As song collectors, musicians, political activists, and folk revivalists, Ewan MacColl and Alan Lomax each played critical roles in the British folk revival of the mid-20th century. Both born in 1915, the lives, work, and talent of these two men are being celebrated during TradFest with two centenary events. On Tuesday 5 May, folk musicians … Continued

Broadcaster and singer/songwriter Frieda Morrison invites you to a concert with a difference as a unique blend of music and song is showcased alongside a special folk film. On Sun 3 May, as part of TradFest, Frieda showcases a documentary film she made in 1993 about the changing face of the North East of Scotland, … Continued

The role of culture in shaping our political, economic, and social lives is undeniable. Cultural politics understands popular culture, folk culture and the arts as an arena where social, economic, and political values and meanings are created and contested. Performance avenues serve as spaces where artistic encounters, religious and political celebrations and public entertainment can … Continued

The TradFest programme is full of fantastic events to tickle your traditional tastes. In the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh in spring, it’s recommended you find a nook to relax and engross yourself in the programme to find the tantalising treats that you won’t want to miss, but for those unsure where to start or … Continued

Scotland’s Puppet Animation Festival began with 12 events at the Netherbow Theatre on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, in 1984. Now, everything from shadow puppets to digital animations get their moment in the spotlight as the Festival has grown throughout Scotland, touring the cream of the puppetry crop throughout the country, with over 100 events at more … Continued

Browse Events Online Download Programme In its third edition after a triumphant pilot in 2013 and stonking debut in 2014, TradFest returns as Edinburgh’s only multi-arts festival dedicated to traditional folk arts, showcasing culture, live. From Grammy award-winning US folk royalty like Mollie O’Brien through to the freshest Scottish folk collectives like rising duo Twelfth … Continued

As part of the new Chrysalis Festival, organised by Youth Theatre Arts Scotland to showcase ambitious and provocative performance by young theatre-makers, Strange Town return to the Centre with their nominated hit show, , for a one-off performance on Wednesday 25 March. Living in a high rise on a rundown Scottish housing estate, teenager Amy … Continued

Is storytelling essentially the art of lying? And are men better at it than women? These are just some of the questions raised by the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s annual Tall Tales Oscar contest on World Storytelling Day, Friday 20th March, when the cream of Scotland’s storytelling talent competes to secure that coveted trophy − Oscar … Continued

Exploring the crossing points between traditional art forms, Scotland’s languages, and Scottish culture and society, this annual development day provides the perfect opportunity for debate, information, inspiration, grumbles, ideas, friendships and strengthening networks. Starting the day is keynote speaker David McGuinness who will pose the question: is the term ‘traditional’ passed its usefulness? ‘We’ve got … Continued

Further with Storytelling – Network Development Day Saturday 7th March | Scottish Storytelling Centre Storytelling is everywhere. It’s a fundamental communication tool we use without even realising, and over  the last few years it has become a buzz word for marketing brands and businesses who realise that underneath it all, we are all people who … Continued