Wednesday in Edinburgh – what’s on today

Magic Carpet: introducing little ones to the fantastic objects in the museum through 25 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Suitable for ages 2-4 with an accompanying adult. 10.30-10.55am or 11.30-11.55am today and every Wednesday until 17th December 2014 – meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free – sign up on the day at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall. A similar session for ages 0-2 is held on Thursdays at the same times.

Edinburgh College Recruitment Day: an opportunity to talk to lecturers about each programme area and interview/audition and apply for courses online (bring whatever equipment you may need.) Places available to start now on a wide range of courses from access to degree level, vocational training and professionally accredited qualifications. 3-7.30pm, Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road,

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Charlaine Harris: Midnight Crossroad. Harris, queen of fantasy, celebrated mystery writer and author of the hugely successful Sookie Stackhouse novels (which were made into HBO’s True Blood series), will introduce her new novel, Midnight Crossroad, ‘a chilling small town murder with a jaw-dropping twist.’ 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets available from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218 or by emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Titian in Ten: ten minute pop-up talks delivered by NGS staff.  Gain an exclusive insight as staff from across the galleries offer different perspectives on Titian’s masterpieces. 2pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Behind the Scenes: Your Chance to Explore the Archive. Have you ever wanted to see what lies in the Gallery of Modern Art’s Archive, and to have a chance to make your own selection from the materials held there? In conjunction with artists Carson & Miller, NGS are offering you the chance to do just that. Carson & Miller will play ‘An Archive Game‘ in the Gallery of Modern Art’s archive store – part of the gallery that is usually unseen by visitors.  Come by yourself or bring a partner to join in. The selection you make when you play could form part of a forthcoming gallery exhibition in the Keiller Library. There will be five events throughout the day, each lasting 30 minutes, at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, all at the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free places should be booked by calling 0131 624 6268.

Hospices of Hope Open Meeting: Carolyn Perolls, Chief Executive of Hospices of Hope Trading, will talk about the wonderful work undertaken by Hospices of Hope’s teams of health professionals in Romania, Serbia and Moldova to improve the lives of adults and children with life-limiting conditions – work that could not be carried out without the generosity of Hospices of Hope’s customers. Come along and learn about the satisfaction of raising funds for these very necessary causes. 2-4.30pm, Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street. All welcome – tea, coffee and cake provided!

Lunchtime Concert: Liedertafel 1878 Male Voice Choir from Goddelsheim, Germany. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Walk The War: join Andrew Grant on a tour of Leith. 10am-1pm, starting at Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road.  Free but please book in advance by emailing the library at leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or calling 0131 529 5517. Part of the Leith in World War One season.

Charity Cake Extravaganza: Edinburgh Bakers, It’s Good 2 Give and Lauriston Castle host this charity event, with all proceeds going to It’s Good 2 Give. Magician, raffle – and four slices of cake per ticket! Pledges of cakes required: tickets cost £5 if you pledge a cake, £10 if you just want to eat it. 6.30-8.30pm, Victorian Glasshouse (outside if good weather), Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. See Edinburgh Bakers’ website for more details and  how to obtain tickets – NB numbers limited.

After School Art Club: a chance to experiment and learn from others, be creative and above all have fun. For children aged 4-12. 5-6.15pm, Craigmillar Community Arts, 58 Newcraighall Road. £1 per person.

Zoo Arts: visual art sessions for local young artists who would like to improve their skills and be inspired and involved with exciting  projects that run on a 2-4 week basis. For ages 9-14.  4-5.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court.  50p per session, includes healthy snack. More information here.

Gaelic Workshop: free, very informal language class/workshop for total beginners. 2.30-3.30pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place.

Free The Technics Two (vinyl session): ‘not only do we demand a revolution we can dance to, we want to dance to our own tunes.’ 4-7pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place

Samba Drumming Workshop @ FC+: 5.50-7.30pm, Forest Centre Plus, 38 Castle Terrace.

Leith Community Safety Surgery: tenants and homeowners welcome to come along and meet local officers from the police and council. Seek advice, raise concerns or chat about your community. 12 noon – 2pm, McDonald Road library, McDonald Road. No appointment needed.