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Edinburgh Reporter

The Big Singalong with Dougie MacLean to lead this year's Edinburgh International Festival

Dougie MacLean will lead the singing at the opening weekend of this year's Edinburgh International Festival with The Big Singalong featuring his best known song Caledonia singing with a group of community choirs. Donald Shaw will lead The Ceilidh Sessions for an afternoon of music and dance – and Festival Director Nicola Benedetti will be joined by jazz pianist Joe Webb to lead improvisational music sessions with young musicians. The free outdoor event will get everyone singing at the very start of the festival in Princes Street Gardens. The Perthshire singer-songwriter is the epitome of everything Scottish and is the composer of the Scottish anthem, Caledonia. The mass singalong that welcomes all voices, curated by Edinburgh's Love Music Community Choir Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley. Choirs include The Phoenix Choir, the Maryhill Integration Project Joyous Choir and the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are free and available at midday at Dougie MacLean – PHOTO Rob McDougall On the following day The Ceilidh Sessions in Princes Street Gardens will combine Scottish tradition with Baroque flair. Norwegian folk ensemble Barokksolistene join forces with Donald Shaw, known as founding member of Scottish folk legends Capercaillie, accompanied by his ceilidh band. Alongside well-known ceilidh tunes such as the 'The Gay Gordons' and 'Strip the Willow Barokksolistene add Baroque music, sea shanties and alehouse tunes to the mix for a truly international afternoon of music and dance. Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said: 'At the heart of our Festival is a commitment to connection – providing a closer communion between artist and audience. From our mass ceilidh dancing, to singing Dougie MacLean's iconic anthem 'Caledonia' at the top of our lungs in the Princes Street Gardens, to spontaneous jam sessions for jazz lovers and classical enthusiasts alike, these events invite everyone to take part in the magic of live performance. We are all about celebrating artistry in its most human, communal form, and I can't wait for everyone to experience it with us in August.' Stephen Deazley, Artistic Director of The Big Singalong, said: 'Caledonia has become more than just a song—it's a reflection of Scotland's spirit. Nearly 50 years on, it still speaks powerfully about what it means to find home, especially for those who are new to Scotland or have journeyed far. Singing it together in Princes Street Gardens this August for the International Festival opening weekend isn't just about music; it's about connection. It's a way for people to feel they belong, to share in something bigger. When thousands of voices come together, you feel that sense of welcome, of joy, of community—and that's what Scotland is all about.' Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: 'The Edinburgh International Festival is one of Scotland's signature events, and we're proud to support The Big Singalong and The Ceilidh Sessions as part of the festival's opening weekend. These events not only celebrate our rich musical heritage—with icons like Dougie MacLean and Donald Shaw—but also play a vital role in growing the value of Scotland's visitor economy. Free, inclusive events like these are essential in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and connection that live events bring. Together with our enviable portfolio of cultural and sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival reinforces Scotland's global reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and events.' Tickets to all performances at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival are available at EIF Opening Fanfare Day © Mihaela Bodlovic Ceilidh Sessions PHOTO Andrew Perry Like this: Like Related