Let the Festivals commence
Today is the day when all the festivals in town kick off for real. The Edinburgh Reporter diary is full of preview shows and photo opps.
In an effort to bring you coverage with a local flavour we met with a couple of Edinburgh based producers in the last week or so to talk about their Fringe shows.
Read more about Emma Ruse and Nathalie Allison at the links.
All of our Fringe and Festival articles can be found in our Culture section here.
Festival of Politics
While politics forms a big part of many Fringe shows there is a festival dedicated to just politics which takes place at The Scottish Parliament from 20 to 22 August 2025.
There will be 30 events featuring political experts and others from the media, the arts ad the third sector. There is also a programme of free events featuring entertainment, exhibitions and a robot in the Festival Café Bar.
The Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I am delighted to introduce the programme for the 2025 Festival of Politics.
“We present a varied programme of issues that matter and affect you and provide a platform to actively discuss issues that impact people in Scotland and across the world.
“From international politics and conflict, to the wonders of crofting, the rise of misogyny; and an analysis of the big debates that lie ahead as we approach the Holyrood 2026 election; academics and experts in the field give their perspective and invite your participation.
“We are also delighted to welcome award winning journalist and BBC foreign correspondent Clive Myrie to discuss his incredible career; and the well-known academic and author Professor Danny Dorling as two of the many respected speakers at this year’s Festival.
“We have a lively free programme of choirs, music, visual art exhibitions, and even robots in the Festival Café Bar. We look forward to welcoming you all at your Scottish Parliament.”
All tickets here and the programme is at this link.
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Open in new tab North Edinburgh Arts Bike Library
If you are thinking of getting on your bike then North Edinburgh Arts in McMillan Square can help to make that easier. Their Bike Library will lend out bikes (free for NEA members) which includes an e-trike for a day or a week at a time. Email [email protected] for details or there are more details on the NEA Facebook page.
Looking for a local legend
The council backed city marketing agency Forever Edinburgh is searching for local legends – they say these are the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live.
The nominees will win prizes from afternoon teas to free meals. Prizes have been provided by Resident Rewards partners Mimi’s Bakehouse, Malmaison, Port of Leith Distillery and the Edinburgh Marine Academy.
A nomination page has been launched on the Forever Edinburgh website, where residents can submit their nominations. Whether it’s a neighbour who runs a food bank, a youth worker changing lives or someone who simply brings joy to others, this is your chance to share their story. Nominations are open now and will close on 14 August 2025.
edinburgh.org/residentrewardscomp
Anyone need a bike?
Comedian Dion Owen set up the Cyclopath Bike Program to help Fringe artists to obtain free bikes to help them get around during the Fringe.
“Dion Owen is a professional comedian and a cycling advocate. Originally from a small town in British Columbia, Canada. He spent almost a decade in Montreal. But after acquiring a British Passport he’s frequently “over here taking your jobs”.
“He won an ISH Comedy Panel Award at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe. Filmed a TV Gala at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Toured across Canada and completed a cycle/stand up tour involving 200 shows, in 10 countries over 7 months. Starting with a sold out run of his solo show Cyclopath at the Edinburgh Fringe.”
BONUS item
Yes there is a Fringe show involving both netball and Lady Macbeth…
