SATURDAY 2nd JULY 2016
Edinburgh Pride Breakfast: another year and another glorious breakfast event for the whole community; fill your bellies with delicious cakes and continental treats and enjoy music, live performances and some pre-Pride face painting. Good vibes and a safe, inclusive environment await you at this annual, family-friendly gathering; whether you’re with friends or coming by yourself, you’re very welcome. LGBT Age will also be meeting up at the breakfast at 11am (see LGBT Health & Wellbeing website here for more information). 9.30am-12 noon, Serenity Café, The Tun, Jackson’s Entry, 111 Holyrood Road. £2.50-£5. For more information please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. For more information about Pride Edinburgh see below.
Craigmillar Library Breakfast Club: meeting fortnightly to provide children with a free healthy breakfast and an audio book. Parents welcome too! 11am today, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. All welcome.
Laura Gill Artwork: Solo Performance. A new exhibition by the Edinburgh artist, whose paintings, drawings and digital images are concerned with the timeless quality of movement, primarily of the human figure. 11am-6pm (4pm on Sunday), Whitespace, 25 Howe Street. Ends 7th July.
It’s In The Bag: an award-winning company that delights in taking children’s imaginations on a storytelling adventure. Rhymes, drama, creative games and puppets bring the story to life, with lots of well-loved songs throughout! Today there are two shows: (1) In the Jungle (for ages 0-2): puppets Sam & Rosie are off on their holidays. Pack up your suitcase with them and journey across the Ocean to the Jungle… Sam’s pet frog comes too, but escapes – oh no! What animals will you see on your adventure to rescue him? Lots of well-known songs and rhymes for little ones. In the Jungle is on stage at 10am and 2.15pm; 
(2) Princesses & Knights (for ages 3-6): let’s turn a traditional tale on its head. We’ll keep the dragon, the wicked wizard and the good fairy of course, but how about the frog princess and our heroine Rosie galloping across the magical kingdom to rescue the ensnared sleeping Knight Sam? Solve the riddles, sing the songs and play the games to help rescue the Knight! Princesses and Knights is on at 1pm (morning show already sold out), Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 45 High Street. Tickets cost £6 per child, accompanying adult free, and are available from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Please remember to book a free adult ticket as well as a ticket for your child.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children (0-4 years) and their parents and carers. 10.30am today and every Saturday, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan. Free. Also at 10.30am every Tuesday.
Vega: an new exhibition of works by the Lewis-based artist. Opening with drinks 10am-1pm today, then 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturdays, Torrance Gallery, 36 Dundas Street. Ends 23rd July.
Scottish Parliament Big Day Out: to mark the official opening of the 5th session of the Scottish Parliament, a host of events will take place at Holyrood today. From 12 noon to 1pm around 2000 people will take part in a colourful, historic Riding procession down the Royal Mile, including Local Heroes nominated by their MSPs in recognition of the important work they do to help others or their community. From 2pm to 6pm there will be a fun-packed afternoon for all the family; the gardens and doors of the Scottish Parliament will be open to everyone to explore, with seven ‘zones’ in which you can enjoy dance and music from around the world, learn about 
Scottish history, dress up in period costume, try arts and crafts, meet a beekeeper who will tell you all about the Parliament’s bees, find out about owls and other nocturnal birds, explore the world of science with experts from Heriott Watt and Abertay universities, visit the Debating Chamber, and hop on board the Wild About Scotland bus. All events are FREE and there is no need to book – just come along for the afternoon and enjoy! For details of the programme click here. The Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, EH99 1SP.
LGBT Pride Edinburgh: today’s events begin outside the City Chambers on the Royal Mile at 1pm, with speeches followed by the Pride March (leaving promptly at 1.45pm). Other events include a Health & Community Fair at Omni, Greenside Row (top of Leith Walk) 12.30-4.30pm, a Music Festival at the Jam House, 5 Queen Street, from 3pm, Pride Youth Space at Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, Bellevue Crescent 1.30-5pm, a Family Zone outside Omni with the Play Talk Read Bus, Trans Space at the Wallace Room, Holiday Inn Express, Picardy Place 1.30-5.30pm, a Tea Dance at Chalky’s, 4 Picardy Place, from 5pm and live entertainment into the night at Habana (Greenside Place), Chalky’s, The Street (Picardy Place), and Edinburgh Playhouse. For full details of the day’s programme click here or visit Pride Edinburgh’s Facebook page here.
Edge Textile Artists Scotland: Strands of Time. An exciting new exhibition focusing on ‘past, present and future’ and encouraging us all to be inspired by the past, excited by the present and intrigued by the future of this group of professional contemporary textile artists, who have studied or are based in Scotland and who exhibit regularly throughout Scotland and the UK. Having all three galleries on the 3rd floor of Edinburgh Palette has provided the starting point for the notion of examining the whole story of Edge – three galleries, three points in time, curated by three teams from within the group. Opening today 12 noon-2pm (galleries open till 6pm), then 10am-6pm daily, Third Floor, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. Ends 23rd July 2016.
Here Comes Summer 2016! Fun activities for all the family: climbing wall, gladiator & surf simulator, ponies, bungee run, circus skills, archery, sand sculptures, face painting, music, arts & crafts challenge and lots more! – plus a market place for local agencies and info. 1-4pm, Portobello Promenade & Beach. A £1 wristband allows access to all activities. You can collect a free copy of the location map from Portobello Library, Rosefield Avenue. Hosted by Porty Events.
Queen Margaret University: Are You There? An exhibition showcasing the work of new qualified art psychotherapists from the MSc Art Psychotherapy programme at QMU and including a video addition from students graduating from the MSc Music Therapy programme. This event brings together a wide range of artistic styles and media, with each student contributing their own creative practice and perspective; it intends to shed light on the practice of art psychotherapy and the benefits of creative expression, as well as presenting the artistic talents of the therapists themselves. Visitors are invited to be part of the exhibition by contributing to the wish tree. The butterfly is used as a symbol of change and growth, and staff will be on hand to help you design a butterfly onto which you can write a wish and hang it from the tree. The tree will continue to grow and change throughout the exhibition. 10am-6pm daily, Gayfield Creative Spaces, Gayfield Square. Ends 5th July 2016.
Off The Record – Edinburgh: music industry advice from those in the business. Off the Record is for young musicians and those who want to work in the music industry, and is open to anyone aged 14-25. The event will feature key figures from the music business taking part in seminars, workshops and advice sessions (including Organising & Getting Gigs, Promoting Your Music, Working In Music and Releasing Music) – all geared to demystifying the industry and providing knowledge to get started. Under 18s must bring a completed parental consent form; this can be downloaded from the Eventbrite page, which also has full details of all speakers. 10.30am-5pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street. Tickets cost £2 and must be bought in advance via Eventbrite here. If you are unable to purchase online, contact emily@widedays.com. Off The Record is supported by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) programme, which is administered by Creative Scotland.
Norman Gilbert: an exhibition of paintings by the renowned Glasgow-based artist. Norman Gilbert was born in Trinidad to Scottish parents in 1926 and attended the Glasgow School of Art. In 1967 the Upper Grosvenor Gallery staged his first exhibition and in 1974 Gilbert’s work was the subject of a BBC film as part of ‘SCOPE’, a series of arts programmes presented by the critic and writer W Gordon Smith. Gilbert’s paintings depict his family and friends, seizing on the vitality of the young and their modes. His highly structured images are given form with the use of decorative pattern and vivid colour, creating a synthesis between figure and space. Opens today 4-6pm, then 11am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday, The Sutton Gallery, 18a Dundas Street. Ends 23rd July. Image: The Coal Cellar © Norman Gilbert.
Tiger Tales: stories and crafts for ages 4-7. 11am today and every Saturday, Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. Free.
Surrealist Saturday Family Day: enjoy a weird and wonderful spectacle at Modern One! An afternoon full of free activities for children inside and out – be transformed into a real-life Dalí or Magritte with surreal face-painting, invent new colours with the Colour Collectors, marvel at the roaming circus performers or have a Surreal Adventure in the exhibition themed play area. Inside, join storytelling duo Louna Productions for a surrealist spectacular! Listen to tales about awesome artists and explore the exhibition in a fun and interactive way. 
Try your hand at surreal costume making with a difference; you’ll be designing using a game of chance – roll the dice to see what costume you’ll make! You can also become a surreal collector using the gallery’s trail. Picnic lunches will be available from the café to enjoy in the sculpture garden. Modern One is also offering a special family ticket with exhibition entry (see website for details). 1-4pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free, drop-in, no booking required. Image © Spudd Connor.
