STUDENT GUIDE 2019 C u l t u r a l
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BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL NEON
With roots in ancient Celtic rituals, the Beltane Fire Festival is an annual celebration that heralds the coming of summer with a dramatic procession of fire, drumming, storytelling and acrobatics. On the eve of May, a court of otherworldly creatures will gather on the top of Calton Hill to awaken the mythical May Queen and the Green Man, who will then lead a spectacular, fiery procession into the wee hours of the morning. Edinburgh, Thu 30 Apr. The North East of North Digital Arts Festival in Dundee is Scotland’s only international festival dedicated to digital and technology-driven arts, featuring moving image, performance and music across the city. Their theme for 2019 is ‘react’, and will focus on the relationship between digital art and activism; what role the media art can play in our political systems; and how might we protest differently in a digital age. Dundee, Mon 4–Sun 10 Nov.
EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY
Bid adieu to the old year and usher in the new at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, which sees the city centre transform into an explosion of light and colour. Festivities kick off with a blazing torchlight procession and a lively programme of live music and ceilidhs across the city. Helping revellers start 2020 off on the right foot will be US hitmaker Mark Ronson, who has been announced as the festival headliner. Edinburgh, Mon 30 Dec–Wed 1 Jan.
106 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2019
BURNS & BEYOND HIDDEN DOOR
The second annual Burns & Beyond will once more celebrate the legacy of Robert Burns. Taking over secret locations in Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, audiences will be invited celebrate the best and brightest of Scotland’s creative talent today. This year will feature a ‘not-so- traditional’ Burns Supper, whisky tastings with Johnnie Walker and headline shows from Edwyn Collins, Tide Lines and more. Edinburgh, Mon 20–Sun 26 Jan. One of the most unique festivals on the scene, Hidden Door is a multi-arts festival dedicated to opening up neglected but architecturally unique urban spaces in Edinburgh, transforming them and highlighting their continued potential. Their next venue has yet to be announced, but in the past festival organisers have populated the line-up with such heavy-hitters as Young Fathers, Dream Wife, C Duncan, Ray BLK and more. Edinburgh, tbc.
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