Latest news with #Fringe
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Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Bringing festival magic to Broomhouse
Broomhouse street party | David Monteith-Hodge The Edinburgh Festival Fringe works year-round with communities to inspire them to get involved in the world's largest arts festival and to support them in their work with local groups. 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... The 2025 Fringe programme, once again, celebrates the diverse selection of work at the Fringe, spanning genres and themes. One of the groups the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society regularly collaborates with is Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, located to the southwest of the Scottish capital's city centre. Highlights of the partnership include the annual Broomhouse Street Party. Neil Hay, chief executive of Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, tells us more about the work of the organisation: Q: Can you tell me more about the work of Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, its objectives, and your role there? A: At Space, we've always believed in the power of community—in making sure everyone feels like they belong and has the chance to live a fulfilling life. That's really what drives us. We work alongside our partners to tackle the big stuff affecting people's wellbeing and finances, and we do it through our services and social enterprises. It all comes down to one thing: connections build communities. We've been rooted in Broomhouse, Parkhead, and Sighthill for more than 35 years,and we've seen first-hand how much people care about each other here. The past few years haven't been easy; COVID, rising costs—all of it's taken a toll, especially on communities already facing challenges. But we're here to help people build on their strengths. We encourage people to grow and thrive, and we work closely with businesses, charities, and public services to make sure what we do is fair, consistent, and always kind. One of the highlights each year is the Broomhouse Street Party. It's a brilliant day out for families. There's great food, live performances, and loads of opportunities to meet others and find out about the support available locally. It's more than just a party; it's a chance for people to connect, share experiences, and feel supported. And thanks to our partnership with the Fringe, we're able to bring a slice of that festival magic to Broomhouse. Not everyone can make it into town— or lots of reasons. So, together, we bring performances right here, making sure more people get a chance to enjoy it. It's something we're really proud of. Broomhouse street party | David Monteith-Hodge Q: What groups does Space primarily work with? A: At Space, we work upstream to prevent issues wherever possible, spotting the challenges people are facing before they become bigger problems. Because we're rooted right here in the community, we understand what people are up against, and we're in the best place to offer the support that makes a difference. We listen without judgement and work alongside individuals, carers, and families to create support plans that are tailored to them. There is no one-size-fits-all. In the last year, we have supported over 1000 people directly through our services, and many more in other ways. Around 500 of them are under the age of 24, including an amazing group of 300 young and young adult carers aged five to 24. We also run a befriending project that connects with around 50 children who might need a bit of extra care and attention. Our Community & Connections programmes have been a real hub of activity: We've seen more than 10,000 attendances in just the past year. For older people, especially those feeling isolated or caring for someone over 65 with dementia, we offer practical support and a friendly face that goes a long way. We also have a huge outreach to minority groups. Last year we engaged with 55 different nationalities. Our English as a Second Language classes have expanded to six per week reaching 140 people 25 of whom have moved into paid work. Our women's collective works with women from a range of backgrounds, unifying languages and nationalities into one focus; the wellbeing of women. One of the big moments in our year is the Broomhouse Street Party. It's a joint effort with brilliant local partners, including B Healthy Together, The Big Project, Community One Stop Shop, St David's Carrick Knowe Church and the Fringe Society; this year is Broomhouse Mosque's first as part of the group. On the day, residents can chat with organisations like Broomhouse Pantry, Home Energy Scotland, Sighthill Library, Home Start Edinburgh, Changeworks, and People Know How. There's advice and information on everything from food to finances—all wrapped up in a fun, friendly day out. Q: Can you give recent examples of your work and achievements? A: In early June, Space's Living and Working in Scotland group teamed up with AUGB Edinburgh for a successful celebration of Ukrainian art, culture and food. Our free job fair attracted people from across Southwest Edinburgh who met with prospective employers. Perhaps most impressively our Youth Befriending team received the Kings Award for Volunteering (KAVS) the organisational equivalent of an MBE. Q: How does the Fringe Society work with Space @ The Broomhouse Hub? A: As part of the Fringe Society's community engagement work, the team provides a platform stage for the day-long event and a mixture of performers to showcase what the performance arts festival offers. They started in April to consult with the groups who use our space to find out what they'd like to see on stage. Last year we had a number of different performers, including a Japanese comedy dance troupe, a bubble magician, and a football juggler, all of whom brought a touch of the festival to the streets of Broomhouse! We started working with the Fringe Society in 2017, where Fringe vouchers and bus tickets enabled our young carers to come see shows at the festival. This has continued alongside our Street Party engagement and enables around 150 people to come into the city and see shows each year. In 2022, street performers joined the Street Party for the first time; this has since grown to a full stage with sound, light, performers, and space for the community to showcase their talent, too. It really is a partnership approach. Q: What is planned for this year's Fringe?
