The Nickleodeon Experience is coming to Saughton Park this summer

Nickelodeon has announced a brand new outdoor immersive event, The Nickelodeon Experience, set to launch this summer in Saughton Park.

This first-of-its-kind experience promises to be an epic adventure for the entire family, with it also being the first time in ten years that a Nickelodeon event has taken place in Scotland. 

Kicking off in one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful green spaces, Saughton Park, the experience will be touring the UK from July 2022 making further stops at Knebworth House and Heaton Park in Manchester.

Adventure seekers, aged 2-14 years old, can explore the worlds of their favourite Nickelodeon TV shows and discover ten activity zones. From multi-sensory and interactive adventures to creative and skill-based challenges, kids get to map their own journey and curate their own fun.

Kids can go behind the scenes of some of Nickelodeon’s most popular shows including The Thundermans School for Superheroes where they’ll learn to acquire their own super-powers. Step into an episode of Henry Danger, where Nick fans must navigate Henry Danger’s Maze full of secret twists, turns, puzzles and passages. They can also race against the clock to solve the Hunter Street Escape Room mystery, which puts teamwork to the test in an attempt to crack the code and find the key. 

The adventures don’t stop there! From a trip to Adventure Bay with an opportunity to meet PAW Patrol’s fan-favourites Chase and Marshall, to a sub-terranean adventure in The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ underground lair, complete with ooze covered tunnels, Nick fans will be utterly captivated in this immersive outdoor adventure.

What’s more, an arts and crafts zone featuring Baby Shark’s Big Show and Blue’s Clues themed activitiesawaits all budding artists. Attendees can also jump on a giant pirate ship, play in rock pools, and make a splash in an immersive play zone based on the swashbuckling world of Santiago of The Seas.

For the perfect finale to the experience, you’re invited to the Slime Time Party to finally know how it feels to get SLIMED – the ultimate Nickelodeon honour!

Alongside these immersive zones, children and their parents can relax at SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom Beach, where they can also sample delicious delights from the many themed food and beverage stalls and visit the Nickelodeon store and take home the perfect memento from an incredible range of exclusive Nickelodeon Experience merchandise.

Capacities are limited but you can book your tickets now at: 

www.thenickelodeonexperience.co.uk 

Kids tickets start at £29.50 and infants under two years old go free.

THE NICKELODEON EXPERIENCE LOCATION AND DATE

  • SAUGHTON PARK, EDINBURGH – 1st July – 14th July
  • HEATON PARK, MANCHESTER – 23rd July – 5th August
  • KNEBWORTH HOUSE, HERTFORDHSIRE – 14th – 27th August

The Nickelodeon Experience is proudly produced by The Luna Cinema and suitable for children aged two to fourteen years old.

George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema says: “We cannot wait for the launch of The Nickelodeon Experience in Edinburgh this summer!

“For years we’ve wanted to develop a truly interactive experience that allowed kids to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite TV shows, just as we do with Friends fans at FriendsFest and film lovers with our Luna Cinema screenings, and it’s amazing to be able to bring Nickelodeon to families in Scotland for the first time in ten years!

“To have such an iconic catalogue of shows, including global brands like PAW Patrol, The Thundermans and SpongeBob SquarePants under the Nickelodeon umbrella is a treasure trove of content to explore and bring to life, and we’re really excited to make it happen.” 

Virginia Monaghan, VP, Events and Experiences, ViacomCBS UK, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Luna Cinema to bring our hugely popular Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows to life through this uniquely immersive experience.

“This is a chance for children to make new memories with friends, in a safe and fun setting, and with their favourite characters. Nickelodeon hasn’t been to Scotland for ten years now, so it’s going to be extra special to be able to kick-start the nationwide tour in Edinburgh.”

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: 

https://www.thenickelodeonexperience.co.uk/ 

Tickets for the Royal Highland Show 2022 on sale this week

2022 marks the 200th anniversary of the much-anticipated Royal Highland Show. Organisers have announced they will release a limited number of discounted early bird tickets from Friday 3rd December – just in time for the festive giving season! 

