It’s almost Christmas
Later today some of the attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas will open including the LNER Big Wheel. The LNER Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens will give passengers a unique perspective of the capital. “With incredible views of the historic Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, as well as sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, one ride on the Big Wheel won’t be enough! Enjoy the comfort of the enclosed and weather-proof pods.”
Open 10am – 10pm (last admission 9.30pm) tickets are date-specific but there are no set time slots – admission is on a first come, first served basis.
Allow extra time if you plan to attend during busy periods. Edinburgh residents with proof of their EH postcode will receive a 20% discount. Tickets here.
Bringing a touch of European Christmas festivity to the heart of Edinburgh, East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is open from 15 November 2024, running until 04 January 2025. With stalls featuring the finest local and international producers ensuring you find that perfect Christmas gift. East Princes Street Gardens also boasts an 80m Star Flyer, LNER Big Wheel, and more daring fairground rides.
West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair:
When: 15 Nov 2024 – 04 Jan 2025
Where: West Princes Street Gardens
More Info: West Princes Street Gardens hosts the free-to-enter family-friendly funfair, complete with thrilling rides, fairground games, food & beverage, light installations and ticketed illumination events every evening.
Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website. For further information and to buy tickets, click here: edinburgh-christmas.com
Push the Boat Out
It is one week until Push the Boat Out – and if you don’t know what that is then it is an extravaganza of words – Edinburgh’s international poetry festival which takes place next week from 22 to 24 November. There are 50 events packed into the programme.
Push the Boat Out is an award winning festival with a growing year round presence, and it is a unique and vital part of Scotland’s arts ecology.
There are four venues: The Scottish Storytelling Centre, Dance Base, Dovecot Studios and the Pleasance. Folk singer Iona Fyfe is performing on Saturday 23 November. Fresh from a triumphant US tour, Iona Fyfe, the award-winning folk singer and Scots Language activist, headlines an unforgettable night of poetry-fused song and sounds. Iona will be joined by Emma Capponi and Fionnbarr Byrne, who bring a captivating blend of folk and ethereal sounds, and Iona Lee and DJ Nikki Kent layering poetic vocals over electrifying beats. Tickets here.
Read more here and book all tickets.
Beatles Marathon on 30 November in Portobello
Twelve talented Edinburgh bands are taking on 13 albums by The Beatles to raise money for charity.
Doors open at 11:45am at Portobello Town Hall on Saturday 30th November 2024, and tickets are selling fast for what is set to be a fantastic family day out.
Organisers are hoping to build on the huge success of last year’s Marathon which raised over £10,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a charity setup by the late rugby legend Doddie Weir who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2017. The Foundation provides support for those suffering from MND, as well as their families – and also finances crucial research into the life-ending
disease.
For co-founders Stuart and Scott McGachan, the Marathon and its mission are deeply personal. Growing up in Edinburgh alongside their older sister Clare, their family home was a haven of music including the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, and – of course – The Beatles. Songs by ‘The Fab Four’ filled their childhoods, and it is no surprise that the family has deep musical roots to this
day.
In 2021, their father Pat McGachan was diagnosed with MND. The disease affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time. There is no cure – only treatments to reduce the impact it has on a person’s life.
Tickets for Edinburgh’s second Beatles Marathon can be purchased through the event’s website. The event is family-friendly, with free entry for under 18s before 1pm and free entry for under 6s throughout. There will be a bar and food available, as well as entertainment for children.
Next week at the City Chambers
Monday, 18 November, 2024
- 10.00 am Transport and Environment Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Tuesday, 19 November, 2024
- 10.00 am Finance and Resources Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Wednesday, 20 November, 2024
- 10.00 am Development Management Sub-Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
Thursday, 21 November, 2024
- 10.00 am Education, Children and Families Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
At the Transport and Environment Committee one motion which will be considered is what to do with the path where a sinkhole opened up earlier in the year. Cllr Ross McKenzie has discovered that the land on which the path is situated is owned by the Earl of Morton. He has raised the apparent impasse on getting it sorted out and demands urgent action to safeguard the path for use in future. He has written in his motion:
“The Burnside is a public right of way path which connects Longstone Road with Stenhouse Mill Lane. The path has been in place for at least 150 years on land which is currently understood to be owned by the Earl of Morton.
“The Burnside Bridge was repaired by the Council in February 2024 following a period of over 3 years during which damage to the bridge prevented access to the path from the Longstone Road end.
“On 31 May 2024, a large sink hole was found on the path. The Council erected barriers to prevent access to the affected area and a diversion route was established by users of the path. Subsequently, ward councillors and stakeholders have been unable to engage the Council in discussions about improving safety and accessibility.
“Agrees:
1) A safety assessment of the affected area will take place as soon as possible, with consideration given to the stability of the retaining wall under the sink hole, and to the effectiveness of the current safety barriers.
2) To request a Business Bulletin update within 2 cycles which includes low cost options for establishing and formalising the diversion route, prioritising improvements to accessibility at the Longstone Road end.
3) To request a report within 4 cycles which provides options for investment to safeguard the path for future use, including resurfacing, widening and ongoing maintenance of the path. This report should consider options to bring the path up to an adoptable standard, and the potential to recoup costs from the landowner.”
One of the most informative ways of finding out what is important on the agenda is to read the deputations. These are extensive for Monday’s meeting and include a note from Living Streets on what is required to make Cowgate safe for pedestrians in the wake of what appears to have been a tragic accident, and notes on what to do about communal bin hubs. Read more here:
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An art exhibition at the Oxford Bar opens on Sunday.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
