If you’ve always wanted to count flowers, handle beasties, find spiders or charm worms, you’re in luck this weekend – wildlife opportunities abound! And if the very thought sends you screaming from the room, fear not – we’ve plenty of other things for you to do. Rock & Roll Ping Pong anyone? Hawaiian Hula?
Please check details of all events with the organisers before setting out.
SATURDAY 25th JUNE 2016
Out of the Blue Flea Market: over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric-a-brac and so much more. Treat yourself to delicious home-style cooking, coffee and cake at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe. 10am – 3pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street.
Art in Healthcare: All The Wonderful Things. A selling exhibition celebrating artists from AiH’s permanent collection. Ann Oram, Barbara Rae, Carmen Ambrozevich, Carrie-Anne Thomson, Cat Outram, Christian Wharton, Douglas Gray, Emily Learmont, Gill Tyson, Jayne Stokes, Jenny Smith, Kate Downie, Lauren Bowman, Lennox Dunbar, Leo du Feu, Lindsey Lavender, Matthew Draper, Miriam Vickers, Olivia Irvine, Sarah Knox, Sophie Hopkinson and Toby Paterson all graduated and established their careers over the last 50 years; their eclectic mix of practices and subject matter provides an interesting and informative visual art experience. Through the collection, with crucial support from funders and sponsors, AiH transforms clinical environments to improve the experiences of people in hospitals, care homes, medical practices and hospices. 10am-5pm daily, Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square. Ends 28th June 2016. For more information about Art in Healthcare click here.
RSPB Giving Nature a Home: Duddingston Bioblitz Festival. A bioblitz collects loads of information about the wildlife living in one area over a set period of time, usually one day; it works best if there are lots of people involved, as the more eyes and ears there are, the more wildlife can be uncovered. Participants don’t need any specialist knowledge about wildlife; all you have to do is find things, and a team of naturalists will identify them for you.
Anyone can take part – all you need is enthusiasm! Events and activities you can get involved in today include an early bird walk at 6am, a butterfly survey, a spider walk in Dr Neil’s Garden, a wildlife cycle ride, a reptile ramble around Duddingston Loch and a mammal tracking workshop. For the little ones there will be children’s wildlife activities happening from 10am-4pm, and for history buffs, there will also be walks and talks about Duddingston Kirk. The worm charming festival starts at 2pm, there’s a bat and moth walk starting at 9.30pm, and if that’s not enough, there’s a wildlife-themed beer festival taking place at the famous Sheep Heid Inn! A full list of events can be downloaded from the RSPB site here. Registration from 9.30am on the day at Kirk Hall, Duddingston Kirk, Duddingston Road West. For most events you can just turn up on the day, but advance booking is required for the early bird walk, wildlife cycle rides and the bat and moth walk: contact Fiona.Weir@rspb.org.uk to book and for any other queries. Buff tailed bumblebee image: Grahame Madge.
Sushi School: celebrate the return of the blossom to Lauriston’s beautiful Japanese garden by making a traditional koinobori carp windsock. Try your hand at origami and create some not-so-fishy candy sushi, yum! With Bragela Hornal. For ages 5-9. Please note that this is a family workshop intended for adults and children to experience together; children cannot be booked into workshops alone – at least one paying adult must accompany them. 10am, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £4; advance booking is essential and may be made via the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.
Scottish Waterways Trust Wildflower Survey – learn about wildflowers on the Union Canal. Become a ‘citizen scientist’ – come and help survey plots along the canal for The Urban Flora of Scotland project. Develop your plant ID skills, improve your confidence, meet new people and have fun! All equipment provided. 10.30am-3pm, Edinburgh Quay. Please contact Anna on 07790 885969 or anna.canning@blueyonder.co.uk for more information or to come along.
Stills Taster: Lewis Baltz. A hands-on photography session inspired by Stills’ current exhibition Lewis Baltz with works by Carl Andre and Charlotte Posenenske. Stills Tasters are designed to give you the opportunity to engage with the skills and techniques used by artists in Stills’ exhibitions in an informal and relaxed environment. They are suitable for beginners and those who want to expand their knowledge. Following a quick tour of the exhibition, artist David Grinly will lead a practical session drawing on the themes and aesthetics of Baltz’s game-changing topographical photographs. 11am-2pm, Stills, Cockburn Street. Free but places are limited and booking is essential: email info@stills.org or call 0131 622 6200. Stills can provide Digital SLR cameras for the session if required – just let them know when you book your place.
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop Night Shift Adult Education Programme Exhibition: an exhibition of work produced by the participants of the Sculpture Courses Programme. Sculptures exhibited will include ceramics, casts, carvings and experimental work. 11am-5pm, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Hawthornvale. Free. Also at same times on Sunday 26th June. Image: Dani Campbell.
The Scottish Parliament Art Tour: Discover the Art of Parliament. The collection on display throughout the award-winning Parliament building includes artworks from over 40 Scottish contemporary artists, showcasing a variety of types of work and media – from oil paintings to sculptures, photography, textiles and installations. For ages 14+. 12 noon, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Free but booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 348 5200 or emailing Visitor Services at visit@scottish.parliament.uk.
Edinburgh Printmakers at LeithLate 2016: Edinburgh Printmakers warmly welcome you to join them for a LeithLate annual partnership event, with opportunities to gain insight into the exciting and dynamic medium of printmaking. There will also be exclusive discounts on limited edition original artworks made on-site in the studio. Every hour, on the hour, from midday until 5pm, there will be artist-led printmaking demonstrations. You will have the opportunity to see Britain’s oldest open-access print studio in action, and find out how artists use this medium within their practice. In the main gallery you can also see Species of Space the compelling and beautiful solo show by Edinburgh-based artist Robert Powell. 12 noon-6pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street. Free, all welcome!
Lunchtime Concert: Ungdomsblokkfløytistene Uranienborg, Norway. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Picturehouses Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. Today: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (U) (1971 version). This classic family musical is wonderfully faithful to the spirit of Roald Dahl’s original story. The last of five coveted golden tickets falls into the hands of the kind-hearted Charlie Bucket; he and his grandpa win a tour of the strangest chocolate factory in the world, where the eccentric owner leads five young winners on a thrilling and often dangerous adventure. 1.45pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
Opening Lecture: Daubigny: The Father of Modern Landscape? In this opening lecture for NGS’s summer exhibition Inspiring Impressionism: Daubigny, Monet and Van Gogh, Michael Clarke, Director, and Frances Fowle, Senior Curator, at the Scottish National Gallery, reveal how Daubigny inspired the Impressionists and Van Gogh. 2-3pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Scotland’s Gardens: Greywalls. A six-acre formal garden, attributed to Gertrude Jekyll, surrounding Greywalls Hotel on the edge of Muirfield golf course, with stunning views over East Lothian and the Firth of Forth. One of the highlights of the garden is the walls – straight walls and curved walls create rooms and vistas; radiating paths link entrances and exits. Everywhere there are places to sit, in sun and in shade. Featured in the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden. Refreshments, plant sales. 2-5pm, Greywalls, Gullane (for information and directions click here). Admission £5, of which 40% will go to Leuchie House and the net remainder to SG charities.
National Gallery Highlights Tour: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, (meet at main entrance), The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Daniel Smith Blues Duo: pianist/vocalist Daniel Smith takes you on a journey through downhome blues, barrelhouse boogie and New Orleans honkytonk to the Jazz/Soul sounds of pianists Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis, today appearing with Scott Hannah (guitar). 5.45-6.45pm, The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. Free.
Edinburgh’s Multi Faith Courts Chaplaincy Project Fundraising Ceilidh: featuring legendary Edinburgh ceilidh band Auld Spice, who will call the dances. 7pm, Main Hall, City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square. Tickets £10 on the night, £8 in advance (children admitted free); tickets include refreshments. To book ahead telephone 0131 662 8635 or email cemc.office@gmail.com.
Luau Party: a night of dancing, grass skirts, coconut drinks, great live music and good fun. Get your Hawaiian shirt and dancing shoes on – this is Boda’s biggest party of the summer so pop by and be transported to a tropical paradise. Let’s dance! 7pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk. Part of LeithLate2016.
Edinburgh Society of Musicians: Nancy Crook and John Willmett (two pianos) play Milhaud and Rachmaninov. 7.30pm (prompt), Edinburgh Society of Musicians, 3 Belford Road. Free and open to all. The Edinburgh Society of Musicians, which began in 1887, promotes practical music-making in Edinburgh. Chamber music recitals are given every Saturday evening at 7.30pm from early October until the end of June.
The Edinburgh Singers: Mozart Great Mass in C Minor. The Edinburgh Singers present their first orchestral concert since the appointment of Musical Director Alistair Digges in February 2015, featuring esteemed trumpet player Mark O’Keeffe, and soloists Catriona Clark, Megan Read, Jamie MacDougall and James Arthur. Programme: Haydn Te Deum in C, Haydn Trumpet Concerto in Eb, Mozart Ave Verum Corpus and Mozart Great Mass in C Minor. 7.30pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, 5 Lothian Road. Tickets cost £12/£10 (under 12s free) and may be purchased from The Queen’s Hall Box Office, Clerk Street, in person, by calling 0131 668 2019 or online here (administration fee applies), or on the door.
The Laramie Project. This show is based on a true story. It is October 1998; Matthew Sheppard is savagely beaten and left to die overlooking the town of Laramie, Wyoming. Two locals are accused of the crime. This play documents the town’s response to the attack whilst exploring themes of hope, love, hate and sexuality. In this production by Edinburgh Acting School, the actors work as an ensemble to take on this sad event and shed some light on what really happened that fateful night and how attitudes have changed since. For ages 16+. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 45 High Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 and are available from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here.
SOUND feat. Mickey 9s and Nipples of Venus. SOUNDS is a regular music event promoting mainly Scottish bands/artists; the SOUND nights have a loyal following as they guarantee a consistently high quality of music and a friendly atmosphere. Tonight Best Scottish Live Music Act Winners (SAMA) Mickey 9s bring you ‘a truly energetic stage performance and some funky riffs that will melt your face’, whilst Nipples of Venus play 90’s Trance classics in a Funk/Salsa style. Over 18s only. 7pm, The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Tickets £10 + booking fee: click here to purchase.
The New Edinburgh Orchestra: Dvorák Symphonic Poem ‘The Noonday Witch’, Barber Violin Concerto Op. 14 and Brahms Symphony No. 4. Conductor: Tim Paxton; solo violin: Andrea Gajic. 7.30pm, Inverleith St Serf’s Parish Church, 280 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £10/£7/£1 and may be purchased from The Queen’s Hall Box Office, Clerk Street, in person, by calling 0131 668 2019 or online here, or on the door.
St Andrew Camerata: Michael Haydn Requiem. St Andrew Camerata presents this concert performance of Michael Haydn’s Requiem Mass (Missa pro Defunctis), with orchestra, in the hauntingly beautiful surroundings of Old Saint Paul’s Church, along with Joseph Haydn’s Te Deum (Hob.XXIIIc:1). Also featuring the Mozart concert aria Ch’io me scordi di te, performed by Edinburgh soprano Gillian Robertson. 7.30pm, Old St Paul’s Church, Jeffrey Street. Tickets £12/£8 from the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.
Banjo Lounge Four: party-powering fun from guitar, banjo, bass and drums, plus 3-part vocals, delivering a brilliant Mash-up selection of songs by the likes of Louis Prima, Beyonce, New Order, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Punjabi MC, Stevie Wonder, Blur, Lady Gaga, The White Stripes, House of Pain, Survivor and more. ‘Wot – Hip Hop Banjo?!?! Yes – superb!’ Plus DJ. 12-3am (Entry 11.30pm, band 12.45am), The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is strictly cash only.
Rhythm Machine: a monthly late night Utopian Getaway featuring Kakashi Miyamoto + DJ Yves’s Fourth World soundscapes alongside conceptual art, music & performance work from the citizens of the Sleeping City. Over 18s only. 11pm-3am, Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 560 1580 or online here.
SUNDAY 26th JUNE 2016
Get Hooked: a fun-filled day at Harlaw Reservoir, learning about what’s involved in fishing and how you can play your part. Learn how to tie a fly, how to cast a rod ……. and try the freshly caught fish cooked on the barbecue. Suitable for children over 5 years old. 10.30am-3.30pm (drop in session), Harlaw House Visitor Centre, Pentlands Regional Park. For more information contact Pentland Hills Regional Park H.Q, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road; tel: 0131 529 2401, email: pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Raptors Around the Garden. As many as five different birds of prey can be seen at the Botanics; come and find out what resources they need and how you can help to monitor them. For all ages. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free, drop-in. Image: Eurasian Eagle Owl: Corrio Raptor Care & Rehabilitation.
