What to enjoy this weekend
Whether you are looking for a fun-filled family day out, a good book to read or games to play while you relax, Checklist has it covered with our 10 things to do, books to read and games of the moment. All you have to do is decide.
1 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Various venues, Edinburgh From tomorrow
The world’s largest arts festival is back in the capital for three weeks where thousands of performers will take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival, as always, caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. Shows are both free and priced. Visit edfringe.com to see the full programme.
2 European Championships
Various venues, Glasgow
From today
Communities across Scotland are set to come alive as part of a vibrant Cultural Festival which will run alongside Glasgow 2018, a new multi-sport event, bringing together some of the continent’s leading sports. More than 3,000 athletes from 52 countries will compete for 152 medals across Scotland. in 12 sporting disciplines, while Berlin hosts the Athletics. Glasgow’s George Square will be the beating heart of the activities, bringing the City Centre to life as a creative hub. The renowned Merchant City Festival will also be an integral part of the celebrations.
Visit glasgow2018.com for all the details.
3 Foodies Festival
Inverleith Park, Edinburgh Tomorrow to Sunday
The UK’S biggest celebration of food, drink and wellbeing will see Michelin star chefs, Masterchef winners, celebrity and top local chefs cook live. Also, taste delicious dishes from pop-up restaurants and street food vendors. Enjoy champagne, wine and beer masterclasses and see Bake
Off winners in action. Each day will celebrate live music into the night, with performances from headliner Toploader, power pop rock group Dodgy, and The Hoosiers. There will also be hands-on masterclasses.
Ticket prices vary. Buy at foodiesfestival.com.
4 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Belladrum Estate, Inverness From today to Saturday
This firm favourite on the festival calendar will, once again, see a loyal following of fervent fans return to enjoy fantastic music ranging across a variety of genres – indie, rock, dance, Celtic, Celtic rock, blues, roots, singer-songwriter and many more – as well as an array of children’s entertainment, street theatre, cabaret, cinema, alternative therapies and food and drink, perfect for all the family. On the bill this year is Amy Macdonald, Paloma Faith, Primal Scream, Gerry Cinnamon and more.
A limited number of tickets are still available at tartanheartfestival.co.uk.
5 Dornoch Highland Gathering
The Meadows Park, Dornoch Tomorrow
Having begun in 1887, with the exception of the war years, the event has been a focal point of the summer every year since. A day when old friends meet and new acquaintances are made, expect plenty for all the family at this traditional Highland games, including piping, athletics, trade stalls and much more. Tickets can be bought at the gate.
6 Sessions Beer and Gin Festival
Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen Tomorrow to Sunday
After a successful inaugural event, the weekend event is back with three sessions over the three days, and with a Sunday family day in support of local children’s charity, Charlie House. The Granite City’s first outdoor crafts drink gathering is a packed weekend of music and food. Sip on newly-discovered craft drinks while enjoying some of the city’s best local food and great live music. There will also be a prosecco bar and soft drinks too.
Tickets are priced between £11.25 and £29.90, with fees, at eventbrite.co.uk.
7 PAW Patrol Live!
SEC, Glasgow
Saturday and Sunday
The top-rated children’s show on Nick Jr. and the number one preschool property in the UK makes the transition to the stage. Including two acts and an intermission, the show incorporates an innovative costume approach to help bring the popular pups to life on stage as well as their vehicles and packs during a piratethemed adventure. Using their heroic rescue skills, problem solving and teamwork, the pups set sail to save the day, with no job too big and no pirate pup too small.
Tickets are priced between £17.05 and £56.20, plus fees. Buy at ticketmaster.co.uk.
8 Up North
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry
Sunday
A caravan has pitched up on the banks of the River Tummel. Inside is a magical world of poetry, song and illustration which explores the land and sea of the Cardinal Compass Point. This charming, unique and intimate show, in a caravan, is limited to just six audience members per show, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Show starts every 30 minutes.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for under-18s, plus fee. Buy at pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com.
9 Paddle Steamer Waverley
Pacific Quay, Glasgow Ongoing
The last seagoing paddle steamer in the world has been magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming arnish and brass. See and hear the mighty engines, sure to provide a whiff of nostalgia for some, but sure to impress all. Visit Rothesay, explore Islands: Arran, Bute and Cumbrae, relax in the sun on deck as you cruise amidst dramatic loch scenery or cruise through the world famous Kyles of Bute to visit the beautifully situated Highland village of Tighnabruaich.
Buy tickets from waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
10 A Festival of Animals
Camperdown Wildlife Centre, Dundee
Until August 12
Something fun is taking place at the popular centre every day of the school holidays. Various topical events throughout the period include, face painting, quizzes and animal games at the weekend. The centre is open all year round and can be found within the beautiful Camperdown Country Park, just 15 minutes from the City Centre.
Visit camperdownwildlifecentre.co.uk for more details.