Leith Festival

Your Leith Festival
2025-06-27 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Edinburgh City FC Social Club, 74 Lochend Rd S,, Edinburgh, EH7 6DR, United Kingdom
We want to hear from the people of Leith, and all of those who support us to make Leith Festival what it is!

Leith Festival are inviting any interested Leithers, along with our Volunteers, Sponsors, Traders, and Advertisers, to join us at Edinburgh City FC Social Club for a drink and a natter. Drop in and tell us what you love about the festival, and what we could do better.
We are always looking to make sure that Leith Festival stays true to the community of Leith, and we want to make sure that we are listening to what the people in our community want from our community festival, from Gala day to the events programme, to the Tattoo, from how we organise and promote the festival, to opportunities for people to get involved. We want to hear from the people of Leith, and all of those who support us and make Leith Festival what it is.
So come along and share your thoughts over a pint or a soft drink, and help us keep Leith Festival alive for the people of Leith.

Leith Festival Community Tattoo
2025-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Malmaison Plaza, Tower Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Finishing Leith Festival in style, this year our Community Tattoo will follow on from our pageant.
Showcasing the best of Leith’s local music and dancers, we also welcome international performers, celebrating the diverse mix of culture present in Leith.
This year we are welcoming the Norwegian Corp Pipe Band, and the Rock Choir, as well as a mix of local community dancers, and musicians.
Don’t miss it!

Leith Festival Pageant
2025-06-22 13:15 - 14:00 | Taylor Gardens to Malmaison Plaza, Taylor Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We are excited to announce that this year the Leith Festival Pageant will lead into our community Tattoo!
Beginning at Taylor Gardens and parading through the heart of Leith, before ending at Malmaison Plaza this year’s pageant is a smorgasbord of musicians, dancers, community organisations and more! Not one to be missed.
The Pageant is a celebration of all things Leith, going back to the very roots of Leith Festival. The pageant began in 1907, as a way to raise funds for Leith Hospital. In the days before the NHS was formed the hospital relied on donations and private funding as well as paying patients.
Over the years the pageant has taken various forms, and as well as local marching bands, and community groups traditionally has involved local businesses in the days when factories and trades had social clubs and groups, they would often dress up a float and participate.
Nowadays, our pageant is float free, but we welcome bikes, buggies and pedestrians, and we still have our best dressed competition!
So come along for an afternoon of entertainment and fun, and help us finish off Leith Festival 2025 in style.

Day Disco Brunch
2025-06-22 13:00 - 16:00 | The Granary, 32 - 34 The Shore, Leith, EH6 6QN, GB
Enjoy your choice of dish from our brunch menu and 2 drinks for £35 per person before dancing the day away with our live saxophonist and DJ!

Outdoor Life Drawing at Quality Yard hosted by RECONFIGURE
2025-06-22 11:50 - 13:00 | Quality Yard, 20 Maritime Lane, Edinburgh, EH6 6RZ, GB
Clothed Life Drawing Hour
Clothed Life Drawing Hour hosted by RECONFIGURE’s Topaz Pauls (11.50-1pm) on Sunday 22th June. Quality Yard is hosting a relaxed outdoor Life drawing class in the 18th century courtyard which is has 360° Street Art painted walls. Basic materials are available. Topaz Pauls, the host, runs the RECONFIGURE Life Drawing classes.
A unique Leith Festival experience in the quiet 18th-century walled Quality Yard courtyard in the heart of Leith’s historic old town. A hidden Leith gem just 180m from The Shore and The Shore Tram stop.

Murder in Creepy Castle
2025-06-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Leith Dockers Club, 17 Academy Street, Leith, EH6 7EF, GB
Citadel Arts Group’s Leith Youth Drama group presents Murder in Creepy Castle, scripted by Rhona McAdam from the young people’s own ideas. The play is a very modern murder mystery with a very grumpy princess. Plus the senior drama group’s play, Reflections which explores how we perceive ourselves when we grow up and fairy tales don’t seem possible any longer.

