We’re limited to 250 people for this event due to building capacity, so make sure you get your tickets if you’d like to come. £3/person, includes food: haggis neeps and tatties. (veggie/vegan option available).
Edinburgh Science Festival’s staple and the go-to family experience every Easter holiday, City Art Centre gare now on sale. Featuring five floors of hands-on science workshops and activities, CAC is the Festival’s premier family extravaganza, offering all-day educational funfor children between 3 and 12.
City Art Centre presents a mixture of bookable and drop-in activities, including the family-favourites such as E.R. Surgery where children perform a surgery of an abdomen, knee or brain, Splat-tastic – exploring the chemistry behind producing your own slime or Dig Up a Dinosaur, uncovering the mysteries of dinosaurs which roamed Earth millions of years ago.
This year’s offer includes 6 new fantastic workshops: engineering-focused Construction Challenges, all about the sound – Ella’s Wobble, problem-solving orientated Speedy Sails delving deep into the world of motion, Creative Coding, introducing the young sci-curious minds to Marty and robot coding, Tech Corner looking at how technology transforms our lives, from smartphones to home security, andLEGO® Build The Change, imagining the world without waste and fully embracing circular economy.
But don’t let the kids hog all the fun! For one night only, Edinburgh Science Festival transforms the family venue into a LateLab on 30 March, an adult-only science party.
Similar to previous years, City Art Centre becomes a home to several fantastic artworks. These include artist Robert Powell and philosopher Alasdair Richmond presenting Conference for Chrononauts, an installation exploring the philosophical questions behind time travel, Alan Brown’s Biological Clock looking at ideas around genetics and time by displaying twenty-four electric alarm clocks showing the genome sequence of human individuals, and Signal: Noise, a visual exhibit by radiologist Dr Michael Jackson showcasing the role computers have in generating and analysing medical images, and the human dimension of making sense of these pictures – occasionally resembling abstract art more than anatomical reality.
The creative team behind Castle of Light has unveiled a first look at this year’s mesmerising sensory show, as general tickets go on sale.
Celebrating ‘hidden treasures’, the 2021 show is set to put a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past. Projections unveiled today tease the re-discovery of the Honours of Scotland, the return of Rex the lovable lion rampant and a first look at some of the secrets of St. Margaret, and the treasures within her chapel, ahead of the show launch in November.
10-year-old Robert Lauder, from Balerno, took to the grounds of Edinburgh Castle after-dark for a first glimpse of the light spectacular.
Tasked with uncovering stories, old and new, Castle of Light promises to bring tales to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling.
Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “We are hugely excited to be back with a new show for 2021. The fact that we couldn’t make it last year has given us 2 years to develop HIDDEN TREASURES and we truly believe it will be worth the wait.
“There will be new takes on popular family features plus a whole lot more in the way of legend, light and sparkle – all inspired by the lesser known stories of this incredible site. Edinburgh Castle is a magical place at any time but a visit by night with over a dozen unique light and sound experiences to enjoy really makes it Scotland’s unmissable winter experience.”
Heather Soutar, Head of Commercial Development at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Castle of Light this year, especially following the success of our last event in 2019.
“This year, we are inviting visitors to explore Scotland’s untold history as we take them on a journey using state-of-the-art projections at Edinburgh’s iconic landmark. Prepare to be amazed by the biggest light experience the capital has to offer, we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Edinburgh Castle will be home to the immersive walking tour for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022. Tickets are on sale now.
Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.
Ensuring as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.
Adult tickets cost £20, with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members available. For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot.
