THURSDAY 31ST JULY 2014
Edinburgh Art Festival starts today, with a programme featuring work by over one hundred artists in over thirty city venues; exhibitions, talks, performance, tours and film. Most events are free. See website for full details, or pick up one of their lovely maps/guides at the kiosk in George Street or at any of the featured venues.
The Independence Referendum: leading academics Dr Bryan Glass and Professor James Mitchell, who have both recently published books on the historical perspectives of the debate, will place the independence referendum and the rise of modern Scottish nationalism into a wider historical perspective. 6.30-7.45pm, followed by a drinks reception. Conference Room, University of Edinburgh Business School, 29 Buccleuch Place. Free places must be booked via website.
Mythical Stories and Crafts: a different mythical story and related craft every week. For under 12s. 2.30-3.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.
Golden Hare Books presents an exhibition by Edinburgh-based artist Marie Varley, whose work is a celebration of the humble postage stamp, ‘that small window of national expression that has become an increasingly endangered art form.’ Open preview with refreshments 6.30-8.30pm tonight, then 10am-6pm daily. Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow.
Yeti Family: make and name your own Yeti family! 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.
The GENERATOR by night! – unleash your childlike, creative side in the crazy art lab and have fun imagining the art of the future. Take inspiration from the amazing art on display in the GENERATION exhibitions and jump into a world of experimentation, exploration and invention. Special evening opening of the children’s GENERATOR activities for adults only. 5-7pm, Royal Scottish Academy (Scottish National Gallery), The Mound, free and unticketed. Part of GENERATION by night.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic: Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Call into the library, call 0131 529 5516 or email fountainbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk to book a place for your teddy.
Lunchtime concert: Mark Spalding, piano. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.
Live Music at the Pear Tree: The Irresistible Urges. International band performing original songs, from agit-pop to world music and tango groove. ‘Original songs and voodoo rhythm – delve into the avant-garage.’ 6-7pm, The Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Strictly over 18s only. Free.
Edinburgh Hacklab Open Night: the Hacklab is a hackerspace open to anyone interested in tinkering with hardware or hacking some code – bring along a project, ask for some electronics help, or just see what’s happening. 7pm, (and every Tuesday and Thursday, but check website for last minute changes) Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place. Free, just drop in and say hello.
Live Music on the Kopparberg Stage: a daily session of outdoor performances in the courtyard with buskers, musicians, cabaret, comedy and much more. 4-8pm, today and every day until 24th August, with different acts every day. The Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Strictly over 18s only. Free. Part of the Edinburgh Free Fringe Festival.
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