Show revellers will be welcomed through the gates of the Ingliston showground from 23rd to 26th June 2022, with lots of celebrations planned to mark the long-awaited return of Scotland’s largest outdoor event. 

Show organisers are expecting more livestock entries than ever before, with exhibitors eager to enter the Royal Highland Show for the first time since 2019. 

The host venue, the Royal Highland Centre, will come to life over the four show days in glorious technicolour with the bleats, cheeps and beats of fine farmyard animals, energetic rural demonstrations, music, shopping and show jumping performances, not to mention the best of Scottish food and drink.  

The 200th anniversary show is shaping up to be a fitting celebration for a momentous milestone in the event’s history, which has grown from just a handful of attendees in 1822 to almost 200,000 in 2019!  

In a change from the usual format, showgoers will be required to purchase entry tickets for specific days (Thursday – Sunday) and must be bought in advance, with the most popular weekend dates likely to sell out quickly. As always, children under the age of 16 will go free with a paying adult.*  

Show organisers encourage those wishing to attend to ‘buy now’ and play their part in the 200th anniversary celebrations. 

Limited discounted early bird tickets are available from 12pm Friday 3rd December. 

Ticket information: 

  • Adult day single admit: £27.50 plus booking fee  
  • Children under 16 will go free with a paying adult (*max 2 children per paying adult) 
  • Parking: £15 for 1 day / £20 for 2 days / £25 for 4 days   
  • Tickets must be bought in advance 

Tickets available atwww.royalhighlandshow.org 

Commenting on the ticket release, RHASS Chairman Bill Gray, said: “With many months in the planning, we are so looking forward to what will be four thrilling days at the Royal Highland Show 2022.

“There is no doubt that we have come a long way since the first show 200 years ago, however the animals remain the star attraction. It is an incredible family day out – after all, where else can you get up close to farmyard animals, taste the best of Scottish food and drink, see world-class equestrians, experience the thrill of the Main Ring parade, or climb aboard a giant tractor? It simply is the best day out. 

“We want all visitors to be able to attend on their preferred day, so our advice is buy now as it is very likely to be a sell-out Show.”  

Tattoo unveils ‘Voices’ show theme as 2022 tickets go on sale

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will celebrate the power of connection with a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers, as it makes its return to the Castle Esplanade in 2022 with a new show titled Voices.

Tickets for the iconic military spectacle go on sale from 1 December 2021, with the show running from 5 – 27 August 2022.

The show is the first from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite. It draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, writing, music and dance – languages common to all.

Military acts continue to play a central role in the performance, with the Army confirmed as the lead service in 2022. Audiences will enjoy the legendary sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums that will echo around the Esplanade as part of Voices, supported by Tattoo pipers and drummers, and musicians from UK Military Regiments.  The Tattoo dancers and Shetland fiddlers also join the line-up, with international acts and further details about Voices announced in the coming months.

Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite

Tattoo Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, says: “Through the challenges and separation of the last two years, people of every culture have used their voices to remain connected. These voices can be found in many ways – the piper through music, the dancer with movement, the poet through words and the drummer with a beat.

Voices is our desire to make next year’s Tattoo not just a reunion, but a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring us together at the unique setting of Edinburgh Castle.

“I’m hugely excited to play a part in the history and spectacle of the Tattoo, helping it return to the global stage, re-energised and invigorated for a new era.”

Voices is the first show under the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light. It embraces all the military tradition the Tattoo is known and loved for, while combining exciting new innovations in production effects, lighting and staging, along with world-class appointments to the creative team.

Tickets for next year’s Tattoo can be purchased from 10am on 1st December online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

Loony Dook tickets now on sale

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced that tickets for the world-famous Loony Dook at South Queensferry go on sale at 10am today – Friday 26 November.

Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook sees an army of brave souls in fancy dress plunge into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth to dust off the cobwebs on New Year’s morning.

