to live safely and free from abuse is at the heart of Edinburgh’s community values.”
Both charities will also provide guidance and training to enhance the skills of the St James Quarter team, equipping them to identify and sensitively deal with issues surrounding domestic violence or mental wellbeing in the workplace.
St James Quarter will also leverage its existing partnership with retail and hospitality academy, FUSE, to offer support and to individuals who benefit from the charities and are looking to get into work.
To keep up to date with the latest news and events, download the St James Quarter app here.
Aegon UK and Aegon Asset Management are pleased to announce that they’ll be sponsoring this year’s Pride Edinburgh and Fife Pride festivals. It will be Aegon’s sixth year sponsoring Pride Edinburgh and the third time sponsoring Fife Pride.
Pride Edinburgh is Scotland’s national and longest running LGBTQIA+ festival. It returns to full form on Saturday 24 June after a scaled-back event in 2022 due to Covid-19. It will consist of various activities and inclusive events to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, including a march through the city centre starting at the Scottish Parliament and finishing with a music festival at Bristo Square.
Aegon is also sponsoring the Pride Edinburgh’s Ride with Pride bus for the second year running. The bus is designed to provide better accessibility to everyone to join in with the official march.1
Fife Pride is also set to return for its sixth year, on 1st July in Kirkcaldy. In 2022 around 2,000 LGBTQIA+ people and allies of the community celebrated following a two-year absence.
As sponsors, Aegon colleagues will be at both events to engage with attendees about the business, how it celebrates inclusivity and diversity, as well as about its sustainability initiatives.
Andy Manson, Chief Marketing Officer at Aegon UK, said: “It gives us immense pleasure to support and attend these two fantastic events again this year.
“We’re an organisation passionate about creating a working environment that celebrates all forms of diversity and individuality, and our ongoing support of Pride events is just one of the many ways Aegon engages with our local communities.”
St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s premier destination to shop, dine, play and stay, will be supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies with a day filled with Pride celebrations on Saturday the 24th of June.
Kicking off at 11am, St James Quarter will be joined by dynamic duo Drag Queens, Sissy Scorpio and Rozie Cheeks, extending a warm welcome to guests. Dazzling everyone with their mesmerising dance moves, they will strike poses for iconic selfies and give rainbow flags to guests.
St James Quarter is also running a pride-tastic giveaway, guests can win a £500 gift card, redeemable in the Quarter, if they download the St James Quarter app over the Pride weekend.
The celebrations don’t end there. At 3pm, guests can join the pride party as the sensational DJ Trendy Wendy takes to the decks on Level 3 bringing a pride setlist like no other. With her signature mix of disco, soul and funk music, this will be a loud and proud party you won’t want to miss.
From 11am – 3pm on Level 1, all guests can take advantage of free face painting, whether they’re joining Edinburgh’s ‘March with Pride’ event, celebrating Pride Month, or simply looking to add some fun and colour to their day.
Brands across the Quarter are also embracing Pride Month with their own special edition Pride collections and displays including Hollister, Coach and Hotel Chocolat, Boots is hosting a series of fun beauty masterclasses on 24th June, complete with live entertainment, and Everyman is screening Pride favourites, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Priscilla Queen of the Desert over the weekend.
Bross Bagels is proudly offering its fabulous rainbow bagels throughout Pride weekend, in association with LGBT Youth Scotland. These vibrant treats can be matched with any filling, creating a delightful experience for everyone to savour.
Susan Hewlett, Brand & Marketing Director, St James Quarter, said: “We have a fun packed day planned for Edinburgh Pride.
“Our Guest Services team will be joined by the inimitable Sissy Scorpio and Rozy Cheeks, two of Scotland’s leading Drag Queens, bringing a whole new vibe to our Brand Ambassador team with live voguing and iconic dance moves.
“Guests are invited to join in, grab a selfie or strike their own pose. We will also have glitter face painting for all, the chance to win a St James Quarter gift card and to close the days party atmosphere the supremely talented DJ Trendy Wendy will be filling the Quarter with the best Pride anthems from 3pm – 7pm.
“We are incredibly proud to be associated with this event, it supports our commitment to promoting diversity and equality and we invite everyone to join us in this momentous celebration of pride, acceptance, and unity.”
For further information and updates on the Pride event at St James Quarter, please visit:
https://stjamesquarter.com/event/celebrating-pride-edinburgh-at-st-james-quarter
To keep up to date with the latest news and events, download the St James Quarter app here.
St James Quarter has revealed that the Batman’s iconic Batmobile will be parked on Register Square on the 6th and 7th May for Comic Con. Comic fans will have a chance to get their picture taken with the famous vehicle, which is based on the classic version from the 1989 film.
And that’s not all, Ghostbuster fans will get an opportunity to pose and take a picture with the legendary Ecto-1 Car which will be situated at the Multrees entrance at St James Quarter.
As well as endless picture opportunities, Comic fans will get the chance to meet their favourite superheroes and comic stars, including Spider Man, Shrek and Pikachu. Attendees will also learn about the world of comic books from the experts, with special guest appearances from the likes of Jim Alexander, Monty Nero and Art of Fish who have all written or drawn for Marvel, DC and 2000 AD.
There will also be interactive workshops including a slime making session the kids will love, as well as mask making workshop where guests can step into the shoes of their favourite superhero and create their own iconic look.
Comic Con is encouraging guests to get involved in the action and take part in its renowned cosplay competition on Saturday 6th May at 3:20pm where a first-place trophy and cash prize is up for grabs.
Kicking off from 10am on Saturday, the B3 car park will be transformed into a hub of activity, courtesy of the Big Glasgow Comic Page, featuring everything from comic book and memorabilia sellers and workshops to props and gaming.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “Don’t miss out on the ultimate celebration of superheroes and villains at St James Quarter this weekend. With a diverse range of attractions including the Batmobile, cosplay competitions, merchandise vendors, comic characters, and interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone.
“We cannot wait to welcome you all to Comic Con this weekend!”
For more information visit the BGCP Comic Con event page.
Sci-fi fans in Edinburgh are in for a treat as Comic Con is headed to St James Quarter for a free two-day event on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of May.
Kicking off from 10am on the Saturday, the B3 car park will be transformed into a hub of activity, courtesy of the Big Glasgow Comic Page. The event will take over the entire St James Quarter car park on Level B3 and will feature everything from comic book and memorabilia sellers and workshops to props and gaming.
A family-friendly event, guests of all ages will be able to take part in a cosplay contest and browse a wide variety of toys and crafts on offer. Comic book fans will also be able to meet their heroes, as stars of the big screen come to life with special meet and greets with the nation’s favourite superheroes and villains.
With a stellar line-up of activities, this is set to be the biggest comic con event the city has ever seen and promises to be a fun-filled weekend for all.
For more information and tickets, you can visit the BGCP Comic Con event page.
St James Quarter’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival has officially launched today and will run until Sunday 2nd April.
Eager seafood lovers descended on the market this morning and were some of the first to enjoy the culinary seafood delights which will be available all weekend at the Quarter, with vendors including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke, SanCiro pizza and Lemon Squeezy.
There is also a pop-up from Isle of Harris Distillery and a Prosecco and Sangria Bar, as well as the chance to pick up Scottish fish and shellfish from Catch of the Day fishmongers.
As well as enjoying the freshest produce from top quality vendors, guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April.
For more information on this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival, please visit:
https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-seafood-festival-2023
