FESTIVAL AROUND TOWN LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
5 BOOK SHOWS
James Kelman (pictured, left) the Glasgow-born Booker Prize-shortlisted author opens the Edinburgh Book Fringe by launching his latest novel, Mo Said She Was Quirky. Word Power Bookshop, Edinburgh, Fri 10 Aug, 7pm. Ross Sutherland: Emergency Window Book Launch For an indie alternative to the Edinburgh International Book Festival, head to the launch of a collection of poems as part of Inky Fingers Minifest. Topics covered include the behemoth that is Google and modern takes on classic fairy tales. Pulp Fiction, Edinburgh, Fri 10 Aug.
Alan Bissett Special reading from the Glenfiddich Scottish Writer of the Year, whose latest play The Red Hourglass is also on at the Fringe (National Library of Scotland, 15–25 Aug). Word Power Bookshop, Edinburgh, Sat 11 Aug.
Are We Asking For It? A guerrilla spoken-word event looking at language and protest movements. To find out the venue, keep an eye on inkyfin- gersedinburgh.wordpress.com Secret location, Edinburgh, Sat 11 Aug.
The Berlin Review of Books @ Summerhall A series of lectures by academ- ics, with the lecture on Georgina Colmache and her daughter Pauline Vaneri Filippi (Women in the Shadow of Revolutions, 12 Aug) looking particularly interest- ing. Visit summerhall.co.uk for more information. Summerhall, Fri 10 & Sun 12 Aug.
✽ HITLIST EDINBURGH BOOK FRINGE The annual festival returns with a programme including James Kelman, Tom Leonard, comedian Russell Kane and Syrian journalist Samar Yazbek. ■ Word Power Bookshop, Edinburgh, Fri 10–Fri 24 Aug.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival A four-day mini-festival celebrating all things fashion, with catwalk shows, exhibitions, talks, screenings, concerts and workshops from the super stylish. Summerhall, Thu 16–Sun 19 Aug.
Inky Fingers Minifest Six days of events for literature lovers, with readings from the likes of slam poetry champ Ash Dickinson, spoken word artist James McKay and poet Ross Sutherland for readings, workshops and open mic sessions. Various venues, Mon 6–Sat 11 Aug. Edinburgh Art Festival Highlights this issue include Gerry Loose and Donald Urquhart in conversation about their exhibition, poet/performer/designer Inua Ellams and comedian Simon Munnery giving a personal response to Ian Hamilton Finlay’s work. Various venues, until Sun 2 Sep.
A Nation Decides: Independence Debate Edinburgh
People’s Festival have organised this debate, with Lothians MSP Neil Findlay arguing against and Kevin Williamson on the pro side. Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith, Thu 9 Aug. 96 THE LIST 9–16 Aug 2012
Chris Hoy and Britain’s Cycling Revolution Journalist Richard Moore sheds light on the cycling ledge that is Sir Chris Hoy, as well as giving an insight into Britain’s cycling history. Scottish National Gallery, Wed 15 Aug.
Edinburgh Interactive Annual conference Berlin Review of Books @ Summerhall Series
for folks working in the interactive entertainment sector, with a third day open to the public. Visit edinburghinteractive.co.uk for more details. Radisson Blu Hotel, Thu 9-Sat 11 Aug. debating the ‘intellectual interconnectedness’ of Europe, including a talk on how women succeeded in times of revolution. Summerhall, Fri 10–Sun 12 Aug.