m ye, m WI Brainchild of John Smith, Town Crier of Prestonpans, the International Town Criers’
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' Tournament sees competitors from across the UK (and one from the Netherlands) challenge for the coveted title of Best Crier, all in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Criers are judged on volume, clarity, diction, confidence and engagement of audience, though as of yet there’s no category for shiniest bell.
(David Laing)
I Mercat Cross, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Sat 37 Mar.
Molecular Gastronomy Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. 3—«4pm. £7 (£5). Dr llerve This. Head of Paris‘ INRA Molecular (iastronomy (iroup. applies the principles of chemistry and physics to cooking. I’art o/‘Izklinlmrelr International Science I'estival.
When the Rivers Run Dry Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. 8—-9pm. £8 (£6). Former Nt’lt' .S'ct'entist News Iiditor. author and broadcaster Fred Pearce. talks about his new book and discusses why atlases no longer tell the truth. I’art o/‘Iz'ilinlmtjeli International Science I'eslival.
Talks
The Last Generation: How Nature Will Take her Revenge for Climate Change Reid Concert Hall. lidinburgh l’niversity. Bristo Square. 524 9830. 6--7pm. £8 (£6). Former New Scientist News Iiditor. author and broadcaster. Fred Pearce. lays bare the terrifying prognosis for our planet. I’art o/‘Iitlinliroglr International Science I'estival.
A Pessimist in Paradise - Or, Why Intelligent Design is Stupid Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. 8pm. £ l0 (£8). Professor Steve Jones (lfniversity College London). geneticist. author and broadcaster. takes us on a journey through the world of coral
which tells us some startling things about genes. cloning. and cancer. and the past. present and future of our planet. Part of Iii/inbuiin International Science I'es'tival.
Activities & Events
The Dead will Rise at Easter ()utside St (iiles Cathedral. Royal Mile. 225 9044. 7.30 ~l0pm. £8.50 (£6.50; child £5). The ‘City of the Dead' ghost tours take on an liaster theme. Keep your eyes peeled for a possible special appearance from the Mackenzie Poltergeist. The hour and 15 minutes-long tour leaves at 30 min intervals from the black signs next to St (iiles Cathedral. Last tour leaves at 10pm.
Activities & Events
A Botanical Tardis Royal Botanic (iarden. 20a lnverleith Row. 524 9830. :Noon~ l.30pm. £4 (£3.50). Join the (iarden (iuides on a journey across millions of years and meet some of the fascinating plants that tell the story of evolution. Suitable for everyone over 12 years. Booking advised. Part of Iii/inlmtgli International .Science l-es‘tival.
Talks
Museum Science Behind the Scenes Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. Noon & 2.30pm. Free. Find out about a different science topic every day. I’art (It‘ll-(IIIIIHHZQII lntertnttional Science I'i's'lit'al.
The Science of Attraction with Raj Persaud Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. 6pm. £10 (£8). I’art oft/re Iii/inlnrreli Science I'estival. See llitlist.
Activities & Events
Jurassic Plants: DNA and Dinosaur Food Royal Botanic (iarden. lnverleith Row. 524 9830. 3- 3.30pm. Free. Discover how DNA research can reveal the secret histories of plants that were around when dinosaurs roamed free. I’art o/‘lz‘rlinlmrelr International Science Festival.
Workshops
Zendeh Laboratory: Creating Characters The Drill Hall. 36 Dalmeny Street. 555 7668. 2pm. £10. Theatrical workshop using physical devising techniques to explore and develop an understanding of how a character is created. For beginners. open to all.
Monday 9
Activities & Events
Busting the Myths of Climate Change Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. 4pm. £7 (£5). Author Dr Dave Reay puts the arguments against
climate change to the test. Part of Iii/inlmijelr International Science I'estival.
Spon
Walk the Seven Various venues in and around lidinburgh. 225 4800. (io to www.acefundraising.org.uk for more info. See llitlist.
Tuesday 10
Talks
The Curious Incident of the Nevers Ending Numbers Royal College of Physicians. 9 Queen Street. 524 9830. 7--8pm. £8 (£6). The secret life of numbers has fascinated humans ever since we learned to count. Join ()xfot'd l.'niversity's Professor Marcus du Sautoy. as he investigates where they came from and whether infinity is really a number. I’art (II-IZTIIIIIHIIZQII International Science I'es'tit'al.
