- Edinburgh Festival Fringe at The Queen’s Hall
- Just Festival
- Fringe Reviewers
- New boss for the National Library of Scotland
- At the Out of the Blue Drill Hall
The Queen’s Hall has a whole programme of events from 5 – 28 August 2016. Starting with The Chair and ending with Niteworks with guests Inyal, it promises to be the place for a wonderful selection of music.
The Just Festival starts on 5 August 2016. One of the first events will be Women’s Stories, Women’s Survival.
5 Aug | 7.45-8.45PM | St John’s Church | £6
Nadine Aisha will read from her debut poetry pamphlet ‘Still’ (Appletree Writers Press, 2016), exploring the power of women’s voices and women’s stories, linking them to women’s survival. Here we hear from the voices of women on the edge: the edge of a society which marginalises women of colour, the edge of a history which disregards women’s stories and traditions, the edge of women’s minds as they fight to survive gender-based violence. In the face of racism, sexism, misogyny and Islamophobia, these poems break silences and share truths, demanding to be heard.
Aisha will be joined by guest speaker Mridul Wadhwa of Shakti Women’s Aid; they will explore the connection between storytelling and survival for women on the edge.
Otherwise find out more about the Just Festival programme here.
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And if you would like to be included in our team of reviewers then get in touch. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
The National Library of Scotland has secured the services of Professor Sir Kenneth Calman to lead its governing Board.
Sir Kenneth has had an outstanding career of public service which included the position of Chief Medical Officer in both Scotland and England in the 1990s. He is Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, a former chairman of the National Trust for Scotland and led a review into Scottish devolution — the Calman Commission — which paved the way for greater powers for the Scottish parliament.
He combines great experience and knowledge with a passion for education, culture and heritage. The library sector is one he knows well, having previously served as Deputy Chair of the British Library.
Sir Kenneth succeeds James Boyle, former Controller of BBC Radio 4, who is standing down as Chair of the National Library having successfully steered it through a period which has seen the establishment of a new Board and the development of an ambitious strategy with a commitment to have a third of the Library’s collection in digital format by 2025.
‘Libraries have to adapt and change to the challenges posed by the digital age,’ said Sir Kenneth. ‘This is an exciting time to be joining the National Library of Scotland which, thanks to the work of James Boyle and his colleagues, is already well prepared to respond to the needs of the future. I am honoured to be appointed to this important role and look forward to helping the Library secure its place as one of the leading national libraries in Europe.’
National Librarian Dr John Scally said: ‘It’s a great coup for the Library to have attracted someone of Sir Kenneth’s stature to lead our Board. His wide range of interests, ability and experience will be of enormous benefit as we bring our plans to fruition. We are all delighted to welcome him to the Library.’
Sir Kenneth graduated in medicine from the University of Glasgow and became a cancer specialist. He served as a member of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation and as its chairman from 1998-9. From 1998 to 2007, he was Vice Chancellor of the University of Durham and has also served as President of the British Medical Association and President of the Boys’ Brigade.
He takes up his appointment on 1 October.
Just ahead of the festival fun at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, A Date in Time on 4 August 2016 will provide an authentic and meticulously researched 1916 style dinner with live music, stories and projections.
You will think you are on board a transatlantic liner.
Only £15 for your first-class ticket!
For tickets and reservations call the Drill Hall Arts Cafe on 0131 555 7100 or email stephanie.haigh@outoftheblue.org.uk
The legendary Flea Market takes place on 27 August.
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
