Peter Millett: Johnny Danger DIY Spy. An hour of fun and laughter with Peter Millett and his amazing new spy series: Johnny Danger, DIY Spy: Licensed to Thrill. 11am-12noon, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is essential and may be made via eventbrite here. To help the library manage bookings, please only order a ticket for your child – do not book an extra one for any accompanying adult.
Afternoon Tea for Zambia: organised by the Global Concerns Team to raise funds for school fees for Zambian orphans and for skin and eye care for Zambian albinos. 2-4pm, Polwarth Parish Church, Polwarth Terrace. Tickets cost £5 per person, £3 for children over 3 years, and may be purchased from the Church Office on 0131 346 2711.
Summer Storytime: Gigantosaurus. Come and listen to Jonny Duddle’s tale about a young dinosaur who cries wolf one too many times – then join in arts and activities related to the story. 3pm, Waterstones, 83 George Street.
St Mary’s Cathedral Lunchtime Recital: Hector Scott (violin) and Anna Mavromatidi (piano). 1.10pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free.
Ragged University: IT and Biscuits. If you want to learn basic computer skills, how to find free and legal software and how to communicate with the world, come to this free IT workshop, which offers free tutorials and one-to-one guidance in a relaxed social setting with tea and biscuits. You will need a laptop (but if you don’t have one you can arrange to borrow one) and an active membership of Edinburgh City Libraries. 1-4pm, George Washington Browne Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free, no booking required: for more information please contact the group via the enquiry form on its website here.
Edinburgh Art Festival – Spotlight Tours of Scottish Art: People, Places, Ideas. Guided tours of the City Art Centre’s Scottish Art collection, focusing on people, places and ideas. 11am or 3pm, (meet at reception) City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. No booking required, free – suggested donation £2.
Edinburgh’s Big Beach Busk: now in its sixth year. Musicians, performers, street food, sandcastle competition (tbc), crafts. There is no charge to perform and no booking is required – just turn up! 12 noon-11pm, Portobello Prom, Portobello EH15 1HF. For more information see the event’s Facebook page here. ‘It’s lots of tiny little parts all coming together to make something really amazing…’ (Paul Lambie, founder & organiser).
Bohemia Moon Art & Craft Fair: over 35 stalls with artist-makers from all over Scotland. Summer cafe open for light refreshments. 10.30am-4.30pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free entry, all welcome – dog friendly!
National Gallery Highlights Tours: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Head-to-Head Sculpture City Walking Tours. A National Galleries of Scotland walking tour taking a fresh look at Edinburgh’s sculptural and architectural gems – hear the stories behind the city’s imposing figure sculptures and monuments. Please come dressed for the weather and be prepared to walk at a pace, as the tour will cover a large area of the city. 2-3.30pm, meet at main entrance, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. £10/£8: please book in advance as places are limited to 15 per tour – tickets are available from the gallery’s Information Desk or by calling 0131 624 6560.
Scottish Glass Society: Inside, Out. An exhibition of contemporary and traditional glass work created by society members and inspired by the theme inside, out. 11am-4pm, Coburg House Studios, 15 Coburg Street. Ends 10th September 2015. There will be taster sessions with the some of the artists on Saturday 5th September – please see Coburg House Studios’ website for booking details.
Foam, Foil and Form Workshop: explore the materials and techniques used by the artist in these drop-in art workshops inspired by the sculptures of John Chamberlain. Experiment with colour and form by making miniature foam sculptures, sculpt with foil or create through collage – take your work home! For ages 4+ – please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free: no booking required.
Edinburgh MELA: Scotland’s festival of world music and dance; three stages featuring Bollywood Love Story, B21, Swami, Sahara UK, Moi et Les Autres, Ashley Jack, Ayrad, Swaryatra, Northernsxposure and many more, plus the MELA Fashion Show, Global Food Village, Market Place and Mela Kidzone. 12 noon-9pm, Leith Links (main entrance just off Duncan Place: take Lothian Bus no. 21 direct to Leith Links). £5 cash on the gate, children under 13 admitted free. To book tickets in advance (Earlybird price of £4 applies until 12 noon on Friday 28th August) or for more information please call 0131 226 0008 or visit the festival’s website here. Also at same times on Sunday 30th August 2015.
Matthew McGhie: the Edinburgh-based musician plays live. 2pm, Sofi’s, Henderson Street.
