Edinburgh's Festival of Spirituality & Peace launches on 18 June with a new 'mystery' name and its vibrant and engaging programme for 2013.
The launch will take place at St John's on the junction of Princes Street and Lothian Road from 7-9pm and members of the public are invited to attend this free event.
There will be live music from harpist Mio Shapley; a blend of Balkan folk, Classical Arabic and Medieval Italian music from Duo Hyperborea, and high energy pop and gospel from a capella five-some Africa Entsha, who were discovered busking in Johannesburg.
Representatives of the festival's two nominated charities for 2013, Mary's Meals and Waverly Care will speak at the launch, as well as Edinburgh Muslim women's organisation, Beyond the Veil.
Twelve faith and non-faith representatives will symbolically launch the programme with a blessing. These include representatives of the Church of Scotland, Muslim, Sikh, Baha'i, Buddhist, Jewish, Pagan, Humanist and Hindu faiths.
The festival, running from 2-26 August, includes a huge variety of performances, conversations, film screenings, talks, workshops, family events and exhibitions.
The launch event is free but ticketed. Book for 'just the beginning' via Eventbrite.