Edinburgh Multicultural Festival – the newest festival in town

This new event with music, storytelling and films is the newest festival in town and it takes place at various locations, most of which are outside the city centre.

The October festival programme features a bright array of Edinburgh’s diverse talent with spoken word, poetry, music, dance and visual arts created by African, Asian and Eastern European artists living in the capital. 

There will be two international acts: albino Malawian singer and canjo player Lazarus, and Sowhereto Africa, a South African dance and music show promoting street talent from the township of Soweto (previously performed at Edinburgh’s Dance Base and the Studio).

A poetry and storytelling programme (on Friday afternoon) will be curated by Nadine Aisha Jassat, with storytellers Fong Liu and Daiva Ivanauskaitė, while the weekend will feature musicians including Samba Sene & Diwan (Sengalese Mbalax/Afrobeat/ska fusion), rappers Billy Got Waves & Joell, Moroccan grooves from Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion and Bollywood//Indian classical music from Swaryatra; the dance programme on Saturday includes Scotland’s leading Indian dance group Dance Ihayami, a range of African dances from Sankofa Beats, plus Olga Kay, Iraya Noble, Pirita Tuisku, and many more. 

There will also be a specially curated short films programme and a specially created installation by Polish audio visual artist Robert Motyka, inspired by diverse cultures and identities.

The events will take place across 2 venues in north Edinburgh – creative writing, poetry and storytelling at Drumbrae Library and Community Hub (4 October only), with the main programme taking place at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus (5 & 6 October), in the open café space (unticketed) and the PASS Theatre. There will be opportunities for audiences to mix with performers and community organisations, to share their experiences and find out more about how to be involved in cross-community activities.

All events are free to attend, and all age groups are welcome.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, Morgan Njobo, said :”With this programme we would like to celebrate Edinburgh’s diverse multicultural talent and its contribution to the cultural life of the city. As a South African artist living in Edinburgh, I feel privileged to be able to present an eclectic programme that aims to engage local communities and increase access to arts and entertainment in the north of Edinburgh. We are collaborating with artists whose work is influenced by African, Asian and Eastern European cultures and we wish for all Edinburgh residents engage with our diverse performing arts and visual arts scene and enjoy the benefits of diversity brought by the artists involved.”

It is hoped that Edinburgh Multicultural Festival 2019 will be the first of many, growing over the years, contributing to promoting tolerance and inclusivity across Edinburgh and beyond.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival is delivered by African Connections CIC in partnership with Edinburgh College, PASS Theatre and Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, and supported by City of Edinburgh Council. 

Fri 4 Oct 2 – 5pm        Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, 81 Drum Brae Dr, Edinburgh EH4 7FE

                                     Storytelling, poetry and creative writing

Sat 5 Oct Noon-5pm   Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE

(Doors 11am)                DANCE inc Dance Ihayami, Sowhereto, Sankofa Beats

Sun 6 Oct Noon-5pm  Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE

(Doors 11am)                MUSIC inc Lazarus, Samba Sene & Diwan, Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion

All events are free, and tickets can be reserved in advance via Eventbrite