Portrait Gallery Thematic Tours: The William Hole Murals. Freelance lecturer Susanna Kerr looks at William Hole’s mural scheme for the Portrait Gallery, focusing on the artist’s career, driven by his passion for history, astronomy and a deep religious faith. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free, no booking required.
Saturday Session: Rob Senior. Rob plays a unique and rare percussion instrument, the Handpan. Handcrafted out of steel with a striking ‘UFO’ shape, the Handpan creates soft beautiful tones comparable to a harp and is, unlike most modern musical instruments, fully acoustic. It is a melodic instrument which has a peaceful yet dynamic sound. 3.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
Creating Forms: taking inspiration from work by Antony Gormley involving cast forms, explore your creativity by making a sculpture from wire and clay. For families. 2-4pm (drop-in – you can stay for the whole two hours or just part of the session), City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Free – a donation of £2 per person would be appreciated.
Byre Opera: Turn of the Screw. The University of St Andrews’ resident opera company performs a semi-staged, concert version of Britten’s chamber opera. 3pm (doors open 2.30pm), St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free admission.
Picturehouses Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. Today: ET The Extra-Terrestrial (U). A little lost alien, three million light years away from home. A lonely ten-year old boy willing to take him home. Perhaps the best-loved family film of all time, Steven Spielberg’s hugely influential 1982 tale of a stranded alien still strikes a chord with audiences everywhere, and is both an exciting sci-fi adventure and a remarkable and moving portrait of childhood. 3pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
Annie Fletcher: as part of Method Maker (a week-long collective enquiry considering different research methodologies and how they inform artistic production), Annie Fletcher (Chief Curator of Exhibitions at the Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, and tutor at De Appel, Amsterdam) will discuss her curatorial practice in relation to observation, artistic practice and knowledge production. 3pm, Collective Gallery, City Observatory and City Dome, 38 Calton Hill. Free: open to all.
On Root: Travelling Identities in Colombian Cinema Presents Bogotá, Bacatá, Who Knows + The Wind Journeys (Winner of the City of Rome Award at Cannes Film Festival 2009). Go on a journey along the musical territories of the Caribbean coast, down to Cali’s underground culture, up again onto the Andean mountains and back to early twentieth century Bogotá. On Root: Travelling Identities in Colombian Cinema is a showcase of recent film productions from Colombia. By looking away from the stereotypes that still constitute much of our knowledge about Colombia, this film programme, curated by MSc students in Film, Exhibition & Curation at the University of Edinburgh with the support of the Colombian Embassy in the UK, aims to help in shaping an informed and enriched image of this nation. 6pm, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome, free admission: donations very welcome!
Happy Birthday Olivia! Special screenings to celebrate the 100th birthday of the wonderful Olivia de Havilland – star of stage and the Hollywood Golden Age, whose outstanding career spanned over 50 years in some truly memorable and important roles. Today: Gone with the Wind (PG): David O Selznick’s production of Margaret Mitchell’s best-seller remains the pinnacle of polished Hollywood storytelling, successfully balancing an American Civil War backdrop with the more intimate story of Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), a petulant belle wreaking havoc on others in her pursuit of Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard) and her dealings with Rhett Butler (Clark Gable). 3.30pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in this short season is The Adventures of Robin Hood (U) showing at 6.10pm on Sunday 3rd July.
https://youtu.be/kq31yXOcOEw
Men with Coconuts: Harry Gooch and Steve Worsley from Scotland’s foremost musical improv comedy troupe present 90 minutes of improvised games and scenes, with live piano accompaniment. Unplanned, unscripted and unbelievable! 8pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 and are available from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here.
Architecture Fringe: Power. As part of this year’s Architecture Fringe programme, this special event will investigate where power lies within our architectural environment. Tackling a series of significant industry issues head-on, speakers will lead discussions on the concept of power within the context of Scottish architecture. Who has the clout and control within the industry, and how does this affect architectural output? With responses from Scotland and beyond, Architecture Fringe presents an evening of 7- minute motions, focusing on the relationship between architecture and the various forms of power that surround it. With contributions from Euan Leitch, Malcolm Fraser, Grace Mark, Lee Ivett and Sarah Drummond. 7-9pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free but ticketed; please book via Eventbrite here.