Activrties & Events
Drop in and Draw National (iallery of Modern Art. 75 Belford Road. 624 6410. 5.30--6.45pm. Free. Informal artist-led drawing sessions trsing the collections for inspiration.
Politics
Share and Save the World: The Emergence of Maitreya, the World Teacher Quaker Meeting House. 7 Victoria 'l‘errace. 225 4825. 7--9pm. Free. Hear how a group of spiritual teachers (avatars) are trying to inspire the solution to global problems. so that adequate food. clothing. housing. education and medical care become universal rights for all people.
Talks
Viruses: Friend or Foe? Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 524 9830. 6.30 7.30pm. £3 (£6). lt's fair to say viruses get pretty bad press. Join Professor Peter (ihazal. Director of the Scottish Centre for Gastronomic Technology and Informatics. as he
Around Town
explains why they’re not so bad and how 3 they may actually be crucial for our survival. I’art of'Iz'tlittlnoqui International Science I'estival.
The Act of Union’s History and Scotland’s Future St Columba‘s By The Castle. l4 Johnston Terrace. 666 0234. 7pm. Free. ticketed. Panel discussion on the Act of the Union and its effects on Scottish culture. I’ari ofCei/idh Culture.
0 ' Ed' bu h ngomq In rq , Activrties & Events 5 Ceilidh Culture Various venues. 228 l 155. [intil 15 April. A month-long ' celebration of Scottish traditional arts. including music. dance and storytelling. building on the legacy of the Iidinburgh Folk Festival. Go to www.ceiIidhculturc.co.uk for further info. Pixar: 20 Years of Animation Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street. 247 42l9. l'ntil Mon 28 May. Mon 8; Wed—Sat 10am 7 5pm: Tue 10am—8pm; ! Sun noon—5pm. £6 (.£3—.£5). The Claw! The Claaawl Drawings. paintings.
sculpture and computer-generated multimedia artwork demonstrate the creativity and skill of the company behind some of the best-loved animated films of recent times. Like 'Iov Story. ()oooohl Amazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery The Queen's (iallery. Palace
of llolyroodhouse. 556 5l00. l'ntil Sun 16 3 Sep. Daily 9.30am-430pm (9.30-6pm from Ist April). Closed Fri 6 Apr. £5 i (free—£4.50); family ticket £I3. Curated f by the Royal Collection in collaboration I with Sir David Attenborough. this exhibition brings together the work of live artists who have helped shape
contemporary understanding of the natural world.
Bird Events for Easter Holyrood Park. 556 l76l. Mon 2-Mon 9 Apr. Times
vary. Free. A full programme of bird-
related events will be taking place over the liaster period. Please bring warm.
waterproof clothing. Booking essential. Edinburgh International Science Festival Various venues. 524 9830. Mon V 2—-Sun 15 April. An amazing public 5 programme of shows. exhibitions. hands-
on workshops. talks. tours and events to inspire. excite. challenge. amuse and entertain adults and children alike. A selection of highlights is shown in the
listings above. (io to www.sciencefestival.co.uk for the full programme.
National Gallery Highlights Tours National Gallery of Scotland. The Mound. 624 6200. Sat 31 Mar. 3—3.45pm. An introduction and tour of the National (iallery's permanent collection. focusing
on key paintings. Meet at the main i entrance on The Mound.
Food & Drink é Easter Beer Festival The Sheep lleid Inn. 45 The Causeway. [)uddingston. 656 695 l. Ft'i 6—Mon 9 Apr. Fri
6pm--midnight. Sat I2pm~midnight. Sun l2.30—l lpm: Mon noon 7] lpm. Free
(approx £2.50 a pint). Sample over 75
light. dark and fnrit beers and ciders from around the country as Scotland's oldest surviving public house hosts its annual
beer festival. There'll be live folk music every night and an award—winning barbecue on Saturday and Sunday in the
beer garden.
Workshops
Dance Base Classes Dance Base.
l4- I6 (irassmarket. 225 5525. For info on
a myriad of dance and relaxation classes. from tai chi to vogueing via hip hop and tango. visit www.dancebase.co.uk. g Shoe Swing Counting House. West Nicolson Street. 667 0876. 7pm. £4.50 or
£8 for couples (£3.50 or £6). A brand new swing dance workshop nm by lidinbop
every Wednesday night. Tutored classes
from 7pm and social dancing from 9. . Swing dancers. lindy-hoppers and jivers of i all persuasions welcome. No need to book.
13‘.) lvlar 4.?) Apr 2007 THE LIST 23