If you fancy braving the chilly dip by the iconic Forth Bridges, tickets will be on sale, from 10am today, Friday 26 November, via the Edinburgh Hogmanay website.

Running since 1987, the Loony Dook has grown in popularity year on year with thousands of people raiding their fancy-dress cupboards in a bid to ring in the new year in style and win best dressed on the beach.

Tickets are on sale from £11.50 and each ticket bought includes a donation to the RNLI, access to the beach, main parade, and band performances.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “Scotland’s biggest Loony Dook is back. The community of South Queensferry have asked us to help them organise this much-loved tradition on the Firth of Forth.

“There really is no better or refreshing way to start the New Year, so grab your costume and come for a dip!”

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is delighted to see the return of this year’s Loony Dook.

“It’s a highlight in many people’s festive calendars and the Underbelly team will ensure that this year’s event is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone. As a regular Looney Dooker in the past I am looking forward to taking part again this year!”

Councillor Norman Work said: “South Queensferry is delighted to be home to the best Dook in the calendar.

“We’ve been working closely with Underbelly to ensure all participants can enjoy the event in a safe, fun environment – we look forward to welcoming everyone to our world famous waterfront on New Year’s Day.”

David Smart from RNLI said: “What better way to blow off the Hogmanay cobwebs than dipping into the icy Firth of Forth? Edinburgh’s Hogmanay kindly donates £1 from every ticket bought for the Loony Dook to the RNLI.

“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Every day of the year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. The support of all donations means that the RNLI crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively – as always, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”

Kirstin Heggieowner at  Allium Gift Shop in South Queensferry said: “The Loony Dook is a fantastic event for South Queensferry as it brings so many visitors to our little town.

“It is lovely to see lots of new faces every year and also great welcoming back the old familiar ones too!” 

Moira Cunningham, owner at Ravenous Beastie said: “Everyone in South Queensferry is so happy about the Loony Dook being back and the buzz it brings to the community every year!

“It is such a joyful and fun occasion and a special way to mark the start of a new year ahead of us!”

For more information and tickets, please visit:

 https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/

Castle of Light returns this winter with a celebration of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures

Early Bird Tickets on sale NOW

Uncover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh Castle this winter, as the iconic landmark is illuminated once again with untold tales from Scotland’s past.

Returning to the capital with even more magic than before, Castle of Light is set to come to life for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022.

Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour, as dazzling animations sweep throughout the castle grounds, transforming the historic attraction into an interactive wonderland – this year, using stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling to unravel the re-discovery of the Crown Jewels.

The event builds on the success of the inaugural 2019 experience, once again bringing together a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland to create a truly immersive experience.

With a limited run of early bird tickets set to go on sale from 9.30am tomorrow, Castle of Light invites guests to explore lesser-known stories from the past, with the promise that Rex, the lovable lion rampant, will be back to guide visitors through the mesmerising journey.

Now that the countdown to the event is on, Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We’re so pleased that events are back and we’re kicking off in style as Castle of Light is set to be a truly magical experience for all ages.

“The untold history of this iconic landmark will illuminate the very walls that saw it unfold, captivating locals and visitors alike throughout the festive period.

“Following feedback from the 2019 event run, we’ve also introduced dates during the period between Christmas and New Year, and into January, to ensure everyone gets a chance to experience this immersive adventure.

“With timed entry slots and capped capacities, we’re ensuring it’s not only an exciting evening, but a safe space for all attending – so get your tickets booked and prepare to be dazzled!”

Double Take Projections, NL Productions, Andy McGregor and War Productions Ltd are joining forces again, in partnership with HES, to create the innovative illuminated walking tour, with entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 8.30pm each evening.

Now in its second year, following a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, Castle of Light is set to be bigger and brighter than before, with bespoke video content, brand new installations and more than double the lighting, cementing the show’s title as the biggest visual experience to hit the city centre.