Brian Pendreigh's Leith Walking Tour
2025-06-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Starts from Leith Community Croft, 4a John's Place, Leith, EH6 7EL, GB
Consistently rated one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Time Out magazine, Edinburgh’s picturesque harbor has a rich history, from Plague Times and the romantic Mary Queen of Scots to the cult novel Trainspotting and the luxury yacht in the one where Charles and Di spent their honeymoon. .
It is also the birthplace of the modern sport of golf. Sound the horn… no, not St Andrews… Leith Links.
Leith is a short tram ride from Princes Street. (Buy your £2 ticket by card at the machine before you board). The Shore tram stop is just a few minutes walk from our departure point at Leith Community Croft.
Learn the sinister truth about two mysterious little hills in Leith Links… and the terrible secret hidden beneath the cricket and football pitches.
Now officially part of Edinburgh, there was a time in the 16th century when Leith was the de facto capital of Scotland. Then there was the Siege of Leith in which the Scots and French fought the English and, uh, some other Scots. And a few years later there was the war between Edinburgh and Leith.
Gentrification and deprivation coexist just a stone’s throw from the sea and the banks of the Water of Leith.
The Shore offers a great opportunity for photographers on a sunny day. And, as the Proclaimers song goes, it’s always sunny in Leith (except the day I took most of the photos). If you don’t know it, look it up and hum it as you walk around the harbor with an award-winning writer, an officially licensed guide, and a local resident. (That’s me, not three different people, by the way.)
Two hours. Unticketed. Tips gratefully received.

Active Inquiry's Flashback Theatre Company presents The Manuscript
2025-06-19 18:30 - 2025-06-21 19:30 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG, GB
Jeff is a Leither, born and bred. Through his meticulous research he is sure that he is the one to tell The Story of Leith. But the appearance of the Janitors and the mysterious Manuscript forces Jeff to go on a unique journey and question what a story is and who gets to tell it.
Following on from last year’s hit Made to Connect, Flashback Theatre Company presents a comedy exploring belonging, stories and multiverse travel!
The fully licensed Drill Hall Arts Cafe will be open ahead of each performance.

#KaraokeKarma
2025-06-18 19:30 - 20:30 | Leith Depot, 138-142 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 5DT, GB
A works reunion in a karaoke booth. The room’s booked for twenty – only four turn up. Dark secrets, deceit and despair bring the team back together for one night. Will the unravelling of truths bring anyone peace? What exactly happened last year that nobody wants to talk about? Why does the new girl ask so many questions? And who is Nichola from Only Fans? Join Lucinda, Vivienne, Barry, and Isla in a night of turmoil and tension with the high kick energy of karaoke. Audience participation encouraged in this fun-filled, dramatic show. A sell out show in 2024.

Edinburgh Gin Tasting
2025-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | The Granary, 32 - 34 The Shore, Leith, EH6 6QN, GB
Immerse yourself in a world of craftsmanship and flavour with Edinburgh Gin’s Global Gin Ambassador, Philip Kingscott, where he will take you on a wonder filled adventure into Scotland’s role in the history of gin, and learn the secrets behind Edinburgh Gin’s acclaimed spirits with carefully selected mixer and garnish.

EH7
2025-06-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6JE, United Kingdom
Exploring our heritage through the lense of our young people, EH7 follows Rory, as he is tasked with researching Leith’s Local History for a school project.
Performed by Citadel Arts Group, directed by Mark Kidd, Rory is played by newcomer and EH7 local Magnus Byrne.
Concession Tickets available – £8
Contact James Ellison to book.
Email: JamesEllison@blueyonder.co.uk
Phone: 07954 296 568

The Leith Festival Service
2025-06-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Ebenezar United Free Church, 31 Bangor Road, Edinburgh, EH6 5JX, United Kingdom
This popular ecumenical service brings together churches across Leith, including the Church of Scotland, Scottish Episcopal, United Free, United Reformed, and Holy Ghost Chapel.
This year’s theme is Festival. All are welcome – just come as you are.
The service ends around 12pm, and will be followed by refreshments.
An offering will be taken in aid of The Junction.

