ENLIVENING some 26 venues across Edinburgh from 29 April to 11 May, with its hub the ever-creative Scottish Storytelling Centre, this year’s TradFest – an ambitiously wide-ranging celebration of traditional and other arts – boasts more than 80 events.
LAUNCH @ CODA, MONDAY 28th, 5PM
The festival launches proper via some performances from The Badwills, Mary MacMaster, Donald Hay and Steve Byrne. Taking place at CODA music store, top of the Mound on Monday 28th April at 5pm, there is wine and beer available… as if you needed any sort of incentive to come down!
As well as buying some tickets and enjoying the jam-packed programme of music, dance, storytelling, theatre, song, debate and more, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the Festival atmosphere by getting involved in volunteering and adding to the creativity by taking a turn at our Festival Club evenings.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers are needed to help with event stewarding, front of house welcome, and publicity drops. Come along to help out and enjoy the events! Contact [email protected]
MAYDAY PARADE
Gather at 11.30am in Johnstone Terrance by the Castle, to join the TradFest section of the annual Edinburgh MayDay March down the Royal Mile and up to the Pleasance, where there is a rally with song and speakers in support of social justice and equality. It all led by Edinburgh Samba band, and in the TradFest section we’re inviting everyone to join in with creative banners, music, costume or just as yourself!
MUMMERS GATHERING
Gathering 2.00pm at the north (University) end of Middle Meadows walk to go to Bristo Square for outdoor performance. Mummers can be in any shape, size or costume, interpreting Spring, MayDay, the environment, community hope, or just zestful craziness and fun- be creative! Families and community groups welcome to join, along with all TradFest performers, participants and supporters. The event renews a very old Edinburgh tradition in contemporary ways.
WISHING TREE
National Collective is an artists’ alliance promoting radical vision for an independent Scotland, but the Wish Tree is not about Yes Voters - it’s about hopes, and dreams for Scotland’s future, astory yet to be told. As part of Tradfest, the Wish Tree looks to past tradition as well as the future. Everyone is invited to contribute a leaf. What words from tradition inspire you? This could be a few lines from a song, story or poem, in any language. You are also free to contribute your own hopes and dreams and join the nations' collective imagination. The Wish Tree will be in Teviot from Wed 7th May. If you can, please email your words in advance to [email protected]
FESTIVAL CLUB
The TradFest Club runs at Teviot Row Lounge from Friday 2nd to Sunday 11th May, 9.00pm to 1.00am nightly. There will be a variety of guests and open mike slots- contact Robbie Greig on [email protected] if you would like to be group host or contributor.
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