1. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Various venues, Edinburgh, today until August 28
Now in its 70th year, the Festival Fringe has gone from strength to strength, inspiring a global network of more than 200 fringes and establishing itself as the largest platform for creative freedom in the world. Creating an international melting pot of culture and art in Scotland’s capital every year, the 2017 programme is as varied as ever.
Prices vary. For more detailed information, download the programme at edfringe.com.
2. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, tomorrow until August 26
Celebrating Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology by hosting more than 3,000 clansmen and women from 57 clans across 25 performances, each contingent will march down from the Great Hall of the castle behind their own pipers and standards to parade and greet the Salute Taker before each show. Tomorrow night only, the Orchestre des Carabiniers du Prince au Monaco will accompany guests from the Principality to give the audience a touch of Mediterranean sunshine and glamour against a backdrop of yachts and casinos on the Castle facade.
Tickets are priced between £25 to £300, plus booking fee. Purchase online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets.
3. Largs Classic Car Fest
The Promenade, Largs, Sunday
Get excited, car enthusiasts, as more than 50 head-turning vehicles hit Largs this weekend. With an amazing array of vehicles from older cars to modern classics including Dolomite Spirit, direct from the Moffat Rally to an Austin Healy A30, Beetles, Stags, Morris Minors – and more – there’s even an Invacar and, for the first time this year, some classic trikes. The festival also boasts a whole host of family fun, including a music tent, complete with bar, live bands, children’s entertainment and plenty of food stalls.
Admission is £3 for adults and children go free with a paying adult. Festivities start at noon and finish at 5pm. Visit largsclassiccars.com for more.
4. NYOS Symphony Orchestra with Colin Currie
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, today
The NYOS has announced world-famous percussionist, Colin Currie, as soloist this weekend as both also stop off in Perth and Glasgow. Colin will perform the Scottish premiere of the percussion concerto Switch, a new piece written specially by up-and-coming composer, Andrew Norman. The performance will then move on to Perth Concert Hall tomorrow and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday. Tickets are £16 for adults, £10 for concession and £2.50 for under-25s. As a special treat, Colin will perform Steve Reich’s Music for Pieces of Wood in the Norrie Miller Suite at the Perth venue and in the Clyde Foyer in Glasgow, both from 7pm.
These performances will be free and open to all. Visit nyos.co.uk/ performances for more.
5. The Scottish Drinks Festival
The Briggait, Glasgow, Saturday and Sunday
Organisers are expecting around 2,000 people to flock to the festival over four sessions which will see more than 150 different types of drinks available to sample. Experts will be on hand to speak more about their offerings. The festival will also feature the best of Glasgow’s pop-up street food. Live music from local acoustic artists.
Sessions are at noon and 4.15pm on both days. Tickets are £31.11, with booking fee. Head to scottishdrinksfestival.com for more information.
6. Songs of Praise
Stockbridge Church, Edinburgh, tomorrow
The ever-popular BBC One programme is in the capital for a special recording, providing an opportunity for local singers to come together for an evening of song. The music will be filmed for a special TV segment to mark the 70th year of the Edinburgh Festivals. Also featured in the programme will be an interview with Gospel legends, The Blind Boys of Alabama. The recording will take place from 7pm until 10pm.
Admission is free. To apply, please send your name and the number of people taking part to SOPcongregations@avantimedia.tv, including ‘Edinburgh Recording’ in the subject header. Alternatively, call 07704 202409.
7. Summer Nights
Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, today until August 13
Each summer, the amphitheatre opens up to host a kaleidoscopic array of events including arts festivals, live music, open days, family fun days and more. Tonight, Brian Wilson performs the hit 1966 Beach Boys album Pet Sounds, as KT Tunstall takes to the venue tomorrow, with Sir Tom Jones on Saturday and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Sunday. Gates will open each night at 6.30pm.
Ticket prices vary. Head to tickets.glasgowconcerthalls.com to book.
8. Ignition Festival of Motoring
SEC, Glasgow, tomorrow to Sunday
Bigger, faster and louder, the event returns to the city to bring motoring enthusiasts more cars, bikes, stunts, viewing areas, manufacturers and dealers than ever in a brand new, family-friendly interactive driving area. A specially-constructed street circuit will give attendees a unique opportunity to get up close to the sight, sound and smell of everything from rally cars to Formula 1, supercars to classic cars, motorbikes and much more.
Various ticket options are available, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
9. Keep it Country
Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, tomorrow
Four of Ireland’s top country stars are coming together for an unmissable show filled with toe-tapping country music, cabaret and comedy guaranteed to have audiences singing and clapping all night long.
Tickets are £21, with booking fee and can be purchased at onfife.com. The four then move onto Falkirk Town Hall on Saturday and The Ironworks Live Music Venue in Inverness on Sunday where prices vary.
10. Celine Dion
SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Saturday
The global superstar is bringing her latest live tour to the city where she last sang 21 years ago. Dion’s return to Glasgow will see her perform hits including My Heart Will Go On and The Power of Love. The show is the only Scottish performance of her 25-date summer tour.
Ticket prices vary. Head to either Ticketmaster or sister site Get Me In! to check availability.
DON’T MISS…
Scottish Gin Festival
Gin71 Edinburgh, tomorrow until August 27
During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Charlotte Street venue will be dedicating the entire month to celebrating the increasingly popular world of gin. With 150 Scottish gins over 24 days, 46 meet-the-maker events, live music, gin-inspired dining and much more, the event is a must for fans of the spirit.
Find out more at scottishginfestival.co.uk
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