Move, Breathe, & live with ease - Alexander Technique Open Day
2025-06-14 14:00 - 16:30 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG, GB
Move, breathe, & live with ease Join us for an immersive afternoon practising the skill of doing less; bringing ease into our movements, activities, and every day lives.
The Alexander Technique Collaboration Scotland is a not for profit collaboration of Alexander Technique teachers, growing an awareness of the Alexander Technique in Scotland.
For more info follow us on:
Facebook: Alexander Technique Collaboration Scotland
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573291072137
Instagram: @alexander.technique.scotland
https://www.instagram.com/alexander.technique.scotland/
Or contact us at ATcollabscotland@gmail.com

Introduction to Orienteering
2025-06-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Leith Links, Leith, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ, GB
Introduction to orienteering with a short course around Leith Links

PAINTING WITH PALS : THE UNOFFICIAL LEITH STREET ART FESTIVAL AT QUALITY YARD
2025-06-14 13:00 - 2025-06-15 18:00 | Quality Yard, 20 Maritime Lane, Edinburgh, EH6 6RZ, GB
Painting with Pals: Leith’s Unofficial Street Art Festival.
FREE outdoor 360° wrap-around street art exhibition at Quality Yard in Leith. Bringing creative street art and graffiti by amateur and professional artists to Leith. Newly painted artworks over 50m long are free to view on six external walls on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June 2025.
A unique Leith 360° visual experience in our quiet 18th-century walled courtyard in the heart of Leith’s historic old town. A hidden Leith gem just 180m from The Shore and The ShoreTram stop.

EH7
2025-06-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6JE, United Kingdom
Exploring our heritage through the lense of our young people, EH7 follows Rory, as he is tasked with researching Leith’s Local History for a school project.
Performed by Citadel Arts Group, directed by Mark Kidd, Rory is played by newcomer and EH7 local Magnus Byrne.
Concession Tickets available £8

Contact James Ellison to book.
Email: JamesEllison@blueyonder.co.uk
Phone: 07954 296 568

Meditation Centre Open day and Back Yard Sale
2025-06-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Kadampa Meditation Centre, 172 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Eh6 5ea, United Kingdom
Relax in our beautiful meditation space; try a free taster meditation session or meditation hall tour.
Enjoy a drink with some home baking in our cafe.
Browse the book and gift shop and back yard sale.
Everybody is welcome!

Trinity House Open Day
2025-06-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Trinity House Maritime Museum, 99 Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6BJ, GB
During the Leith Festival we will be opening our doors to the public. Visitors to the house can take a self-guided tour, watch a film about Leith’s maritime history and see the fascinating objects that tell stories of life at sea. For younger visitors, take part in games and activities in our historic vaults.

Leith Festival Gala Day
2025-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Leith Links, Leith, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ, GB
Come and join the fun of Gala Day on the 14th June, with stalls from local traders, makers and charities, delicious food, fabulous music, and a range of activities for people of all ages, and not forgetting the ever popular dog show! Leith Links is the place to be to celebrate all things Leith, and welcome the summer.
FULL PROGRAMME VIA LINK

'Come and Sing' session celebrating the Water of Leith
2025-06-14 10:00 - 14:30 | Leith Community Centre, 12a Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD, GB
‘The River Speaks’ celebrates the haven that is the Water Of Leith – and what better place to sing it than at Leith Festival! Join songwriter and choir leader Kim Edgar to learn, and then perform, her song, commissioned by Creative Lives and written in collaboration with six choirs based along the Water Of Leith, celebrating the river. You’ll feel connected, uplifted and hopeful!
Everyone is welcome, and varying levels of confidence and experience will be accommodated in the song’s arrangement. Sheet music will be provided, but you can also learn by ear – or visit the booking page to listen to the song and sing along in advance if you want to prepare!
After learning the song during the morning workshop, 10am-12 noon, there will be a 30 minute lunch break (bring your own lunch – tea and biscuits provided!). There will be a further rehearsal from 12.30-1.30pm before we head over to Leith Links to perform the song at 2pm as part of the celebrations on the Gala Day Stage.
Pay what you can: £5/£10/£15/£20