Scotsman
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Hot Tickets: Here are 18 already critically-acclaimed shows you can see this August
2 . Garry Starr: Classic Penguins If you're not comfortable with nudity, then the last place you want to be this August is in Garry Starr's sublime show 'Classic Penguins'. The premise is that he's "hell-bent on saving books from extinction by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written". The twist? He's "mostly naked (but with flippers)". His breathtaking performance earned a string of five star reviews last year, with the segment involving a large bear one of the most stupidly clever of the Fringe. No wonder he won the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Most Outstanding Show Award. He'll be at the Udderbelly from July 30 until August 25. | Contributed
Scotsman
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
New insider guide to booking university rooms for the Edinburgh Festival launches online
The world-famous Edinburgh Festival and Fringe returns on 1 August but organisers have warned that soaring accommodation costs and holiday let restrictions could mean the event is facing 'grim' obstacles. The good news is that a new online guide has just launched revealing how festival-goers and performers can easily book bargain university rooms for August. 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... Many thousands of people are planning to visit Edinburgh's world-famous Festival and Fringe next month. However, available accommodation in August is reaching a crisis point, according to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, which is one of the events' organisers. The Society told the Scottish Parliament last year that the cost of accommodation faced by performers and companies trying to book in August has soared by up to 300% in the space of six years. It claims booking a one-bedroom flat in the capital for the entire Fringe can cost up to £9,000. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Society's fears are well-founded, says Johanna Jernberg, a leading tourism expert from 'Last year, ticket sales rose to over 2.61 million and event organisers claimed there was a shortfall of 25,000 guest nights to meet demand. The demand for accommodation in Scotland's capital rises every year. In 2024, Edinburgh had the third-highest number of guest nights in short-term holiday lets (such as Airbnbs) in the entire UK, at 3,016,130. Westfield university accommodation offers high-spec ensuite rooms as well as entire flats. A handy base to stay for the Edinburgh Fringe this August. 'Critically, it's during the Festival and Fringe events in August that the accommodation crisis peaks. Of the holiday-let guest nights recorded in Edinburgh last year 411,900 (13.6%) were in August. Fortunately, there is one solution to this soaring seasonal demand that is an amazing fit. Thousands of rooms actually stand empty in Edinburgh during August, just when they are most-needed. That's because many of the thousands of students who study in Edinburgh are home for the holidays in August. 'Now a new online guide has been launched by detailing how to find and book university accommodation in Edinburgh this August, and what are the best locations for festival visitors. 'The guide reveals: 'As every local and seasoned festival goer knows, cheap hotels in Edinburgh in August are about as mythical as the Loch Ness Monster – so we'll show you how to sneakily snag some student accommodation and bag yourself a bonnie bed for the night without forking out on astronomical accommodation.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'To stay as close to the centre as possible for the Festival and Fringe events, the guide lists a number of student residences across the city. Westfield: 'Tucked away in the tranquil Gorgie area, this accommodation was built in 2022 and offers high-spec ensuite rooms as well as entire flats – perfect if you head to Edinburgh with a group of mates. With free Wi-Fi throughout, it's easy to plan your next show or post pics to social media and the shared kitchen facilities give you the flexibility to make your own snacks in-between shows. Rooms are available from just £99 per night this August. Sugarhouse Close: Unite Students: 'Right in the thick of the action, Sugarhouse Close is hard to beat. Tucked just off the historic Royal Mile and a short stroll from Waverley Station, it's perfect for dashing between Fringe venues, catching late-night comedy or soaking up the festival buzz. A modern student residence, it has private ensuite rooms with access to shared kitchens or self-contained studios for those who like a little more space. Classic studio apartments are available from £219.24 per night this August. The University of Edinburgh: 'What could be better than waking up at Baird House at Pollock Halls, with the dramatic Arthur's Seat as your backdrop? With a large capacity of 2,000 single bedrooms on site, all with comfy beds, shared bathrooms, and a hearty Scottish breakfast included, this is a great go-to for last-minute Festival accommodation. An onsite shop, cash machine and free parking as well as Wi-Fi, communal areas and a 24-hour reception make this a perfect home from home in the summer months. Rooms are available from just £90 a night this August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
