The Herald is all set for a fantastic festival - so come and join us
With well over 4000 shows and events to choose from it's no easy task to navigate your way around the world's largest gathering of artists and performers.
The Herald has been documenting the evolution of Edinburgh's festivals since the first performances were staged in 1947.
Nearly 80 years on, our coverage of the festivals is a cornerstone of our commitment to Scotland's cultural life.
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We want our journalism to be is at the heart of debates about the arts, hold key decision-makers to account, fight for a fair deal for artists, venues and organisations, and champion the brightest new talents.
Our team will be bringing the best of the Edinburgh festivals to you, capturing the atmosphere in the city and keeping a close eye on this year's emerging stars.
You can expect coverage of the latest backstage dramas, on-stage controversies and on-stage triumphs.
Our coverage of the festivals will be led for the first time by Arts Correspondent Brian Ferguson, who joined [[The Herald]] in April as part of a drive to step up coverage of Scottish culture.
Ferguson will be out and about at all of the city's festivals, speaking to the key players on and off-stage, and producing exclusive stories, features, interviews and analysis.
Our feature writers, including Kevin McKenna and Teddy Jamieson, will be taking a deep dive into the big events to explain what Edinburgh's audiences can expect at the festivals, what it is really like to perform at them, what people in the city make of them and what they may look like in future.
The Herald's expert team of critics will be reviewing shows and events across the festivals, including Neil Cooper on theatre, Barry Didcock on visual art, Keith Bruce on music, Mary Brennan on dance and Gayle Anderson on comedy.
[[The Herald]] will be taking centre stage at the Fringe as our Unspun podcast hosts a series of live in-conversation events with First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and Britain's leading polling expert, Professor Sir John Curtice.
And [[The Herald]]'s Holyrood team will also be reporting on what the politicians are saying across the festivals.
You can get unlimited access to all of our coverage of the Edinburgh festivals is available with our special summer sale which offers full to The Herald website for the next year for just £20. Click here
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Scottish Sun
27 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
New hard-hitting play about suicide in prison stars real-life ex-offenders
'When I heard there was a over 40 per cent increase in suicides in Scottish prisons, I gasped. It wasn't good enough and it never left me' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEATHS in Scottish prisons are amongst the highest in Europe after increasing by 60 per cent in the past year, a recent report revealed. The Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research found 64 people died in jail in 2024 - up from 40 in 2023 - with 17 of those deaths apparent suicides. 4 Ex-offenders Duncan Stewart and David Ross play cellmates Shug and Rambo. 4 All the cast together at The Fort Theatre in Glasgow where they are staging Fever. 4 Fever is written by Gemma Muir, who was triggered by the high rates of suicide behind bars in Scottish jails. Professor Sarah Armstrong. who led the research for Glasgow University, stated the figures were 'unprecedented'. Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS speaks to Natalie Logan, who lost her own dad to suicide in jail, about a new play that aims to turn the spotlight on the blight going on behind bars with a new play called Fever. FEVER is the elation that prisoners feel in the build-up to the day they are set free - but this play was written out of sheer shock at the appalling rates of suicide behind bars. Natalie Logan runs the charity Sisco which works hand-in-hand with the Scottish Prison Service to help offenders return to society. But her community manager Gemma Muir was inspired to put pen to paper after a visit to Barlinnie where she discovered The Scottish Prison Service's Talk to Me suicide prevention strategy had failed - with a 42 per cent rise in suicides since the scheme was introduced in 2016. Gemma, 39, from Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, said: 'Before I started working with Sisco I was very much of the mindset that if you do the crime you do the time. 'But when I started my training the facts and figures that were trotted out from the work book were pretty triggering for me. 'When I heard there was a over 40 per cent increase in suicides in Scottish prisons, I gasped. It wasn't good enough and it never left me.' Four years on it has led to Gemma's first play Fever, following the stories of cellmates Shug and Rambo as they prepare for release. Every actor in the production, which begins a three night run at Bishopbrigg's Fort Theatre from tonight (July 31), are ex-offenders including including Glaswegians Duncan Stewart, 64, from Possilpark, who plays Shug and David Ross, 53, from Springburn, who portrays Rambo. Inside Belmarsh: Secrets of Britain's most notorious prisoners Natalie and Gemma and the rest of the team hear stories like theirs all the time at the Sisco Recovery Cafes they run both inside and outside of Scotland's jails. Duncan said: 'I was first put in the care system when I was 10. That escalated to approved schools, then jail. ' But about 10 years ago I met Natalie and I started getting off my heroin, my crack, my spice, my methadone, my booze. I was still smoking cannabis, but I don't do that now. 'What changed for me? My attitude, I didn't care about myself. But I found people that gave me tools to start caring about myself. 'It took me about seven and a half years for the penny to drop, but they never once asked me to leave.' Asked how he's adapted to being an actor, Duncan just laughs: 'We've been actors our whole life - we knew how to lie and cheat. 'I didn't know it then but that's the same as acting. But then these women took a leap of faith to put me in a play to do it for real.' David also found himself in the care system from a young age, but admits acting out his character Rambo's suicidal thoughts was personally a tough ask. He said: 'I had a similar experience with my last sentence. I was suicidal. 'If it wasn't for me having these people that cared for me, then I might not be here today. 'But we just want to get the message out there that there are other options. That there's always hope - you just need to talk to somebody.' Every scene in Fever is also based on real-life scenarios experienced by all the cast. Natalie, 46, from Springburn said: 'The importance of having lived-experienced actors is we didn't want any of the play to be superficial, fabricated or untrue. 'We wanted it to be as gritty and real as possible and to leave people questioning, does the Scottish Prison Service work? 'Ultimately, at the moment, they don't do enough because they don't have adequate resources to support people.' The mum-of-two has skin in the game after her dad Stephen Logan took his life in jail in 1986. She called her charity Sisco as it was his nickname. She said: 'My father was on suicide watch. Now the bottom line is if someone is on suicide watch you would assume that your family member is in a place of safety. 'A fatal accident inquiry found there was no accountability. Nothing's changed since then almost 40 years on. REVIEW OF NEW PRISON PLAY FEVER FEVER starts with Shug and his 'co-pilot' (cellmate) Rambo getting on each other's nerves. The play follows all their ups and downs from the excitement building to their release, to their hopes and fears over their family relationships down to where they are going to stay. But it doesn't skirt over their rampant drug taking and dealing behind bars with Rambo's kid sister sneaking his supply in during visiting time. There are plenty of laughs too, like the moment Shug says it's 'Willy Wallace day' because he's getting his 'freedom!' It all builds to a Sliding Doors-style climax where Rambo - immediately rearrested after release - can take no more and decides to end his life, alone in his cell. Members of the audience, who were themselves ex-offenders or their families, were in floods of tears. But it ends with an alternative scenario when an upbeat letter from Shug saves the day with Rambo deciding to get back on the straight and narrow, leaving us all with hope. MATT BENDORIS 'Although they're in prison, they're not all bad people. Yes, we have a small cohort of really, really bad people that absolutely should be in prison. 'But I just wish policy makers would come to see this play to see what's going on inside the Scottish Prison Service because if nothing it done then the next set of suicide figures are going to be truly eye-watering.' A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: 'Our staff work hard to support and protect vulnerable people in our care, including in moments of crisis in their lives. 'Following recent Fatal Accident Inquiry determinations, we have committed to delivering rapid and systemic change, which will be enduring and impactful and also look at ways in which we can go beyond them, help our staff build positive relationships with people in custody, particularly those who might be vulnerable, and keep them safe. 'This includes an overhaul of Talk To Me, our suicide prevention programme, based on the advice of independent experts.'
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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
'Drink of the summer' to takeover Edinburgh Festivals venue courtyard
A revived gin drink from the 1950s is taking over an 'iconic' Edinburgh courtyard this month. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Lonkero - a long drink from Finland - is bringing Nordic flair to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a takeover of Summerhall's courtyard, featuring artist-led installations, a Finnish performance partnership, and a charitable initiative supporting independent arts. Throughout August, Nordic vibes meet Edinburgh creativity as Lonkero - Finland's fresh, fruity long drink named as The Guardian's 'Drink of Summer 2025' takes over the courtyard at Summerhall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Lonkero is a popular alcoholic drink that's typically made with gin and grapefruit soda. Born in Helsinki for the 1952 Olympics, Finnish long drink was created to keep international visitors refreshed - and fast Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a celebration of art, culture and community, Lonkero is transforming the venue into a visual and social hub, featuring courtyard-wide designs created in collaboration with local artist Ross Blair of TrenchOne Industries, an Edinburgh-based Art and Technology Studio. Lonkero is also putting its values into action by kicking off Summerhall's fundraiser with a £1,000 donation. In addition, for every pint of Lonkero served throughout the Fringe, the brand will donate 25p to Summerhall - directly supporting the venue's vibrant programme of independent arts and performance. In keeping with its Nordic roots, Lonkero is partnering with Red Nose Company, Finland's leading clown theatre double-act, who are returning to Edinburgh Fringe for the third run of their 5-star show 'Don Quixote' at Assembly Studio Two. A further Fringe collaboration to celebrate the shared spirit of Nordic creativity, connection, and cultural exchange. Lonkero at Summerhall Courtyard | Mike Wilkinson Working with local artist Ross Blair of TrenchOne Industries, Lonkero has transformed Summerhall's courtyard into an immersive Finnish experience. Festival-goers can also enjoy pint-sized serves of Lonkero's crisp and zingy long drink. