Tag: Teviot

Santa and live reindeer join Teviot’s Christmas Countdown

Live music, festive performers and the launch of a new après-ski social hangout spot will accompany the venue’s Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 6 November.

Santa is heading to Teviot on Friday 6 November, bringing his elves and some four-legged friends for a Christmas celebration filled with music, creativity and festive spectacle.

The Teviot Lights Switch-On event previously drew 1,000s of spectators to Bristo Square, and this year marks the events return following a three-year break while the historic building was closed for renovations.

The event is free to attend and open to everyone. Come along early to enjoy festive food and seasonal specials at Edinburgh University’s Student Association-run Union Social, the Library Bar and Gallery Café, Teviot and Baristo, Potterrow, which will all be open throughout the day.

The festive programme begins at 4pm, with the Brass Band, carol singers and Jazz Band performing traditional favourites and Christmas covers. Live reindeer will join the celebrations, with Santa hats and candy canes being given away to help visitors get into the spirit.

At 7pm Santa and his elves will lead the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on joined by stilt performers and musicians in a parade-style celebration.

Once the lights are on, the evening continues with opportunities for visitors to get photographs with Santa, take part in Christmas karaoke in Union Social and enjoy the DJ’s musical entertainment in Union Social Garden which takes on a whole new vibe. 

From Friday 6 November, Après Ski Social, a brand-new concept bringing the spirit of an Alpine hangout arrives at Union Social Garden. Swapping the slopes for Edinburgh’s city centre, the new winter social spot is designed for catching up with friends and making an evening of the darker nights throughout the winter months.

Vice President Activities & Services 2026/27, Vasil T, said: “Teviot has always been about bringing people together and we can’t wait to welcome students, families and our Edinburgh neighbours, to join and celebrate the start of the festive season with us.

“It’s a chance to enjoy the talents of our student musicians, support local creativity and share that special moment when the Christmas lights come on.

“We’re also excited to launch Après Ski Social, giving everyone another reason to get together in the garden this winter. Bring your friends, bring your family and help us give the festive season a brilliant start!”

For further information and event updates, visit: Edinburgh University Students’ Association

Date: Friday 6 November 2026.

Venue: Teviot, Edinburgh.

Event hours: 4pm –1am

Christmas lights switch-on: 7pm.

Programme timings subject to change

Teviot prepares to celebrate first Christmas since reopening 

One of Edinburgh’s best-known historic venues is preparing to host Christmas  celebrations for the first time since reopening following a major refurbishment. 

Teviot reopened its doors in March after a two-and-a-half year refurbishment, marking a  new chapter for the 137-year-old building in the heart of Edinburgh. 

First opened in 1889 and known as the world’s oldest purpose-built students’ union,  Teviot has been part of Edinburgh life for generations – from student events and  celebrations to performances and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Its refurbishment has  introduced improved accessibility, facilities and energy efficiency while retaining much  of the character of spaces including the Debating Hall and Library Bar. 

This December marks another milestone for the venue as Teviot hosts its first Christmas  season since reopening. 

Edinburgh University Students’ Association is opening the venue to businesses,  organisations, university departments, societies and groups from across the city, with  Christmas events available from 1–20 December 2026. 

While Teviot may be best known as a home for generations of Edinburgh students, its  event spaces are open to everyone and are managed by an experienced events team,  who are available to look after food, drinks, décor and entertainment. 

Some of the building’s most recognisable rooms, including the West Reading Room for  groups of 40–80 and the Debating Hall for larger celebrations up to 140 guests, are  available for Christmas celebrations. 

The return of Christmas events follows a busy year for Teviot, which has welcomed  people back into the building since its reopening and returned as a major Edinburgh  Festival Fringe venue over the summer. 

Vice President Activities & Services 2026/27, Vasil T, said: “Teviot means a lot to generations of people in Edinburgh, so it feels really special to be  welcoming Christmas parties back into the building this year.

“A lot of people will  remember Teviot from their own student days, while others may never have had a  reason to step inside before.

“We want people to know that you don’t have to be a  student or connected to the University to celebrate here – our venues are open to  everyone.” 

Every booking helps support the charitable work of Edinburgh University Students’  Association. Income generated through Teviot supports our work to enhance student  experience and services at the University of Edinburgh.

With Teviot now entering its first  full festive season since reopening, the team hopes Christmas will give businesses and groups from across Edinburgh another reason to rediscover one of the city’s most  distinctive buildings.

New exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Edinburgh photographer Sandra George

This summer, the City Art Centre will present Start from the Level, the largest exhibition ever staged of the work of Sandra George (1957–2013).

Start from the Level is produced in partnership with Craigmillar Now, an arts and heritage centre based in Craigmillar, who hold Sandra’s collection in their community archive, and is part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.

Opening on 27 June and running until 27 September 2026, the exhibition brings together photographs spanning more than two decades, many of which will be shown publicly for the first time. Drawn from Sandra’s extensive archive, the exhibition offers a powerful portrait of Edinburgh’s communities and explores themes of identity, activism, motherhood, belonging, and social justice.

Born in Nottingham and raised between Jamaica and the UK before settling in Edinburgh, she became widely known for her work as a community organiser and advocate. Alongside this, she developed a prolific photographic practice, documenting everyday life across Edinburgh and beyond from the late 1970s through to the early 2000s.

Through her lens, she captured both intimate personal moments and wider social movements, creating a remarkable visual record of the city and the people who shaped it. Her photographs are united by a deep sense of humanity and a commitment to representing people with dignity, openness, and care.

The exhibition takes its title from Sandra’s own words: her desire to “start from the level people are based”. This guiding principle informed her work throughout her life, resulting in an extraordinary body of photography that remains as relevant and resonant today as ever.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Sandra George’s photographs offer an invaluable record of Edinburgh and its communities, seen through the eyes of someone deeply committed to social justice, equality, and human connection.

“This landmark exhibition celebrates not only her extraordinary talent as a photographer, but also her lasting contribution to the cultural and community life of our city.

“We are proud to bring this important body of work to audiences and ensure that Sandra’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

In addition to the exhibition at City Art Centre, a special outdoor presentation of Sandra’s work will be displayed on street-side billboard and poster sites across Edinburgh from 22 June for three weeks in partnership with BuildHollywood.

Featuring photographs taken throughout the city, the displays will appear in Fountain Park, Teviot and Meadowbank, bringing George’s images directly into the public spaces she documented.

Find out more on the Culture Edinburgh website.