Boney Night wi’ Firewurks! Fireworks, dookin’, fancy dress competition, turnip lantern competition, snack refreshments – and fireworks! Free and open to all, children must be accompanied by an adult. 6.30-8.30pm, Craigmillar Community Arts Centre, Newcraighall Road. For more information – or if you are able to help – call 0131 669 8432 or email craigmillarcommunityarts@gmail.com
Queen Charlotte in Coronation Robes: Susan Kerr, former Curator at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, will examine the background to this sumptuous portrait by Allan Ramsay and studio. Married and crowned within a fortnight, 17 year old Princess Charlotte of Mecklenberg-Strelitz and her consort George III had a happy and companionable marriage. Susan Kerr will also consider the couple’s special relationship with the artist. 12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Peter Irvine: Scotland The Best 100 Places. Bestselling author Peter Irvine has drawn on a lifetime of experiences to create this list of the 100 best places in Scotland – ‘reflective, magnificent and human places.’ This personal and diverse compendium is illustrated with beautiful and evocative images from some of Scotland’s best photographers. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets are available from Blackwell’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 8218 or by email.
The Summerhall Singers: this community choir meets weekly and for occasional performances. No auditions, all welcome. 7-9.15pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. For more information email info@summerhall.co.uk
The Wednesday Club: activity and social hub for local teenagers aged 12-17. 6-7.30pm, Canongate Youth, South Bridge Resource Centre, Infirmary Street. 50p per session. For more information call Canongate Youth on 0131 556 9389 or see Facebook page.
The Wood Within: a selling exhibition of fine sculptural furniture by The Wood Neuk. Discover the beautiful wood hidden within two of Scotland’s most famous trees, the elm and the oak, as contemporary styles meet nature. The Wood Neuk is run by David Lightly and Ross Purves, and grew out of The Workshop of Tim Stead, the renowned late sculptor and artist. 10am-6pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free. Exhibition closes 22nd November 2014.
LGBT: Bi and Beyond. A fortnightly social gathering for people (aged 16+) who identify as bisexual or non-monosexual. With organised social activities and refreshments provided, you will be welcomed whatever your label or lack of label. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street.
1994: The Bloody Miracle. As South Africa celebrates its 20th anniversary of the advent of democracy in 1994, it is difficult to believe that the ‘Mandela miracle’ nearly didn’t happen. In an orgy of countrywide violence, some were determined to derail the first free elections. Now those responsible for countless deaths and widespread mayhem explain how they nearly brought South Africa to its knees. A chilling look at what these hard men did to thwart democracy and how they have now made an uneasy peace with the ‘Rainbow Nation.’ Director Meg Rickards will attend and take part in a discussion after the screening. For ages 16+. 6-7.40pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £5: book online or call Summerhall on 0131 560 1581. Part of Africa in Motion: Scotland African Film Festival 2014.
Come Back Africa: after witnessing first-hand the terrors of fascism in World War II, director Lionel Rogosin vowed to fight against it whenever and wherever he saw its threats re-emerging. For ages 16+. 8.30-10pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets £5: book online or call Summerhall on 0131 560 1581. Part of Africa in Motion: Scotland African Film Festival 2014. See The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the Film Festival here.
Dyslexia Awareness Week: apps to help your dyslexic primary age child. There are so many apps out there – how do you choose? Come along to this informal session, meet other parents, and get some hints and tips on free educational apps for your children. 10-11am, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Just drop in, no booking required.
What’s Happening To Our Weather? Members of Morningside Justice and Peace Group will speak on this always topical subject. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. All welcome: £1 contribution to costs is requested.
Poet to Poet: new poet-in-residence Maciej Wozniak talks to Scottish poet Peter Mackay about the culture of poetry in Poland and how being a Polish poet compares to being a Scottish one. 6.30pm, Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate. £5/£4; tickets should be booked via eventbrite.
Zoo Arts Extra: visual arts sessions for ages 9-14 – improve your skills, be inspired and get involved with exciting projects. 4-5.30pm today and every Wednesday, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Road. 50p per session (includes healthy snack). See Zoo Arts’ Facebook page here.
Aid to the Church in Need: Religious Freedom Project. An event to learn about people throughout the world who suffer persecution because of their faith, and ways in which you can stand up and make a difference. Speakers: John Pontifex, Editor in Chief, Religious Freedom in the World 2014 Report, and Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, President of the Nigerian Bishops’ Conference. 6.30pm. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road. Free, but tickets must be booked by contacting Lorraine McMahon on 01698 337470 or acn@acnuk.org Aid to the Church in Need is a Pontifical Foundation of the Catholic Church and a registered charity.
Play Poland 2014 Film Festival Special Screening: Oh PLA Across the Borders (animations) and Munk Studio: First Documentary. 6.30pm, Meow Photography Studios, 86-92 Causewayside. Free.
