October offerings
Books and dancing to keep you on your toes
Portobello Book Festival is a book festival for local people run by locals.
The festival will take place from 1 to 3 October. Everything is free and nobody is paid, except for expenses paid to participants. Partnering up with the local library pays off as the library then becomes one of the venues. portobellobookfestival@gmail.com
portobellobookfestival.com
THE TREASURE TROVE CRAFT FAIR
The Treasure Trove is holding a pop-up craft fair at St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church at 13 George Street EH2 3PA. 10am to 2pm 9 October 2021.There will be hand-made crafts, toys and children’s clothes along with home produce, baby knits and craft demonstrations.
LEITH COMEDY FESTIVAL
Leith Comedy Festival takes over The Biscuit Factory on 14 October to bring some of the finest comedians in Scotland on to an indoor stage. Rosalind Romer, Director of Leith Comedy Festival, said: “I can’t express how much I have missed live comedy, and how amazing it feels to be booking gigs again. This is the first time Leith Comedy Festival has been in a position to do a live indoor comedy show and we can’t wait to share some laughs with you!
"First up, we have Amy Matthews, a bright new comedian who’s going places. She is award-winning and explores the absurdity of modern life with zest.
"For the main act, we are thrilled to present Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, a firm favourite and rising star on the Scottish comedy circuit and beyond. Bursting with energy and good
vibes, catch him now before he becomes a household name."
The host for the evening on 14 October 2021 is Billy Kirkwood who is a three time Scottish Comedy Award winner.
Fiona Hamilton, Managing Director at
The Biscuit Factory said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Leith Comedy Festival to our lovely venue in the heart of Leith.
The past 18 months has highlighted the need for community spirit and collaboration more than ever.
"And we are all more than ready for a good laugh together. We cannot wait to continue working together with the fantastic people at Leith Comedy Festival.” www.leithcomedyfest.com
CEILIDH, LAURISTON HALL
Ceilidh in Lauriston Hall 30 October from 8pm to 11pm, Lauriston Hall, Lauriston Street EH3 9DJ
With caller Ken Gourlay and ceilidh band. Hall has air-conditioning and a bar. All dances walked through and called. Good exercise and great fun.
Soft drinks £1, alcohol £3
Instructions from the organisers:
Mobile phones and tablets: taking photos or videos is OK but if you need to answer / make a call / text / browse etc. (musicians find this very rude) please do so outside the dance room in the corridor. Please bring a face mask. No high heels please.