Festival
AROUND TOWN For more info go to LIST.CO.UK /FESTIVAL
HITLIST THE BEST FAIRS, TALKS & FRINGE FUN
✽ Beside the Greenside Have a wander around the chilled-out atmosphere of
Mardy Arts’ artistic residency in the form of a sort of Fringe fete, including a festival of bunting, jamboree tent, art installations, tea and more unusual creative happenings. See preview of festival chill-out spots, page 102. Greenside, 557 2124, until 24 Aug (not 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19), 1–6pm, free.
T E R R Y R O D G E R S
✽ Skeptics on the Fringe: At The Fringe of Reason Informal talks from the Edinburgh Skeptics, casting a none-too-gullible eye over myth, superstition and pseudo-science. Banshee Labyrinth, 226 0000, 3–24 Aug, 7.50pm, free (donations welcome).
✽ The Grassmarket Festival Fair Market
featuring art, jewellery, cake, records, vintage clothing and more, plus live acoustic acts and stand-ups. Grassmarket, 07914 254334, until 30 Aug (not 3, 10–24), 11am–8pm, free.
✽ Anatomy of the Piano Discover the physical and philosophical secrets of the
piano in this event – part piano recital, part fantasy lecture – with pianist and entertainer Will Pickvance. Summerhall, 0845 874 3001, 2−25 Aug, 9.50pm, £6.
✽ Nitekirk A chance to take a breather from
the festival and drop in on a candlelit oasis of quiet, scattered with poetry, art, sand, water, music and more. Greyfriars Kirk, 226 0000, 5–7 Aug, 8–11pm, free.
1–8 Aug 2013 THE LIST FESTIVAL 101
JUST FESTIVAL Open your mind to unfamiliar faiths and cultures in the midst of the city
J ust Festival, a rebranding of the annual Festival of Spirituality and Peace, embraces the summer with a new direction for 2013 and a fresh programme to reflect its change of pace. Faith Today, the Scottish Independence Referendum, Changing World, Behind Closed Doors and Ethics Over Profit are the five main themes of a festival that always hopes to make Edinburgh a little more peaceful.
‘Our festival is not just conversations about religion, lived ethics and justice, but also a space to relax and talk about the small things,’ says festival director Katherine Newbigging. ‘You don’t have to be religious, keep up to date with current affairs or be an expert in the field to attend our events – just simply turn up and have fun.’ The festival aims to unite people of all faiths, with 450 activities across the city. Music, poetry, theatre and discussion shed light on a number of causes, with a strong focus on accessibility throughout.
‘We are exploring the issues that people talk about every day, often asking more questions than finding answers,’ says Newbigging. ‘If you have ever walked down the street and wondered why some women choose to wear the hijab, then Just Festival will allow you to ask them and get an answer.’ Highlights include performances to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chilean coup d’état, song and dance from Soweto Melodic Voices (an African choir comprising young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds), and a triptych of theatre pieces taking an immersive look at sectarianism.
The idea is to show ‘that learning about religion and different cultures does not end at school. They are living traditions being practised around you.’ (Kirstyn Smith)
Just Festival, various venues, 228 4249, 2–26 Aug, times and prices vary, justjust.org