1. Edinburgh Food Festival
George Square Gardens, until Sunday
The third annual event is back again, bringing some of Scotland’s best artisan food and drink producers to the capital. Filling the festival gardens, stallholders will be offering a wide variety of food, including porridge, lobster and crème brulee. A series of free talks and demonstrations will also take place, from whisky to gin and foraging fun to “slow food adventures” for children. For the bold and curious, the gastronomical delights of savoury ice-cream are on offer today and edible insects on Saturday.
Event is free as are all talks. Visit edfoodfest.com for more details.
2. Lomond Folk Festival
Innkeeper’s Lodge Loch Lomond, Balloch, tomorrow to Sunday
After two years off and limiting the event to just one day last year, the weekend is back back with a new flavour but staying true to its musical roots. As well as two days of music behind Balloch House Hotel, organisers are also hosting a ceilidh tomorrow evening in St Kessog’s Hall, and there will also be storytelling there on Saturday and Sunday. With craft stalls on offer too, local hostelries will put on bands in the evenings with much more on offer for the whole family.
Event is free although donations are welcome.
Search “Lomond Folk Festival” on Facebook to find out more.
3. Aberdour Festival
Various venues, Aberdour, tomorrow until August 6
Organisers promise something for everyone in a packed programme of music, events and culture, all set in the picturesque Fife village.
Featuring workshops, talks, sporting events, literature and arts events, readings and exhibitions, theatre and environmental experiences, all ages are catered for.
Ticket prices vary. Visit aberdourfestival.org for more information and to see the complete programme of events.
4. Scottish Pipe Band Championships
Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, Saturday
About 25,000 people are expected to attend the championships and, with it being the largest free-to-attend pipe band competition
in the world, it’s sure to be another bumper year for West Dunbartonshire. The family day out will allow spectators to enjoy a day of Highland dancing competitions, a fun fair, a wide selection of trader stalls and the unmistakable sound of the pipes and drums from some of the best bands in the world. There will also be a range of free activities and games for all ages on offer at the West Dunbartonshire Leisure ‘Sports Zone’ as well as food stalls, a falconry display and temporary tattoos.
Head to west-dunbarton.gov.uk for more information.
5. Andy Warhol Exhibition
Dunoon Burgh Hall, ongoing
Stunning works by Andy Warhol have been brought together
for the venue’s inaugural exhibition where visitors can discover iconic portraits and self-portraits by the world-famous American pop artist who created some of the most memorable images of the last century. Works on show include Warhol’s paintings of Robert Mapplethorpe, Joseph Beuys and Gilbert & George, as well as unique self-portraits of the artist and images of Elizabeth Taylor, Mohammed Ali, Chairman Mao and The Beatles.
Exhibition ends on 2 September. Entry is free. Head to dunoonburghhall.org.uk to know more.
6. Escape the Past
Pollok House, Glasgow, Saturday and Sunday
The National Trust for Scotland is challenging adults and youngsters in this popular live detective game where participants travel back in
time to experience life in Edwardian times as they
work to outwit Pollok’s devious butler. There is only an hour to look for clues, solve puzzles, complete challenges, save Pollok House and return to the present. The game is for groups of between two and five.
Tickets cost £55 per group and can be purchased at nts.org.uk/escapethepast. The event takes place every weekend until the last in October.
7. Aberdeen Mela
Westburn Park, Sunday
A jam-packed day filled with music, dance, theatre, song and stories aims to celebrate and bring together diverse communities in Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland. The event uses culture, arts, food and family activities to highlight the richness of many different groups in the area. Performers include Aberdeen’s own Melting Pot, Aberdeen Bhangra Crew and Daniel Gaviao as well AIYF performers from Burundi and Europe.
Mela is free to attend.
8. Surge Festival
Various venues, Glasgow, tomorrow to Sunday
Surge, Scotland’s leading developer of street art, runs projects to develop physical theatre and circus throughout the country while working with artists, performance companies and educators at all levels of experience. This weekend, the group’s annual event will bring new Scottish work and cutting edge international performances to the streets, theatres and unusual spaces of the city alongside the Merchant City Festival.
For ticket prices and full schedule of events, visit surge.scot.
9. Outdoor Play
Cuningar Loop, Rutherglen, Saturday
Forest Enterprise Scotland is encouraging families to join them this weekend for their outdoor event. The summer programme aims to encourage people to have fun in their local woodland and enjoy the great outdoors. A Legacy 2014 project, Cuningar Loop boasts an extensive path network, adventure play, bike skills area, outdoor bouldering park, woodland workout area, picnic areas and an outdoor classroom.
Participation is free and the day will run from 2pm to 4pm. forestry.gov.uk
10. The Hairy Maclary and Friends Show
Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Saturday and Sunday
Having been touring the UK since last year, the live stage show has landed in Scotland. With music, singing and some favourite Hairy Maclary stories, the show is a must-see for the whole family.
Tickets £8.50, plus booking fee. Purchase at macrobertartscentre.org. The show will tour across Scotland from Monday. Head to hairymaclaryshow.co.uk for more information.
DON'T MISS...
Quality Antiques & Fine Art Fair
George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, tomorrow to Sunday
Organised by Galloway Antiques Fairs, 35 nationally known dealers will travel to exhibit millions of pounds of antiques and fine art. Pictured is a rare £4,000 Scottish bullet teapot from 1742. The fair is open from 10.30am to 5.00pm daily, but will finish at 4.30pm on Sunday.
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