What’s on: Five things to do in Edinburgh 17/07/2012

1 MUSIC: Noel Gallagher

The former Oasis man brings his High Flying Birds to the Castle as part of an extended tour until November to push his second solo album. He’s managed to fit in a couple of Edinburgh dates – albeit separated by a almost nine months – at two of the Capital’s most iconic venues, the Usher Hall and the Castle. Not that he’s been idling while traipsing around the globe, taking time to work on tracks for the album in between concerts.

At his recent T in the Park performance, the 45-year-old stuck to the tried-and-tested, performing tunes from his solo debut, with a fair few Oasis classics thrown in for good measure.

“That’s the thing about festivals,” says Noel. “They want to hear what they know – they’re not bothered about your next jazz odyssey.”

However, those desperate for a taste of what to expect from the new LP could be in for at treat at the Castle. Recently, he’s taken to playing the previously unreleased God Help Us All and It Makes Me Wanna Cry while soundchecking, copies of which both leaked online last month.

At the moment, though, he’s not worried about working on new tracks – he’s too busy planning his time off

“The new stuff can hold it’s own, that’s for sure. My record has sold more than the last Oasis album. But obviously they’re not going to go down as well as the likes of Don’t Look Back In Anger, or y’know, Talk Tonight, because they’re really famous songs.”

Edinburgh Castle, Castle Esplanade, 7pm, £45, 0131-225 9846, www.ticketmaster.co.uk

2 COMEDY: JO CAULFIELD’S COMEDY COLLECTIVE

Funnywoman Jo Caulfield presides over proceedings, which include sketches, character comedy and a game show, with a little-stand-up thrown-in.

The Stand, York Place, 7.30pm, £5 (£4), 0131-558 7272

3 CLUB: HECTOR’S HOUSE

Progressive, vocal, disco, electro and Chicago grooves for house-heads.

Cabaret Voltaire, Blair Street, 10.30pm, £6, 0131-220 6176

4 CONCERT: TEXAS YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR

A chance to see the US outfit on their tour of the British Isles.

St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile, 12.15pm, free, 0131-226 0673

5 MUSIC: AARON WRIGHT

Rootsy rock from rising star Aaron Wright, fresh from playing Latitude Festival, appears as part of the Red Dog Songwriters’ Night.

The Ale House, Clerk Street, 9.30pm, free, 0131-629 0275