Sadly we have been away the last few years – and will be away again and miss this year’s event also. I have so enjoyed it in previous years and the uplifting emotions from all the colour and costumes and music…it’s a brilliant afternoon.
If you’re free Saturday 13th July, definitely make your way along to the carnival and parade…from 12.00 in Princes Street Gardens..
Join us for a breath-taking celebration of costumes, dance and music as we transform the city centre into a kaleidoscope of vibrancy, sound and movement – the perfect free day out for all ages.
Throughout the afternoon, 750 local and international artists will parade and perform throughout West Princes Street Gardens, with performances from KalentuRa Drums (the Netherlands), The Sprite of Monserrate (the Caribbean) and the Edinburgh Chinese Art & Culture Community. The Ross Bandstand opens with the sounds of soca, (Tropical Storm) and samba (Ilê Aiyê), culminates with a Latin American salsa showcase by The Latina Turners.
As this blog has grown, so too have my own littlies, and they are not so little anymore – infact one is taller than me and the other not far off ! This means, as we are firmly in teenager territory, that I am now interested in exploring shows for this older age group also. I know that some shows appeal for all ages, with circus, magic, dance, music, but I am keen to find things that will engage the teenage mind and perhaps bridge the gap…
We’ve picked a few from this year’s offerings which look good for those slightly older children in your lives :
Suitcase Show – For age 12 + – We are big fans of Trick of the light theatre and have loved all of their shows we’ve been lucky enough to see. Sadly it looks like The Bookbinder is now sold out – but if you have older children, then this is definitely worth checking out and sounds like it will have their usually sprinkle of magic. A traveller arrives at a border with a stack of battered cases. From within them, whole worlds will emerge… Suitcase Show is an eclectic boxset of short stories. Dark, spiky, and comic, each one is told out of a suitcase. The staging is inventive, from lo-fi shadowplay to wireless projection, from dancing disembodied hands to narratives that crackle from a 70s stereo suitcase. – 1st – 25th August (not 12th/19th )
Ben Hart: HeX – Age 12 + – Performing in a beautiful venue, this should be a fantastic magic show for older children, we caught Ben performing at one of the press launches last year and were suitably amazed ! Internationally acclaimed magician Ben’s shows are a unique kind of alchemy. Funny, dark and baffling, Hart’s an altogether new species of conjurer… HeX is a curated collection of Ben’s favourite and most exciting material from the last decade alongside new ideas fresh from his laboratory, guaranteed to put a spell on you. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Palais Du Variete and full to the brim with magic, don’t miss this chance to catch the star of stage and screen up-close and in real life. – 1st – 25th August (not 12th)
YUCK Circus – Age 14 + We loved, loved loved this last year. Seriously awesome and seriously funny and offering an opinion on some of society’s more toxic traits. Full of lots of body positivity and is totally inspirational… Read our review here. YUCK are back with their sell-out show. High-flying acrobatics, absurd confessions, and groovy dancing – all smashed together with their trademark ripper comedy. Get ready to witness a powerhouse of female circus performers kick art in the face. – 1st – 25th August (not 7th/12th/19th)
The Dreamer – Live – Age 12 + – Another magic show that looks worth checking out. Touching on his parents’ 12 year struggle with IVF, The Dreamer is a celebration of the impossible becoming possible. With magic unparalleled elsewhere at Fringe, this show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. – 3rd – 24th August (not 12th/19th)
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Every Brilliant Thing – Age 14 + – I was so sad to miss this when it came up before and its in one of my favourite venues of the fringe – the roundabout at Summerhall. I am determined not to miss it this year, so will get booked early – covering important themes, this looks like a good one for the teens. You’re seven years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s ‘done something stupid’. She finds it hard to be happy. So you make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for. Ice cream. Water fights. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV. The colour yellow. Rollercoasters. People falling over. A play about depression and the lengths we go to for those we love. – 1st – 24th August (not 6th. 13th, 20th)