Neu! Reekie! Summer Squeeze: Scotland’s ‘favourite avant-garde noisemakers’ present Law (Lauren Holt), Rebecca Perry, Alan Bissett (The Moira Monologues) and Kevin Williamson (Louis MacNeice: Triumph of The Will). 7.30-11pm, Pilrig St Pauls’ Church, Pilrig Street. Tickets £8/£6 + service fee from Brown Paper Tickets here. Advance booking is highly recommended.
The Choir That Rocks Live: an uplifting and exhilarating performance by the UK’s favourite contemporary choir. Over 200 Rock Choir members from Edinburgh led by Rock Choir Leader Elaine Williamson will be performing a selection of fun, upbeat, feel-good songs from the Rock Choir repertoire. Rock Choir has over 20,000 members in more than 300 local communities nationwide. It offers an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir, pioneering a new approach to vocal training and entertainment. It offers the general public the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs with no entry audition, no requirements to read music or to have any previous singing experience. New members are always very welcome. 7.30pm, Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street. Tickets £11 (+ booking fee) from The Queen’s Hall Box Office on 0131 668 2019 or online here.
Scots Music Group Ceilidh with Ceilid Caleerie Dance Band. 7.30pm (doors open), dancing from 8pm, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Tickets cost £9/£7 in advance from the Scots Music Group here or St Bride’s Box Office on 0131 346 1405, £10 on the door subject to availability. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Linlithgow Jazz Club: Janet Seidel Trio. ‘Australia’s first lady of Jazz singing’ (Penguin Guide to Jazz UK) vocalist/pianist Janet Seidel is a seasoned live performer and has 18 CDs to her name. Janet has been performing jazz oriented material, and the Great American Songbook in particular, since her High School and University days in South Australia in the 1970s. Her brother David worked as bassist and guitarist with a great variety of local and world renowned artists in his own right before forming Janet’s first trio, along with Adelaide’s legendary drummer Billy Ross, in the early 1980s; subsequently they have been 
fortunate to work with some great Australian jazz musicians. 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), St Michael’s RC Church Hall (Queen Margaret’s Hall), Blackness Road, Linlithgow. Tickets £12. The club provides tea and coffee (donations welcomed) and you are free to bring your own drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), glasses and snacks. Bring your dancing feet and come prepared to quickstep, foxtrot, jive or swing or just do your own thing – or if you prefer, just relax and enjoy some great music.
Carbona Not Glue: Ramones tribute band. Come along to get bopping to some great Ramones tunes; as it is 40 years since the first Ramones album was released, the band will be doing a special set – which will be the first album, all 29 minutes of it. They promise a very special second set too! 8pm, Leith Depot, 138 Leith Walk.
SUNDAY 2nd JULY 2016
Fruitmarket Book Group: an informal Sunday morning group, this month reading Bret Easton Ellis and Other Dogs by Lina Wolff. At a brothel in Caudal, Spain, the prostitutes are collecting stray dogs, each named after a famous male writer: Dante, Chaucer, Bret Easton Ellis. In Barcelona, a teenage girl is endeavouring to trace the peculiarities of her life back to one woman: Alba Cambó, who left Caudal as a girl and never went back. Bret Easton Ellis and Other Dogs is a black and Bolaño-esque take on the limitations of love in a dog-eat-dog world – come and discuss it over brunch or coffee from the Fruitmarket Café. For ages 16+. 10–11am, Café, Fruitmarket Gallery, Market Street. Free but please book via Eventbrite here.
Filmhouse Junior: films for a younger audience. This week: Who Killed Nelson Nutmeg? (PG): Four bright, mischievous kids – Billie, The Colonel, Woody and Shiv – go on their annual summer holiday to a rather disappointing family camp, the only highlight being its costumed squirrel mascot – the hyperactive and unpredictable Nelson Nutmeg. The game is afoot in this funny and charming family adventure when Billie witnesses Nelson Nutmeg being pushed off a cliff by a mysterious assailant, and the four children set to out to investigate…11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small.
Art Explorers: Rain Forest Orchestra. Be inspired to make your own work of art, using a wide range of colourful and tactile materials, as you explore the beauty of the Garden. Create rain sticks and shakers from amazing plant materials. With Greengage Arts. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. £3 on the door, no booking required.
Picturehouses Vintage Sundays: classic films back on the big screen. Today: Delicatessen (15). In this post-apocalyptic black comedy, the landlord of an apartment building occasionally prepares a special delicacy for his odd tenants. 1pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.
