SIMPLY THE FEST
Start filling your 2020 diary with a range of events around the country covering just about every taste
WITH 2020 days away and most diaries looking pretty empty, this is the ideal time to plan some trips and activities for the new year.
Scotland now has a festival calendar so packed that there is no excuse for grouching at home, complaining nothing ever happens. Here are some highlights.
EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY, TUE-WED
The city’s New Year celebrations have turned a drunken rammy on the Royal Mile into a proper event. The Message From The Skies projections, by writers including Irvine Welsh, are on until January 25. www.edinburghshogmanay.com
MAGICFEST, TODAY-JAN 5, EDINBURGH
Home grown and international talent does its thing across the capital. Kids can enrol in Magic School to learn playground tricks while teenagers get a chance to showcase their performing chops. www.magicfest.co.uk
BIG BURNS SUPPER, JAN 23-FEB 2, DUMFRIES
Is there a connection between Robert Burns and Newton Faulkner, Turin Breaks, Morcheeba, The Kingdom Choir and Skerryvore? Not an obvious one, but together they promise to put on a party that the ploughman poet would appreciate. www.bigburnssupper.com
BURNS AND BEYOND, JAN 23-26, EDINBURGH
As well as celebrating our national bard, this year’s event will mark Chinese New Year on January 25. Headline act is Edwyn Collins, plus a host of ceilidhs and comedy. www.burnsandbeyond.com
MANIPULATE, JAN 31-FEB 8, EDINBURGH
World class puppetry and animation for adults as well as children in the capital’s Summerhall. www.manipulate festival.org
SPECTRA, FEB 13-16, ABERDEEN
The Granite City hosts film projections and light sculptures plus other outdoor artworks. The installations will be in Marischal College Quad, Broad Street, Upper Kirkgate, Schoolhill, St Nicholas Kirkyard, the Kirk of St Nicholas and Aberdeen Art Gallery. www.spectrafestival.com
PAISLEY BOOK FESTIVAL, FEB 20-29
Local hero John Byrne is confirmed as one of the big names, while Kirsty Wark, Janice Galloway and Jackie Kay will also be appearing. www.paisleybookfest.com
INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL,
GLASGOW MAR 12-29
Jerry Sadowitz brings his card tricks to the Kings Theatre, while there are appearances from Jim the Farmer, Sofie Hagen and Arabella Weir. www.glasgow comedyfestival.com
GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL, APR 24–MAY 10
It’s an even-numbered year so it’s time for the art world to descend on Glasgow to see envelopepushing work in weird and wonderful venues. Expect 60 events held everywhere from Kelvingrove to a former sex club. www.glasgowinternational.org
KNOCKENGORROCH FESTIVAL, MAY 21-24, GALLOWAY
With traditional, electronic and world music acts, this is a bit like Celtic Connections squeezed into a – hopefully sunny – weekend in south-west Scotland. Afro Celt Sound System, Shooglenifty and The Poozies are all booked. www.knockengorroch.org.uk
TRNSMT, JUL 10-12, GLASGOW
The weekend when Glasgow Green is trampled, danced on and scented with Buckfast. On the bill are Lewis Capaldi, Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol and Rita Ora. www.trnsmtfest.com
HEB CELT FEST, JUL 15-18, STORNOWAY
The Hebridean bash has been going for 25 years and is marking that milestone with Texas, Julie Fowlis and Tidelines on the bill. www.hebceltfest.com
DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE, JUL 17-19
Full line-up to be announced soon but headliners Belle & Sebastian, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Pussy Riot already make this look like a sweet way to spend a summer weekend. www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk