10 great things to do in Edinburgh during the month of May

MAY is here, the sun is out and the city is starting to stir from its winter slumbers with a host of great events.Here are 10 of the best things to try in the coming month...

Edinbrick - a LEGO show

SCOTTISH OPEN SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Friday, 11 May, Armadale Stadium, Armadale

ON Friday, the Harrisons Scottish Open Championship returns to Armadale Stadium. Sixteen top speedway riders from around the world do battle to add their name to the coveted Jack Young Memorial Trophy, named after the only Edinburgh Monarch to become World Speedway Champion. £17.50 https://tickets.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/

TELEPHONE CHOIR 71st ANNUAL CONCERT

Tonight-Friday, 11 May, Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road

THIS choir was formed in the Capital in 1947 by Mollie Scott, a supervisor in the then Rose Street Telephone Exchange.

If you fancy some pop tunes, traditional music, songs from the shows and light classics, this is the one for you.

£11.37-£16.76

YOGA FESTIVAL

Friday 11-20 May, Serenity Cafe, Chrichton Place

THIS celebration of yoga threatens an explosion of downward dogs, prone backbends and the odd cheeky wee lotus.

But it’s not all calm... the Festival party features live music from Martha Gillespie, free seated shiatsu with Jenny White, food, tea and treats, plus dancing and chants from Kirtan Scotland. £10-£15

MAGICFEST 2018

Friday 11-19 May, various venues

THIS unique live magic festival for adults and children will leave you in a state of awe and wonderment.

Highlights include the first ever Wizard World Gathering and something mysteriously referred to as The Secret Room. Various times and venues, see www.magicfest.co.uk for prices and details.

EDINBRICK 2018: LEGO MODEL SHOW

26 May, Potterrow Dome, Bristo Square

THIS non-profit Lego model show raises funds for the Fairy Bricks charity. Open to Lego fans of all ages, there are build zones, fantastic displays, interactive displays and more. 10-30am-4pm. £3/under-fives free

KATHLEEN TURNER: FINDING MY VOICE

14 May, Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street

THE voice is unmistakable, but did you know the Hollywood icon sings?

Kathleen Turner brings her trademark husky alto to the world of cabaret with her debut show, performing classic tunes from the American songbook. £27.50

THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN: HERESY TO HERITAGE TOUR

18 May, Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street

THE Ukes are masters of the unexpected, whether re-imagining folk songs, twisting classical music favourites, uncovering quirky versions of rock covers or playing the performers’ own all-original compositions. £26

ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN

23 May, Usher Hall, Lothian Road

THE Killing Moon is bound to shine as the vintage popsters bring us The Stars, The Oceans and The Moon, Bunnymen Classics transformed and new songs with strings and things attached.

£21.45-£82.50

INTERNATIONAL TANGO FESTIVAL

25-27 May, Greyfriars Kirk, Candlemaker Row

ENJOY Strictly Come Dancing? Then pop along to this celebration of this passionate dance.

The eleventh edition features a full roster of classes and workshops, a complete beginners class and dances on the Saturday and Sunday. Time and prices according to activity, but £4 gets you a day pass to the Tango Cafe.

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

25-27 May, Biscuit Factory, Anderson Place

LEITH’S Biscuit Factory hosts one of a series of Craft Beer Festivals organised by We Are Beer across the UK.

Among the handpicked brewers to be invited are international creative forces Mikkeller from Denmark, Dugges from Sweden, and Stillwater Artisanal from Baltimore.

£40 www.edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk