River Dipping: get into the river for this favourite activity! 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk
Peter Rabbit Picnic at the Baby Cafe. Summer songs, craft and snack. 10.30-11.30am, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Free.
WHALE Arts Summer Festival: fun activities for children and families. Today: Build A Band – form a band, write lyrics and perform live! For ages 10+. Please bring a packed lunch. 10am-3pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free but please book by calling 0131 458 3267 or emailing info@whalearts.co.uk – or ask in the Centre.
Leith Folk Club: Gavin Pennycook. Fiddle, whistle and nyckelharpa player Gavin began his career playing mostly Irish music, but has gone on to include Scottish, Scandinavian, Breton, Asturian and other European and North American music in his repertoire. Support: Kenny Butterill. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be booked online here or by texting the club’s dedicated booking line on 07502 024 852. Pre-reserved tickets must be collected by 7.30pm on the night.
Word Power Books Presents The Raven’s Song: Nalini Paul and Catherine Hiley launch their new collection of poetry and art. Drawing on raven and crow myths from Orkney, Shetland and Canada, the work charts the trickster’s wicked and knowing ways through changing landscapes of memory, revenge, punishment and redemption. This is Nalini Paul and Catherine Hiley’s second collaboration; their first, the limited edition Artist’s Book of Hrafn Floki (a joint project with Edinburgh Printmakers and the Scottish Poetry Library), was purchased by the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Edinburgh University Library. 6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free: all welcome – donations also welcome!
LGBT Language Cafe: a groundbreaking new project, beginning with four facilitated sessions for LGBT people whose first language is not English. The opportunity to meet others in a safe and supportive environment, with games and activities to help you improve your spoken English. For ages 16+. 6.30-8pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information and to book your free place, please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. Booking is preferred, but you are also welcome just to turn up.
Stalkers and Divas: ten well-established artists offer a brief look into their amazing and weird worlds. This exhibition is the brainchild of artists Gosia Walton and Freddie Thomas, who believe that art is about freedom of expression. 10am-5pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Closes 31st July 2015 (with a closing event 6-9pm).