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The serve is already a cult favourite in Finland and is now being poured on draught at Summerhall – the brand proudly states they are 'refreshingly not beer' offering a light and zesty alternative to beer or cider, served ice-topped with a slice of grapefruit. In a show of support for the venue's future, 25p from every pint of Lonkero sold at Summerhall will go directly back to the venue – helping sustain its year-round programme of theatre, music, art and innovation. Joe Harris, co-founder and director of Lonkero, said: 'Summerhall is everything we love about Edinburgh – creative, bold and proudly independent. Lonkero is all about community and eccentricity - it belongs here. From supporting artists and performers to transforming one of the city's most loved venues, this is more than a brand activation - it's a love letter to community and creativity.' Ross Blair, founder and creative director of TrenchOne Industries added: 'We wanted to create something that captures the energy of Fringe while nodding to Lonkero's Nordic roots. It's a mash-up of urban texture, playful geometry and social space - something that invites people in, sparks curiosity, and gives them a place to connect at the creative institution that is Summerhall.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Joe Harris of Lonkero, continued: 'Whether you're stopping by for a crisp pint or soaking in the courtyard's evolving artwork, Lonkero invites locals and festival-goers alike to raise a glass to art, culture, and good company - Nordic style. We can't wait to see all the smiling faces with a pint in hand at Summerhall this Fringe - hopefully enjoying some sunshine too!' Sam Gough, CEO Summerhall Arts said: 'Here at Summerhall Arts we champion innovation and creativity across all artforms and with this partnership this ethos continues. This comes at a pivotal point for us as we continue to support and develop the Arts in Edinburgh. So we will be encouraging all of our wonderful customers and artists across the Fringe and beyond to help us by enjoying Lonkero, responsibly of course.' Lonkero is a brand of Finnish Long Drink. At 4.7% ABV, it's ideal as a one-off refresher, or for sipping during a session.
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Extra funding underlines value we place on the arts in Scotland
International Festival director Nicola Benedetti with Culture Secretary Angus Robertson Scotland's festivals are at the heart of our culture sector and national life. They are an invaluable platform for our artists and performers to develop and support their ambition and creativity by providing focal points for activity and opportunities to showcase their work. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh is currently the undisputed centre of the cultural world. With both the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe now in full swing, the Scottish Capital hosts the best attended annual arts festival in the world. Edinburgh Festivals attract over 3000 events, 25,000 performers, 4.5 million attendances from 70 countries worldwide. Only the Olympics and the Football World Cup exceed the number of tickets sold for Edinburgh's festival events. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Critics have been wowed by the EIF opener and world premiere of Make it Happen, which is a new commission produced by three major Scottish institutions; Edinburgh International Festival, National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre about the rise, fall and fail of the biggest bank in the world – The Royal Bank of Scotland. The outstanding piece stars Brian Cox and Sandy Grierson, was written by the extraordinarily talented James Graham and directed by the award-winning Andrew Panton. It was a joy to see the premiere and I can't recommend it too highly. At every stage of their planning and their delivery, Scotland's Festivals are renowned for ambition, creativity and excellence at home and overseas. As well as their outstanding work on stage, festivals provide hundreds of millions of pounds to the Scottish and local economies, supporting a pipeline of jobs and businesses. Festivals, like the entirety of the culture sector, have been hit hard in recent years by a series of challenges. Recovery from the pandemic and addressing the challenges brought by Brexit have been made more difficult by increased costs and inflation, together with a challenging public funding environment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 2025/26 Scottish Government Budget has provided an important foundation for the work of festivals, recognising the importance of stability and certainty through long term sustained multi-annual funding to support Festival's ambitions for the future. Increasing investment in festivals, as part of the biggest ever increase in funding for culture, underlines the value the Scottish Government places on the arts. Through this increased investment we want to drive up opportunities for participation in creative pursuits, support the festivals commissions and collaborations on new and exciting works, ensuring Scotland's cultural output have platforms at home and abroad. While increased funding has provided greater long term stability, festivals continue to face challenges around transport, accommodation, connectivity and long term sustainability beyond funding to areas like workforce planning and skills development. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We are committed to working with festivals in Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland through a Strategic Partnership to address these challenges If you haven't already taken time to plan what to see at the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe you really should, just as you should look into all of the other amazing festivals taking place in the World's Capital City of Festivals. You should also check out: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh TV Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and many others. Edinburgh's festivals are a jewel in Scotland's cultural crown and are world class events in the global arts calendar. Let's make the most of them.