Andy McGregor, Creative Director of Castle of Light, said: “It’s really great to be bringing back Castle of Light after the success of the 2019 show and all that’s happened since. This year we’ll be offering the people of Edinburgh and beyond another chance to experience the magic of Edinburgh Castle after dark and enjoy an all-new show with treasures for all the family.

“Taking inspiration from the 1818 re-discovery of the crown jewels in a Castle vault, this year’s show will celebrate the lesser-known stories of the Castle and unveil the treasure ‘hidden in plain sight’. There’s so much to discover – fantastic jewels, dancing unicorns, an animated tree and countless other surprises in store. 

“But, as before, the biggest treasure of all remains – the location. Being able to explore the Castle grounds after dark makes for a unique experience in itself, then add a spectacular light show, atmospheric soundscape and cutting-edge projection, and you’ve got a true gem in Scotland’s winter programme.  We hope everyone is as excited as we are.”

The consortium of creatives involved have provided projection lightshows around the globe, with world class events under their belts, covering everything from The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry to events at Sydney Opera House among them; with the inaugural Castle of Light event the first joint venture for the group.

Tickets for the light spectacular set within the historic walls of Edinburgh Castle go on sale today – Friday 3 September – from 9.30am with special early bird rates available during September.

Adult early bird tickets cost £18 (using the promo code: COLSM21), with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members also available.

Tickets for an ‘Access’ night taking place on 25 November will also be available, catering specifically for people with additional support needs, as well as a series of special events packages.

Stephen added: “We know people missed out on the chance to celebrate the festive period with family, friends and colleagues last year, so we want to ensure we’re giving everyone the opportunity to plan an occasion to remember for 2021.

“That’s why we’ve added a special corporate offering, with the package aimed at workplaces looking to elevate their Christmas parties. With exclusive use of the Queen Anne Building, a meal fit for royalty and the opportunity to explore the Castle of Light trail, make it a night to remember.”

The exclusive use corporate offering has a maximum capacity of 120 and is available throughout the festive period. Families will also have the opportunity to dine in the Queen Anne Building on select dates with ‘VIP tickets’, and adults can upgrade their experience with a two course meal accompanied by Edinburgh Gin cocktails with the ‘Crown Jewel VIP Package’.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot

Edinburgh International Film Festival programme revealed

The 74th Edinburgh International Film Festival takes place at the heart of Edinburgh’s festival season, between 18 and 25 August, and presents a fantastic programme of feature and short films celebrating the long-awaited return to cinema.

This special programme of in-person and digital screenings includes 31 new features and 73 shorts – with 18 marking their world and 3 international premieres at the Festival – and with 50% of the new features in the EIFF 2021 programme from a female director or co-director.

The majority of Festival screenings take place at the Festival’s home, Filmhouse, with the Opening Gala and Special Preview at Festival Theatre and special screenings at partner venues across Scotland, along with introductions, Q&As, in person events and more screenings being available through a dedicated, accessible streaming platform Filmhouse at Home.

Watch Programme Launch video here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQQC3GZcv7o

EIFF is supported by Screen Scotland, the PLACE Programme (a partnership between the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals), the Scottish Government through the Festivals Expo Fund, the City of Edinburgh Council, EventScotland and the British Film Institute (BFI) using funds from the National Lottery.

EIFF 2021 PROGRAMME

Reflecting the diversity of stories and storytellers from across the world, EIFF’s 2021 programme includes two hugely anticipated musicals: hot from Cannes where it won the Best Director award, the UK premiere of Leos Carax’s Annette starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, co-written by pop legends Sparks and a Special Preview screening of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Festival Theatre with a starry cast including Sharon Horgan and Richard E. Grant, and newcomer Max Harwood in the title role.

The Festival opens with the European Premiere of Michael Sarnoski’s Pig with Nicolas Cage as a reclusive truffle hunter and closes with the UK Premiere of Here Today from the comedy legend Billy Crystal, also featuring Tiffany Haddish.

