What’s on in Edinburgh this month

By RORY FORD
Published on 07/08/2012 19:05

The Book Festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Writers’ Conference, which took place in Edinburgh in 1962, by staging a series of talks that will travel to events all over the world.

Politics, censorship, nationalism and the novel’s future will all be discussed. Among the talent at this year’s fest are Pulitzer winner Joyce Carol Oates, Michael Palin, and regulars such as AL Kennedy and Irvine Welsh. Edinburgh International Book Festival, Charlotte Square Gardens, 11-27 Aug,

• edbookfest,

• The Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference

LIGHT SPEED

Speed Of Light is a fusion of public art and sporting performance that will illuminate Arthur’s Seat as hundreds of runners wearing light suits create a spectacle for the walking audience as they ascend to the summit. Speed Of Light, 9-12, 15 -19, 22-27, 29-31 August and 1 September, guided walking groups meet every 15 minutes at the base of Arthur’s Seat from 9.15 -11pm, £24 (£18),

• Edinburgh International Festival

DOGGONE GOOD

Bark In The Park is a sponsored doggy day-out in Inverleith Park in aid of St Columba’s Hospice. As well as the sponsored dog walk around the park there’s an agility course, doggy manicures, grooming and a dog show with prizes in five categories (including Waggiest Tail). Good fun for a seriously good cause. Bark In The Park, Inverleith Park, Sunday 29 July, from 9.30am, £7.50 advance (£10 on the day), 0131-551 7707,

• St Columba’s Hospice

CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE

The festival spirit begins early with the Edinburgh Festival Carnival on Sunday 22 July. Performing along Princes Street and through Princes Street Gardens, musicians, dancers, performers and street entertainers will tour a circuit, giving everyone a chance to hear more than 20 international and local groups, supplemented by sideshow activity in the surrounding streets.

The Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival kicks off on Friday 3 August.

Edinburgh Festival Carnival, Princes St, Princes St Gardens, Rose St, Sun 22 July, free, 2-4pm. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Aug 3-27,

• The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

GREAT STUFF

Catherine the Great ruled Russia from the mid to late 1700s and became one of the most respected leaders the world has seen. The German-born ruler surrounded herself in culture, collected hundreds of art pieces, mixed with philosophers such as Diderot, and even wrote Russia’s first children’s story. With more than 600 treasures, the National Museum of Scotland will be littered with all things Great. 13 July till 21 October, £6-£9,

• National Museum of Scotland

FOOD FRENZY

This year’s Foodies Festival is at Inverleith Park, an ideal spot to refuel and relax away from the frenetic Fringe. See Michelin-starred and TV chefs cook live, sample the finest tasty treats from artisan producers or get drunk and sleep in the sun*. Foodies Festival, Inverleith Park, Friday 10-Sunday 12 Aug, £10 (£8), children free (ticketed),

• Foodies Festival

*weather permitting

Please drink and sunbathe responsibly, Ed

MMM...NICE!

Not just for chin-stroking hipsters, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival begins on Friday 20 July. Joining the list of cool blues venues this year is the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, which will be hosting some of the fest’s most exciting gigs – including New Orleans pianist Dr John, Manhattan Transfer (above) and gifted bassist Kyle Eastwood (son of noted jazz buff Clint). Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Sun 20-29 July, various venues, • Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival