Getting ready for the tattoo
Over the next few weeks we will preview some of the eye-catching acts coming to Edinburgh.
Against the iconic backdrop of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers from across the globe, strike heroic poses, capturing the essence of this year’s theme: The Heroes Who Made Us.
The milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.
Featured in the photograph are The Massed Band of the British Army, The Orchestra of the Naval Forces of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, The Representative of the Polish Border Guard, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and United States Old Guard Fife and Drums
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased atedintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188.
Edinburgh Castle
1-23 August
St James Quarter Sessions
The sessions is back for its third year with a packed line up of heavy hitters and up and coming talent taking over the East End of the city.
Taking place at St James Quarter, this year’s festival programme sees more than 60 acts performing across the development, including the Level 6 rooftop, with panoramic views of Scotland’s capital and castle – providing one of the most unique festival stages in the UK.
Hot on the heels of the band’s well-received 30th anniversary tour, 90s icons The Brand New Heavies, will be bringing iconic acid-jazz hits such as “You Are The Universe” and “Midnight At The Oasis” to Edinburgh.
Winner of the Scottish Music Awards’ ‘Sound of Scotland’ award and previously BBC Introducing’s ‘Scottish Act of the Year’, Glasgow rapper Bemz will be kicking off this year’s main event with a banging Friday night performance on the Level 6 Castle View stage. Having toured with the likes of The Snuts, Bemz has been building a reputation as a leading light in Scotland’s hip-hop scene.
Fresh from making her Glastonbury debut this year, Cortney Dixon is poised to set the rooftop on fire with a riotous set of indie-pop anthems. Expect fuzz laden guitars and a raucous performance from the North East’s latest hot property on the music scene.
Others on the bill include Dara Dubh, Beth Miller, Ant Thomaz, Indoor Foxes, Dictator, and Justine Beverley.
Festival-goers can sign up for free tickets, set times and stage information by downloading the St James Quarter App, which allows everyone to stay updated with events happening throughout the destination for Sessions and beyond.
St James Quarter
15 to 24 August
New venue: Shedinburgh
A new Fringe venue — created by the producers of Baby Reindeer and Fleabag — opens in the grounds of Edinburgh College of Art on Friday.
It will host a curated programme of at least 28 one-night-only performances in a 100-seater shed. We are promised an “incredible” mix of fringe favourites, household names and rising stars from theatre, comedy, performance art, live music, and talks.
These include Mark Watson (Have I Got News For You), comedian and actress Jayde Adams (How to Lose and Not Cry), Ivo Graham (Taskmaster, Mock the Week), and Glasgow-based playwright Kieran Hurley.
In the daytime the space will be used as a café and bar where artists can collaborate.
Edinburgh College of Art
2-24 August
Beyond the Fringe….
Those looking for something a little further afield might venture to the Pittenweem Festival which takes place in one of Scotland’s prettiest villages where the local artists once again exhibit in their studios, garages, sheds, gardens and living rooms.
This year’s invited guest is Gail McGarva who has preserved wooden boats. She joins about 180 artists showing a range of paintings, prints, glass and jewellery.
2-9 August, various venues, Pittenweem, Fife
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