Picturehouses Vintage Sundays: classic films back on the big screen. Today: Roman Holiday (U). Whilst undertaking a highly publicised tour of Europe, a cloistered and naive princess rebels against her restrictive schedule. One night she escapes her luxurious confinement and stumbles upon an American journalist posted to Rome. Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn (in her breakthrough role) make for one of cinema’s most charming couples in this whimsical fantasy with a bittersweet finale. 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
Bonnie Beasties: come and meet some bugs during National Insect Week! Ashleigh Whiffin from National Museums Scotland will be displaying beautiful insects from the Museum’s collections and offering an opportunity to handle some amazing live beasties. 1-5pm, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free, drop-in.
Anatomy Minis: Edinburgh’s premier performance art variety show returns with its second cabaret for the under 5s. A calm and friendly space with new performance to enchant every age, including shadow puppetry, storytelling, big laughs and strange music, with the talents of Charlotte Hastings and co., Mamoru Iriguchi, Cultural Mongrel Dance Theatre and the Markee De Saw. 2-3pm, Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5 per adult, children (who must be accompanied by an adult) free – a maximum of 2 children per adult – and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 560 1580 or online here.
Portrait Gallery Architecture Tour: A special tour of the Portrait Gallery led by architectural historians. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery (meet in Great Hall), 1 Queen Street. 15 places per tour; please book in advance by calling 0131 624 6560.
LeithLate 16: Art Mart. As part of this year’s LeithLate festival, LeithLate16 and Out of the Blue present The Art Mart. A cross between a cabinet of artistic curiosities and an art show, the Art Mart features The Department of Lost and Found, The Thermos Museum and Penniless & Obscure zine. Live music acts, café open all day, free to attend. 12 noon-6pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street. For more information please contact thousandyardstore@yandex.com.
St Giles’ at Six: Duo Aulos – Music in the Shape of a Square II. Laura Cioffi & Clara Galea (flutes) play George Philip Telemann Sonata in E Minor, Bozza Trois Evocations, Philip Glass Piece in the Shape of a Square, Daniel Cueto Dúo para Flautas, Furstenau Duet No. 3 in F Major Op 137 and Anton Bernhard Fürstenau Sonata No. 3 in F Major. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free; retiring collection. Image: Enikö Mészáros.
Teatime Acoustic: Hot Tin Roof (Blues) Special Album Launch Gig! Stripped-back atmospheric Blues/Soul from Andy McKay-Challen (guitar/voc), Gavin Jack (slide guitar), and Kenny Miller (cajon/percussion) and loads of Swing/Blues Dancers on the dancefloor …! 6.30-8.30pm, The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free until 8pm.
DJ Dimo: a live DJ set by JP’s very own DJ Dimo featuring live music and an electronic, minimal set. 7pm, Joseph Pearce’s, 23 Elm Row.
King Harvest & The Weight: Ben Adey (vocals/bass), Justin Edley (drums) and Olly Smith (guitar/vocals) cite Thin Lizzy, Tom Petty, The Band, Rilo Kiley and Wilco as primary influences on their alternative rock band. With references that revisit the formative sounds of youth, KH&TW dabble in the positively endless pool of 60s pop and 70s rock, enlivened by rich, warming inflections of pre-punk intensity. Support: The Eastern Swell, an Edinburgh-based band playing progressive folk, experimental rock and neo-psychedelia. Over 18s only. 7.30pm, The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Tickets £7/£5 + booking fee: click here to purchase.
Rock & Roll Ping Pong with DJ Ding and DJ Dong. A free, monthly Sunday-night social – fine beers and fine company, with free-play, silly ping pong games, and music from every genre to play along to courtesy of in-house soundtrackmeisters DJs Ding & Dong. Also, for those with a wee bit of a competitive instinct, there’s an optional, strictly amateur tournament [£1 to enter, winner takes all] 7pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Free entry.