Following in the footsteps of Whisky Galore! which premiered at EIFF in 2016, two Scottish films exploring island life receive their World Premieres at EIFF: a documentary Prince of Muck following the continuing battles of elderly patriarch Lawrence MacEwen and Hebridean feature drama The Road Dance based on a best-selling book by STV News presenter John MacKay who also stars in the film.

Determination in the face of adversity and addressing the social issues permeating societies around the world are strongly represented in this year’s programme. The UK premiere of Haider Rashid’s Europa starring British-Libyan Adam Ali as a young Iraqi refugee sees him fighting to survive in the wilderness and with ‘Migrant Hunters’ on his trail while Oscar-nominated Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Man Who Sold His Skin focuses on a young Syrian refugee who agreed to having his back tattooed in exchange for a better life in Europe.

Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha’s Ballad of a White Cow sees a wife fighting against the broken justice system in Iran after her husband is executed for a crime he did not commit and New Zealand’s The Justice of Bunny King tells the story of a troubled single mother trying to get the custody of her children back.

In documentaries, Walk with Angels offers a visceral look at South Africa’s legacy of Apartheid and child trafficking and Rebel Dykes explores the underground lesbian community in London in the 80s and the country’s lack of response to the AIDS crisis.

Two very personal documentaries, Radiograph of a Family from Firouzeh Khosrovani centres on the director’s parents and uses them as a lens to look at Iran’s society split between secular and Islamic beliefs and Alicia Cano Menoni’s Bosco focuses on the director’s grandfather living in Uruguay and his ancestoral roots in a small Italian village.

Highlighting contemporary social issues, documentary The Gig Is Up shines light on the forgotten gig economy workforce, from Deliveroo to Amazon, and the European Premiere of Jennifer Ngo’s Faceless centres on the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Continuing the theme of the gig economy and its recent struggles, Laurent Garnier: Off The Record tells the little-known story of the legendary French DJ and the political response to rave culture.

This year’s programme also showcases the best of horror from two EIFF-returners: impeccable Rebecca Hall in The Night House from the genre innovator David Bruckner and Martyrs Lane from Ruth Platt reinventing the classic ghost story. In animation, the legendary Academy Award-winning director and animator Phil Tippett presents the second instalment of his Miltonesque Mad God.

The quirky French feature comedy Mandibles sees two friends trying to train a giant fly to make money off of it and Norway’s Ninjababy beautifully blends animation and live action to tell the story of a young cartoonist and her unexpected pregnancy.

An ambitious programme of short films – fiction, animation, documentary and experimental aka Black Box – divided into 7 strands by theme, explore a fantastic range of topics and issues: in short animation, Imaginings delve into the recesses of the human mind and Family Values look at how our lives are shaped by values that are handed down to us; in short fiction and documentary, One Step at the Time is rooted in the present moment, showing snapshots from all around the world, Visions project forward, imagining our future lives or alternative realities; and in Black Box we find Interconnections exploring the themes of collaboration and interrelation and Interruptions, a diverse programme playfully confounding the aesthetic expectations of the audience.

Some of the highlights include Ba, about growing up in Soviet Kazakhstan, a child seeking refuge from his stark reality in Romanian Candy Can, animated Hangman at Home exploring the awkward intimacy of humanness and Keith Water, a stop motion animation made from found materials during the 2020 lockdown.

The shorts programme also includes SHORTCUTS – Views From The Four Nations, presented in Edinburgh and France through a partnership with the Dinard Festival of British Film, led by Artistic Director Dominique Green. DFBF and EIFF are twinning to show together a selection of the best of recent British shorts.

All short films are available to audiences digitally on Filmhouse at Home. EIFF Shorts and Experimental films are sponsored by Innis & Gunn, with support from the Culture & Business Fund Scotland, managed by Arts & Business Scotland.

Tickets go on sale at 12 noon TODAY (Wednesday 28 July) for Filmhouse Members, and then on general sale at 12 noon on Thursday 29 July.

Festival audiences will have a chance to vote for their favourite film which will receive the 2021 Audience Award.

For more information and a full schedule of physical and digital screenings please visit www.edfilmfest.org.uk.