Chinese New Year / Burns&Beyond 2020

EDINBURGH

CHINESE NEW YEAR

2020 2020

FESTIVAL 2020

YEAR OF OF THE THE RAT RAT YEAR

TUE 21 JAN – SUN 9 FEB 2020

BURNS&BEYOND 2020

Co-ordinated by

Generously Supported by

Created and Produced by

Principal Funding Partner

Major Sponsor

Major Partners

Transport Partners

Official Charity Partner

Media Partner

With Thanks To

On behalf of Unique Events, a huge thank you to all the team at Unique and everyone who has contributed to the creation of this year’s festival and bringing Burns&Beyond & Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival together.

Special thanks go to Martin Reynolds, Margaret McNeil, Ian Baxter, Alice He, Grant Hutchison & Family, Pete Irvine, Aidan O’Rourke, Michael Pedersen & Kevin Williamson, Karen & Katy Koren, Nigel Robertson & Emma Pollock, Monica, Maria & Alex at Hillside Agency, James Bruce, Rev. Calum MacLeod & Team at St Giles’ Cathedral, Arusa, Sheri & Brendan at The List.

On behalf of ETAG, thank you to everyone at the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University’s Confucius Institute for Business and Communication, the Asian Association of Culture, Commerce and Education in Europe, the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, National Museums Scotland, St Cecilia’s Hall, the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh, and all the ETAG tourism businesses delivering events and promotions for Chinese New Year 2020.

22 2CHINESE NEW YEAR

BURNS&BEYOND 2020

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Chinese new year 2020

dinburgh’s Burns&Beyond and Chinese New Year Festivals are joining forces for a very special programme of events, celebrating the alignment of Burns Night and Chinese New Year, which will both fall on 25 January 2020. Enjoy a feast of Scottish culture and traditions and explore China’s celebratory phenomenon in an action-packed programme of events.

Chinese New Year Edinburgh is the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Scotland. Each year is attributed to an animal from a 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac and 2020 is the Year of the Rat. In China, it’s a celebration of the New Year according to the lunar calendar, sharing many similarities with Scotland’s own Christmas and Hogmanay traditions. Here in Edinburgh, it’s a chance to explore the ever-growing links between Scotland and China – and with Burns Night and Chinese New Year only coinciding every 76 years – there’s never been a better time to celebrate!

Burns&Beyond with Johnnie Walker returns for 2020, celebrating the legacy of Robert Burns through a programme of traditional and contemporary arts and culture from across Scotland and beyond. The inaugural festival in 2019 welcomed over 30,000 visitors, with audiences of all ages discovering the best in live music, art, comedy and more in some of the capital’s best-known buildings and more secretive spaces.

For the first time, a combined programme of special events and initiatives will take place throughout the city. Highlights include a spectacular Chinese Lantern installation at St Giles’ Cathedral, Burns&Beyond Culture Crawl, Edinburgh’s Official Chinese New Year Concert at the Usher Hall, the Giant Lanterns of China at Edinburgh Zoo and the new Burns&Beyond Festival Club in the famous Assembly Rooms. Local businesses in the city will also welcome visitors with everything from traditional red envelopes and bilingual ceilidhs to bespoke cocktails and whisky tastings.

Wherever you are from, we wish you the happiest of New Year and Burns celebrations.

‐ Nián Kuài Lè!

Xın (Happy New Year) Lord Provost Frank Ross, City of Edinburgh Council Consul General Ma Qiang, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Edinburgh

BURNSANDBEYOND.COM | CHINESENEWYEAR.SCOT

CONTENTS Events

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Chinese Lanterns at St. Giles’ Cathedral

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Burns&Beyond Festival Club

8

Not-So-Traditional Burns Supper

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Tiny Changes Charity Concert

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Burns&Beyond Culture Crawl

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Bairns’ Burns Supper

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Major Minor Music Club

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Red, Red Rose Street

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Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre

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Storytelling Centre 25 Giant Lanterns of China

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Usher Hall Concert 28 Chinese New Year & Other Burns Events 31 Promotions

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Published in Nov 2019 by The List Ltd Head Office: 14 High Street Edinburgh, EH1 1TE 0131 550 3050 | list.co.uk Extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication; however the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. Dates and times may be subject to change. ©2019 The List Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of The List Ltd. Printed by J Thomson Colour Printers, 14 Carnoustie Place, Glasgow, G5 8PB

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BURNS&BEYOND 2020

DAILY DIA TUE 21 JAN RED, RED ROSE STREET Rose Street, times vary, prices vary. Page 22.

