What’s on in Edinburgh this month
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MULTICULTURAL MERRIMENT
The Edinburgh Mela arrives just in time to beat the end-of-summer blues with a three-day celebration of food, fun, fashion, fireworks and Bhangra beats. Now in its 18th year, the Mela – Sanskrit for “gathering” – is a celebration of the capital’s Asian communities, attracting about 25,000 people a year. New director Chris Purnell promises a focus on performance with plenty of free events, a brand new dance stage and live music. Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sept, Leith Links,
PET PROJECT
LovePets returns after its successful launch last year. The first show of its kind in Scotland attracted more than 5,000 visitors with its unique “multi-pet” approach which meant you could buy pretty much anything you could possibly want for your dog/cat/horse/Gila monster. There’s also a petting zoo featuring everything from owls to tarantulas and experts who can advise you on the care and feeding of your best friend or the practicalities of adopting a Komodo Dragon if you live in a one-bedroom flat in Leith.
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Hide AdSat 1-Sun 2 Sept, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, £8 (£1 children),
ACTIVCITY CENTRE
No, that’s not a typographical error – Edinburgh’s Festival of Sport, organised by Activcity (see what they did there?) returns with its biggest programme of events yet. The Festival – which has been awarded the London 2012 “Inspire” mark – gives local sports clubs, gyms and organisations the opportunity to showcase their facilities with a newly expanded programme of special free events all over the city (and surrounding areas) to get you involved. Sept 1-14, various locations,
MUSICAL GEM
Garry Walker will conduct the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in a Fireworks Concert programme with a distinctly patriotic air in recognition of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. William Walton’s Orb and Sceptre takes its place alongside his suite from Henry V, Vaughn Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and the theme from The Apprentice (oh, alright, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet then). Sun 2 Sept, 9pm, standing and priority entry tickets, £12.50 and £17.50.
BUILDING BRIDGES
After the Fringe ends you may find yourself undergoing withdrawal symptoms due to the lack of big name stand-up comedy on offer in Edinburgh. Fear not, Clydebank comic Kevin Bridges is just the man to banish post-traumatic festival depression. Now the third-biggest Scottish comic on the circuit (after Frankie Boyle and Billy Connolly), you’ll know him from TV but he’s best seen live. Edinburgh Playhouse, 13 and 15 Sept, £26,
A POUT TIME
Claiming to be the capital’s first dedicated women’s fashion, beauty and lifestyle show, Pout includes fashion shows, learn-to-flirt classes, cocktail making demos, beauty tips and – as they say – much, much more. The event runs from Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 September at the Corn Exchange and the £15 entry includes a goody bag with samples, vouchers and a complimentary drink
TAKE STOCK
Fans of all things arty and epicurian should head to Edinburgh’s cosiest quarter, Stockbridge, from 15-22 September for Stockfest, tagged as “a celebration of community events”. A mouthwatering melange of theatre, live music, wine tasting, poetry and book readings and shop promotions are promised. Want more? There’s also guided walks, a market, taster sessions, open artists’ studios, and a Noir closing party, right.