Circolombia: Corazón – Age 12 + – We thought these guys were spectacular when we last saw them, so we’re very excited for this performance and again in a fantastic venue ! – With nerves of steel, music from the soul and tons of Colombian spirit, Circolombia welcomes you into their house, their home, their heart! All the way from South America, created especially for the Spiegeltent! In this world premiere, Circolombia invites you to experience Corazón (Heart). A fun-fuelled circus concert, packed with breathless feats, gravity-defying performance and infectious music where you, the audience, are taken right into their beating Latin hearts. Colombia is the land of a thousand rhythms. Vibrant, passionate and pulsating with energy. – 1st – 25th August (not 7th, 12th, 19th )
Mr Sleepybum – Night time is such a great topic for kids and adults alike and this looks like a fun show based around this theme !! Do you have stupid and silly dreams at night? Well, Mr Sleepybum does, and he’s going to re-enact them all for you in this high-energy, interactive, multi award-nominated comedy show for the whole family. – 1st – 18th August (not 7th)
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The Smeds and The Smoos – We love the Tall Stories adaptations of Julia Donaldson books, and this is no exception. With catchy tunes and a great, colourful set, this is something littlies will enjoy. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? – 31st July – 18th August (not 7th/14th)
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Trash Test Dummies Circus – We love this show and were so happy when it came back last year – read our review here . General waste is returning to Edinburgh and promise to bring the usual chaotic fun and acrobatics….Everyone put your rubbish out, tonight’s bin night and the Trash Test Dummies are on duty! – 3rd – 24th August (not12th/19th)
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Grow – Another one especially for the smaller ones, and which we enjoyed last year (read review here) full of participation and in a small, intimate setting. Join in with a sun song, hose wrestle and hilarious clowning around in a joyful show celebrating nature and all things that grow. Ideal for little gardeners aged 2-6, but everyone welcome. – 1st – 25th August (not 9th/14th/19th/21st)
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Amazing Bubble Man – A much loved show for the wee ones during the fringe. Returning year after year and it’s clear to see why – the things he can do with bubbles is amazing !! Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles, to rocket bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. – 1st – 26th August ( not 13th/14th, 21st/22nd)
Hello hello !! Well, we’ve had our one day of summer here in Edinburgh, so that must mean the fringe is coming !!!! In all seriousness, I can see the city gearing up for another awesome August and as always, I’m ridiculously excited by it all…in a few weeks times, the city will be transformed and hopefully we’ll all be out enjoying everything the festival has to offer, and fingers and toes crossed – we’ll be doing it all surrounded by sun beams.
It’s now routine for me to say that I find it so difficult to whittle down all the incredible offerings for the younger people into a top ten each year – for the full list, check out here for all the children’s shows currently advertised and that doesn’t even include all the great circus or magic shows. We have firm favourites returning and there will always be something new that will delight us or catch our attention – or worse, that I may not discover until too late ! I’ve made it easier once again, and I’ll be doing a top five for shows for younger children, and another top picks list for shows for older children/teens…
I’ll start with our old friends and firm favourites :
The Listies ROFL – We LOVE LOVE LOVE the Listies and they are fantastic for adults and kids alike. I defy anyone to watch their show and not have a great time and come out with aching cheeks from all the giggling. Infact, I think everyone will come out just wanting to go back in and watch it all over again, like we always do! ..’. ROFL tackles the most dramatic family situation of all time: bedtime! Rich, the exhausted parental proxy, tries to get an early night while Matt uses every trick in the book to stay up.‘ August 2nd – 18th ( not 8th/15th )
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Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far – Having been wanting to see Olaf Falafel for a long time, we finally managed last year and were not disappointed (I was only sad I didn’t also wear stripes). This year’s show promises more of all the best funny and stupid stuff – Expect sausage birds, radioactive bogies and truth-telling cheese. There will definitely be some farts and some drawing. – 1st – 25th August (not 14th/20th/21st)
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The Bookbinder – Now, you are in for a TOTAL treat if you see this – there are only a handful of shows and it’s in the most tiny of venues. I still think about this show ALOT, which is amazing as I saw it back in 2016 – wowsers- read the review here !! It’s being held in the beautiful Tills bookshop and will be incredible – if you can get a ticket that is !! The Bookbinder weaves shadow-play, paper art, puppetry and music in an inventive one-man performance for adults and children aged 8 and over. – 8th, 9th, 16th, 23rd August.
