Princes Street Gardens to stage Church of Scotland celebration

AROUND 7000 people are expected in Princes Street Gardens tomorrow when the Church of Scotland stages a special Sunday afternoon celebration.

Heart and Soul 2012 will see an extensive free programme of music, storytelling, interviews, comedy and workshops from 1pm until 6pm. Activities will be centred on three outdoor stages in the gardens and an indoor base at nearby St Cuthbert’s Parish Church.

The event follows a similar celebration last year, Roll the Stone Away.

Organisers say they have virtually doubled the space available this time and expanded the children’s activities.

Congregations from all over Scotland will tell how they seek to be the “heart and soul” of their communities. There will be a new marquee dedicated to “Messy Church”, where all ages join in craft and celebration.

The programme also includes massed choirs, a battle of the bands, youth football tournaments and dance and drama.

The afternoon will end with a closing worship event at the Ross Bandstand.