Scotland’s Gardens: Tyninghame House and the Walled Garden. 17th century pink sandstone house; gardens include herbaceous border. formal rose garden, Lady Haddington’s Secret Garden, and extensive ‘wilderness’ spring garden, and a one mile beech avenue to the sea. The formal walled garden combines the lawn, sculpture and yew hedges, an ‘apple walk’, extensive herbaceous planting and an informal arboretum. Refreshments available. 1-5pm, Tyninghame House, Tyninghame Village. Admission £5 (children free) of which 40% goes to The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research (University of Edinburgh) and the net remainder to SG beneficiaries. For more information and directions click here.
Joe Gilhooley Photography: amateur photographer Joe is based in Loanhead and has a keen interest in all areas of photography, from landscapes to fireworks. Opening – to which all are welcome, and at which you can meet Joe – 2-4pm today, then 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday, Penicuik Community Arts, 4 West Street, Penicuik. Ends 6th August.
Imperial College Big Band: yes, there’s more to Imperial College than science (!) – this 17-piece student Big Band regularly performs top quality jazz in and around the capital, as well as special appearances in the London Jazz Festival, and tours to Prague, Budapest and Bucharest. This year they are travelling the length and breadth of the UK, showing off their great repertoire of swing, jazz and funk. 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £3; please note that this venue is strictly cash only.
Discover Arts: Leonardo Da Vinci: The Genius in Milan. In Spring 2015, Milan paid tribute to Leonardo Da Vinci by holding an extraordinary exhibition event at the Palazzo Reale. Leonardo Da Vinci: The Genius In Milan explores his work as never seen before, telling the story of the artist’s world and the treasures he left us. Pietro Marani, curator of the 2015 exhibition, and some of the world’s leading experts on Leonardo tell a story that could open new perspectives and reveal extraordinary things about Leonardo Da Vinci the painter, sculptor, scientist, anatomist, botanist and architect. 4pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online.
Meet Ted Brack: Time for Heroes. The author will sign copies of his new book, Time for Heroes: A Celebration of Hibs Glorious 2016 Scottish Cup Victory, in which he relives the events of a tumultuous campaign, from the agony of a League Cup final defeat and the race for promotion to the ecstasy of Scottish Cup glory on a day that will never be forgotten. 2-3pm, Waterstones Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive.
Art Maker – July: join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. For ages 4-12. 2-4pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.
St Giles’ at Six: The Fourth Presbyterian Church Chicago Touring Choir: Sacred Choral Music of America. An a cappella programme with music by Stephen Paulus, René Clausen, Dave Brubeck, Moses Hogan and many others. Director: John Sherer. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
Happy Birthday Olivia! Special screenings to celebrate the 100th birthday of the wonderful Olivia de Havilland – star of stage and the Hollywood Golden Age, whose outstanding career spanned over 50 years in some truly memorable and important roles. 
Today: The Adventures of Robin Hood (U): dashing Errol Flynn is the definitive Robin Hood in the most gloriously swashbuckling version of the legendary story. Decadent Prince John (Claude Rains) takes advantage of King Richard’s absence to tax the country into poverty, but meets his match in rebel Robin Hood and his Merry Men, who are on a mission to steal from the rich and give to the poor. 6.10pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The last film in this short season is The Snake Pit (12A) showing at 6pm on Monday 4th July.
Nitekirk: one evening each month, Nitekirk provides a creative, drop-in experience of church. This ministry, rooted in Greyfriars Kirk and supported by its local ecumenical partners, seeks to create a welcoming sacred space for all. The church will be lit with candles, the atmosphere contemplative. There will be a time of reflection, gentle music and, throughout the sanctuary, places of activity – pictures to consider, Scripture, prayers and poems to read, something to feel with your hands, art supplies to focus your creativity. People come and go as they like, joining in songs and quiet conversations or sitting in silence and enjoying the space. 5-8pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. All welcome. ‘A place of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door’.
Singers Night with Maria Speight: great jazzy, Blues/Gospel/Swing vocals from the effervescent ex-Alabama songstress, backed by a top-class piano/bass/drums jazz trio, with Huw Rees (piano), Iain Harkness (bass) and Dave Hunter (drums). 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4; please note that this venue is strictly cash only.