The Alphabet of Awesome Science – I’ve heard good things about this and reckon it’ll be a loud, fun one for the kids…Join Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where fascinating words inspire spectacular science! It’s a tongue-twisting race from A to Z that’s equal parts explosive, messy, hilarious, fascinating and gross. Brace yourself for an hour of carefully crafted alphabetical, scientifical chaos. – 31st July – 25th August (not 12th/19th)
How to Catch a Book Witch – This looks like a great show for all book lovers out there – Kira loves reading. Visiting the library is her favourite. But why are words disappearing from the books and where have all these book monsters come from?! Could there be a Book Witch hiding somewhere? Graham Grey plans to knock down the library to make way for a car park! Join Kira and Barry the Bookworm on this heart-warming adventure to save the day. – 31st July – 18th August ( not 7th /14th )
Circa: Humans 2.0 – Returning to the fringe, with their exceptional talents are Circa – we were astounded by this show and its previous version…. Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment, then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, physical limits are pushed to their extreme. The second chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is a symphony of acrobatics, sound and light. This is next level circus by Circa.2nd – 24th August (not7th/12th/19th)
Tom Brace: The Ride 4D – We love Tom Brace, he’s a brilliant mix of magic and charm and seamlessly entertains the audience whilst totally baffling them. He pitches perfectly for children and adults, so we’re very much looking forward to this new show. Magician Tom Brace has opened his very own theme park and you’re invited to the grand opening. Expect the unexpected on hilarious new attractions that will blow your mind. – 31st July – 26th August (not13th/20th)
Ten Thousand Hours – Gravity and other myths return to Edinburgh with what is sure to be a spectacular show. We really loved their previous show ‘A Simple Space’ are so are excited to see what’s in store for us this year. This is an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things. Eight acrobats investigate physical skill: how we obtain it, how we perfect it and how it can transform our lives. This family-friendly acrobatic extravaganza is filled with everything you love about Gravity & Other Myths and a tribute to the dedication required to become a world-class acrobat. – 1st – 24th August ( not 12th/19th)
Children Are Stinky – Another returnee to the fringe and one we really loved way back when we saw it – read our review here. One for the slightly younger audience and full of fun… High-calibre circus, a rocking soundtrack and genuine belly laughs have thrilled audiences all over the globe. Expect daredevil stunts, incredible aerials, lightning-fast acrobatics, loads of laughs and mischievous fun, leaving adults and children with their jaws on the floor hooting for more. – 1st – 26th August (not 7th/12th/19th)
Circus Baobab: Yé! – Making their debut at the fringe, this looks like a high energy, fun circus show for everyone. An exciting collective of artists from Guinea and the diaspora bring their debut show, Yé!, to Edinburgh. Showcasing incredible acrobatics, vertiginous human pyramids, hand-to-hand combat and contortions all performed in a frenetic rhythm. ‘Full of punch and blending traditional expressions of circus with modernity’ (Télérama), the thirteen young artists call us together to build a world of tomorrow that will take care of nature and it’s future. – 3rd – 24th August (not 12th/19th)
So…as summer slowly approaches, all the fun activities are ramping up too ! Next up is the outdoor cinema in St Andrew Square – now known as Square Cinema.
Over the weekend of 14th – 16th June there will be a variety of free films screened, including some great family and kids movies.
” Block out your calendars, prep your picnic blankets and be ready to enjoy three-days of family favourites and big-screen blockbusters, in the stunning surroundings of Edinburgh’s most famous Square, and it is absolutely FREE! What’s not to like?”…
Let’s hope the sun comes out to shine on us too….
Top picks for the family are :
Friday 14th June :
4.00 pm – Kung Fu Panda – Po might just be the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he secretly dreams of becoming a kung fu legend. When the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung threatens Po’s homeland, the hapless panda is chosen to fulfil an ancient prophecy and defend the Valley from attack. Training under Master Shifu, Po embarks on an epic high-kicking adventure as he sets out to thwart Tai Lung’s evil plans.
18.00 – Barbie – Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Saturday 15th June :
11.00am – Trolls band Together – Poppy discovers that Branch was once part of the boy band ‘BroZone’ with his brothers, Floyd, John Dory, Spruce and Clay. When Floyd is kidnapped, Branch and Poppy embark on a journey to reunite his two other brothers and rescue Floyd.
12.45am – The Little Mermaid – The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric. Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land.
15.20 – Harry Potter And the Order Of The Phoenix – Now in his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) learns that many in the wizarding community do not know the truth of his encounter with Lord Voldemort. Cornelius Fudge, minister of Magic, appoints his toady, Dolores Umbridge, as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, for he fears that professor Dumbledore will take his job. But her teaching is deficient and her methods, cruel, so Harry prepares a group of students to defend the school against a rising tide of evil.
Sunday 16th June
11.00 am – Migration – A family of ducks decides to leave the safety of a New England pond for an adventurous trip to Jamaica. However, their well-laid plans quickly go awry when they get lost and wind up in New York City. The experience soon inspires them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends, and accomplish more than they ever thought possible.
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12.45 – Sing 2 – Can-do koala Buster Moon and his all-star cast of animal performers prepare to launch a dazzling stage extravaganza in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch — he has to find and persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star to join them. What begins as Buster’s dream of big-time success soon becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.
15.00 -Wonka – With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.
17.25 – Barbie – Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
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