Yoga on the Links
2025-06-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Leith Links, Leith Links, Edinburgh, EH6 8HR, United Kingdom
Join Tidal Yoga’s Founder, Alex Black on Leith Links for a 45 minute gentle yoga practice to suit all levels. The practice will leave you feeling uplifted. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN YOGA MAT (a small number will be available so please don’t go out and buy one)

The Night Market UK - Leith Festival
2025-06-13 18:00 - 23:00 | Biscuit Factory, 4-6 Anderson Pl, Edinburgh, EH6 7QH, GB
It’s Leith Festival time again and as a small independent business based in Leith, The Night Market UK is proud to be returning to the Biscuit Factory to showcase local makers and shakers, from and for this community we call home!
Expect the trademark curation of stalls, street food (slow cooked meats with Stag Bites the Hog, Indian with Tikka Box, and resident Biscuit Factory fave Caravan of Courage) and music with the returning Butho the Warrior, that you have come to love, plus more! With the longer, lighter, warmer* days ahead, we are cooking up a Friday night for you to remember.
So come on down to Leith and revel with the best of them!

EH7
2025-06-13 13:30 - 15:00 | The Ripple, 198 Restalrig Rd S,, Edinburgh, EH7 6DZ, United Kingdom
Exploring our heritage through the lense of our young people, EH7 follows Rory, as he is tasked with researching Leith’s Local History for a school project.
Performed by Citadel Arts Group, directed by Mark Kidd, Rory is played by newcomer and EH7 local Magnus Byrne.
Free – Please book as spaces are limited.

Contact James Ellison to book.
Email: JamesEllison@blueyonder.co.uk
Phone: 07954 296 568

Taylors Funfair
2025-06-11 16:00 - 2025-06-14 21:00 | Leith Links, Leith, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ, GB
Leith Festival – We’re Back for 2025! Get ready for five days of family fun with thrilling rides and attractions for all ages! Enjoy crowd favourites like the Waltzer, Miami, Funhouse, Sizzler, Techno Power, Tea Cups, Dodgems, Samba Balloons, and so much more… NEW for 2025 – Matrix: The Ride is making its Leith Links debut! Also our Mobile Bar & Beer Garden is here! Relax with a refreshing drink in the heart of the action. Dates: Wednesday 11th June – Sunday 15th June Location: Leith Links, Leith, EH6 7QR Opening Times:• Wednesday: 6pm – 9pm• CRAZY Thursday Wristband Night: 4pm – 10pm• Friday: 2pm – 9pm• Saturday: 12pm – 9pm• Sunday: 12pm – 9pm Entry: Free & Pay per ride (except CRAZY THURSDAY – Wristbands only, non-rider entry £2) CRAZY THURSDAY Wristband Session Times:• 4pm – 7pm• 5pm – 8pm• 6pm – 9pm• 7pm – 10pm£18 per person per session. Entrance fee for Non-Riders £2 Card & Cash Accepted

Taylors Funfair for children with additional needs afternoon
2025-06-11 13:00 - 2025-06-12 15:00 | Leith Links, Leith, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ, GB
Leith Festival – We’re Back for 2025! For many years Taylors have partnered with Leith Festival to provide an afternoon of fun for any child with additional needs to enjoy the rides in a quieter atmosphere. For two hours the park is closed to the public, and the kids and their families have free rein to enjoy the funfair. Local schools are invited to bring groups of children with additional needs.

Rides are adjusted to have reduced volume, slower speeds, and less flashing lights if needed, and snacks are provided by Taylor’s.