From still to stellar: Dynamic Earth launches immersive whisky experience
Brand new after-hours show 'Whisky Under the Stars' launches this August as part of the official Fringe programme 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... This summer, one of Edinburgh's most iconic venues is taking whisky appreciation to another level. As part of the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Dynamic Earth invites audiences on a cosmic journey through time, taste, and the universe with the launch of Whisky Under the Stars. Premiering on August 1, inside Dynamic Earth's 360° Planetarium, this immersive evening experience is delivered by none other than our in-house astronomers Dr Alastair Bruce and Antonia Newell. Across 90 unforgettable minutes, guests will sip, swirl, and stargaze their way through three specially selected drams— with a twist of astronomy and a chaser of cosmic wonder. What to expect: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whisky Under the Stars in Dynamic Earth's Planetarium Two whisky tastings under a dome of stars in the spectacular Planetarium A celestial narrative connecting Scotland's greatest export to space, history, and humanity A final dram enjoyed deep in the heart of Dynamic Earth's atmospheric indoor rainforest In a nod to its roots, the experience has been developed in partnership with neighbouring Holyrood Distillery, whose innovative whiskies are already making waves across the city. 'This is whisky appreciation as you've never seen it before — with a universe of flavour, a galaxy of stories, and the awe-inspiring backdrop of space,' says Dr Alastair Bruce. 'It's immersive, it's enlightening, and yes — it's delicious.' Suzie Holligan, Visitor Experience & Events Director at Dynamic Earth adds: 'As an official Fringe venue, we're always looking to push creative boundaries — and Whisky Under the Stars does just that. It brings together everything Dynamic Earth is about: science, storytelling and spectacle, with a uniquely Scottish twist. We can't wait to welcome audiences for an unforgettable night out at the Fringe.' Whisky Under the Stars in Dynamic Earth's Planetarium With limited seating and a one-of-a-kind format, Whisky Under the Stars is set to be one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric and original after-dark experiences this August. EVENT DETAILS Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh (Official Fringe Venue) From August 1 Evening performances (approx. 90 mins) 18+ only | Includes three whisky samples | Tickets via and
Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish conference venue that's hosted 2.2 million delegates names new boss
'It's a privilege to take on the role of CEO' – Amanda Wrathall Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. 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... One of Scotland's largest conference and event venues has appointed a new boss. Amanda Wrathall will formally take up the role of chief executive of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) at the start of August. She takes over from Marshall Dallas, after a decade at the helm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, the EICC has hosted more than 4,500 events since 1995, welcoming some 2.2 million delegates and bringing in an economic impact worth £930 million to the local economy. The venue has played host to the likes of Barack Obama, George Clooney and Malala Yousafzai while acting as the count location for Scottish and general elections and a Fringe venue every August. Lezley Marion Cameron (chair) and Amanda Wrathall (CEO) of the EICC. Picture by Stewart Attwood Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, chair of the EICC Board, said: 'As EICC sales and marketing director, Amanda has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead, transform and inspire teams and succeed in partnership working. 'Amanda's lead role in the EICC's successful temporary guardianship of the Edinburgh Convention Bureau is a great example. Her high standing in local and national hospitality and tourism industry and government networks is another.' Wrathall said: 'It's a privilege to take on the role of CEO at this important moment in the EICC's journey. Building on a strong legacy, my focus is to lead the organisation into its next phase, delivering ideas with impact and performance with purpose, while creating lasting value for our clients, our people, our city, and our shareholder.
