Scotland's Event Round-Up
There are a host of events and shows happening all over Scotland, now and in the coming months. These are but a few home-grown talents and events that cover a variety of genres and provide something to do with varying budgets.
Scotland plays home to a mass of talent and originality, it always has. Here are a few events that are worth supporting and enjoying.
Granite Noir- Now until February 25th
The first mention of Aberdeen goes to Granite Noir, the crime writing festival. Inspired by the genre Nordic Noir and brough to you by Aberdeen Performing Arts this thrilling festival is sure to be a scream for any crime fiction fan. Celebrating the contribution that Scottish writers make, Aberdeen seems to have made the perfect backdrop for this festival with some of its dark quirks on display.
Now on its eight year this festival will be spread all over the city in various venues and will be packed with exhibitions, talks, workshops, cocktail events and movies. The crime genre is an absolute hit both in literature and on our screens, streaming services are well aware of our current obsession for true-crime documentaries. The events taking place from the 20th-25th of this month (better move quick) will allow you to hear from detectives, codebreakers, spies and even David Suchet who played Agatha Christie’s Poirot for over 25 years. If nothing else it provides an opportunity for you to find a new read with many crime-writing authors in attendance. There are events for all ages, so even young fans can be a part of this event.
Plenty of advanced warning for this one. The Perth festival is back this year to bring you a visual and performing arts spectacle, featuring artists from various genres and from all around the world.
Hosted in the city centre and many shows on sale now, comedy, orchestras, and photo exhibitions will be gracing the city centre of Perth. From established artists to new up and coming acts, you should be able to find something that takes your interest. As stated in the programme "the Festival inspires, entertains and enhances the lives of its ever-growing community through an exciting and dynamic programme of events".
Mini Legos- Now
The second item from Aberdeen is definitely a lot more light-hearted. Now that we’re hopefully starting to see some better weather, and if not, at least the days are longer. This provides us with more time to get out and about. Aberdeen already boasts a place to wonder around and spot the huge murals but they’ve had an addition, a rather small one. Known only as Sketchy Maker this artist has designed 15 concrete Lego models and placed them all over Aberdeen. The smiling characters consist off train drivers, surfers, medics and wizards, put there to make you smile, each has their own local connection. But be warned, they are still the size of a normal Lego figurine.
The 3D printed models rendered in concrete have captured the attention of people all over the world with the artist getting requests from cities all over to replicate the characters. With all of that interest there has unfortunately been some stories of individuals trying to take the figures, the Aberdonian artist has pleaded that people just enjoy them where they are.
The Banksy of the North seems to have reached his goal of making people smile, as how could you resist the cheeky face of a Lego character. Can you find all 15?
Don’t. Make. Tea March- April
This newest production to mark their 30th anniversary is a “witty ridiculing of the welfare state”. Following Chris who due to a deteriorating condition has to claim benefits in a future version of the welfare system, she has to come up against Ralph who is here to assess her. This comedic play delves into the lengths that disabled people have to go to in an unjust system.
Brought to you by Birds of Paradise theatre group. This Glasgow based group was established in 1993 and became the first in Scotland to employ both disabled and nondisabled actors. With home-grown roots they still look to promote new work, establish partnerships with other organisations and encourage participation in the arts.
Described as a “bloody serious comedy”, this will mostly likely make you laugh but leave you thinking.
Starting in March the tour will cover Edinburgh, London, Ayr, Glasgow, Cumbernauld, and Llanelli
Findhorn Bay Arts Festival- September 20th-29th
For the fifth year in a row the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival will be back. This 10 day arts and culture spectacle will be packed with theatre, storytelling and live music, among many other events. Set in Findhorn Bay and other surrounding areas in Moray the producers of the festival, Findhorn Bay Arts, want to showcase the area as a hub of creative opportunities. The group is committed to supporting the local arts community but also acting as a bridge between the community and artists, and by doing so exploring how the arts could solve problems, represent communities and provide spaces for innovative thinking.
Although the festival is yet to release the full line-up it’s sure to be another win for pioneering community arts, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Then and Now Visual Art Scotland- Now-March 13th
It all began in Edinburgh, 1924, Visual Arts Scotland was born. Now 100 years on the organisation is planning a year of celebration to mark the landmark birthday. The Then and Now exhibition held in Edinburgh’s Royal Scottish Academy will showcase 242 artists and over 300 works of art. The organisation has become one of the leading platforms for artists and wants to showcase the breadth of mediums represented, from mixed media, painting and ceramics the show will be available to view from February 17th to March 13th.
The show will showcase the very best of Scotland’s art contributions but it also plots a story of the organisation and its original name and purpose which was Scottish Women Artists. Although becoming its present self in the 80s its objectives have stayed the same, to champion the artist by showing the very best from craft makers, designers and contemporary fine artists.