We are truly grateful to Taylor’s of Edinburgh for providing children with additional needs and their families with this opportunity.

Restless Natives: The Musical
2025-06-07 19:30 - 22:00 | 28 – 30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH6 4AE, GB
The Clown and the Wolfman ride again as the classic Scottish movie starts a new adventure as a stage musical!
Restless Natives: The Musical is roaring into town, and Leith Theatre are beyond thrilled to host the Edinburgh run of this stage adaptation of the beloved 1985 Scottish cult classic!
Intrepid underdogs Ronnie and Will become Highland Highwaymen, holding up buses and winning international renown, fleecing tourists with charm and panache.
Tour guide Margot believes they can restore national pride, but the police are closing in. Will this be the end of the story – or the beginning of a legend?
Produced and directed by the same team who made the original 1985 film alongside co-producers Perth Theatre, Restless Natives: The Musical sees The Clown and the Wolfman ride again in this not-to-be missed new stage musical!

Bryony Knox - Silversmith- A celebration of 25 years of Story, Colour & Movement.
2025-06-06 11:00 - 2025-06-08 16:00 | Coburg House Art Gallery, 15 Coburg Street, Leith, Edinburgh, GB
BRYONY KNOX ~25 at 25A Celebration of Story, Colour and Movement with 25 Objects from 25 years.
Interaction with the work has always been Bryony’s main aim, tempting the onlooker to pick the sculptural object, feel the metal in their hands, and discover hidden functions and movement held within~ whether a simple kinetic brooch, automated griffin sculpture or beautifully chased silver beaker.
This exhibition gives an insight into the stories and wonders of nature that have inspired Bryony over the last 25 years, with sketches and maquettes explaining her design and making process- and demonstrations of her beloved embossing technique of Chasing & Repousse.
The show is grouped in 5 eras, with 25 objects, showing how her work has evolved from steel mice and ‘ Clarissa the Can – Can Queen’ kinetic brooches to the elegant silver and glass bird sculptures she is known for today.
Private View: 6 June 2025
Exhibition: 7-8 & 14-15 & 21-22 June 11-4pm
Creative Metal Workshops & Classes 9-13 & 16-20 June. See bryonyknox.com/learn for details
Talk: Sunday 8th June 2pm
Workshop tours and demos 12pm on weekend days
Coburg House art Studios & Gallery
15 Coburg Steet, Leith. Edinburgh EH6 6ET

Exposed 25
2025-06-03 10:00 - 2025-06-07 17:00 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG, GB
Edinburgh College’s Photography Graduates Unveil Their Vision.
This June, Edinburgh College’s graduating photography class invites you to witness the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and artistic exploration. EXPOSED 25 is a vibrant testament to the raw talent and innovative perspectives emerging from the heart of Scotland’s creative capital.
EXPOSED 25 is more than just a display of technical skill; it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of visual storytelling. Each photograph represents a unique journey, a personal vision, and a bold step into the professional world.

AGM and Volunteer Social
2025-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | The Bowlers Rest, 24 Mitchell Street,, Edinburgh,, EH6 7BD, United Kingdom
The Leith Festival team is back together and busy planning the 2025 gala day, festival, and tattoo! Join us as we share information on what the Festival has been up to over the last year.
Please see the agenda for the meeting below.

* Welcome and Introductions* Collection of Annual Membership Fee(Annual membership for Leith Festival is £2 per person. Non-members are welcome to attend the AGM, but will not be able to vote on election of board members or other matters that may arise.)* Minutes from the previous AGM, held on the 28 Feb 2024, approval and matters arising.* Chairs Report on 2024-25 festival year* Financial Report & Appointment of auditors* Election of Board Members* Other Business* Plans for 2025 Festival Programme, Gala Day and Tattoo event* Open forum

We will be welcoming our 2025 volunteers at this event too, confirming roles, responsibilities and rotas!