RACHEL SERMANNI, CHRIS STOUT & CATRIONA MCKAY Assembly Rooms, 7pm, £17.50.

Page 8.

CAFÉ CEILIDH: BURNS CELEBRATION Storytelling Centre, 2pm, free.

Page 25.

ARMOUR: A HERSTORY OF THE SCOTTISH BARD Rose Theatre Basement, 7.30pm, £12. Page 24.

EDINBURGH OFFICIAL CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT Usher Hall, 7pm, prices vary, Page 28.

EDWYN COLLINS Assembly Rooms, 9pm, £27.

Page 9.

WED 22 JAN– SAT 1 FEB CHINESE LANTERNS AT ST GILES’ CATHEDRAL High Street, 5.30–8pm, £5.

Page 6.

THU 23 JAN A GLIMPSE INTO CHINESE NEW YEAR’S CULTURE Confucius Institute, 4.30pm, free. Page 32.

BURNS POETRY & CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION Confucius Institute, 6.30pm, free. Page 32.

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FESTIVAL CLUB AFTERSHOW – PARADISE PALM RECORDS Assembly Rooms, 10.30pm– late, free.

FRI 24 JAN THE GHOSTING OF RABBIE BURNS Rose Theatre Basement, 7pm, £12. Page 24.

BURNS&BEYOND TEATIME CEILIDH Assembly Rooms Ballroom, 6pm, £12.50. Page 11.

BILINGUAL CEILIDH – BACK WITH A BANG St. Cecilia’s Hall, 6.30pm, £5.

Page 35.

THE ‘NOT-SO-TRADITIONAL’ BURNS SUPPER Freemasons’ Hall, 7.30pm, £50.

Page 13.

TIDE LINES Assembly Rooms, 9pm, £22.

Page 10.

THE COMEDY SHOW ‘BURNS SPECIAL’ Rose Theatre Basement, 9pm, £12. Page 24.

FESTIVAL CLUB AFTERSHOW – PARADISE PALM RECORDS Assembly Rooms, 10.30pm– late, free.

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BURNS&BEYOND 2020 PHOTO: PRUDENCE UPTON

ARY MUSICAL FINALE National Museum of Scotland, 3.45pm, free. Page 34.

BILINGUAL CEILIDH – BACK WITH A BANG St. Cecilia’s Hall, 6.30pm, £5.

Page 35.

BURNS&BEYOND CULTURE CRAWL Throughout City Centre, 6.30–10.30pm, £25. Page 15.

SAT 25 JAN FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY National Museum of Scotland, 11am–4pm, free. Page 34.

BURNS FOR BRUNCH Storytelling Centre, noon & 3.30pm, £10 (£8). Page 25.

BAIRNS’ BURNS SUPPER Freemasons’ Hall, noon, free.

Page 20.

FAMILY CEILIDH Storytelling Centre, 1.30pm, £5.

Page 25.

CELEBRATING CNY & BURNS NIGHT –

FESTIVAL CLUB AFTERSHOW – PARADISE PALM RECORDS Assembly Rooms, 10.30pm– late, free.

SUN 26 JAN MAJOR MINOR MUSIC CLUB – MARTHA FFION Freemasons’ Hall, 2pm, £10 / £5. Page 21.

WHISKY TASTINGS WITH JOHNNIE WALKER Assembly Rooms Ballroom, check website for times and prices. Page 11.

TINY CHANGES FUNDRAISING CONCERT Usher Hall, 8pm, £40. Page 14.

t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

FESTIVAL CLUB AFTERSHOW – PARADISE PALM RECORDS Assembly Rooms, 10.30pm– late, free.

TUE 28 JAN FREE LANGUAGE TASTER Confucius Institute, 6.30pm, free. Page 32.

FRI 31 JAN CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE CHINESE NEW YEAR PARTY Confucius Institute, 6pm, free.

Page 32.

SAT 1 FEB A CELEBRATION OF CHINESE CULTURE St. Cecilia’s Hall, 2.30pm, free.

Page 35.

THU 6 FEB 2020 – YEAR OF THE RAT CELEBRATION CONCERT Royal Botanic Garden, 7.30pm, prices vary. Page 34.

FRI 15 NOV– SUN 26 JAN GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA AT EDINBURGH ZOO Edinburgh Zoo, times & prices vary. Page 26.

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Chinese Lanterns at St Giles’ Cathedral Following last year’s spectacular presentation of Luke Jerram’s ‘Museum of the Moon’ and in celebration of Burns Night and Chinese New Year both falling on 25 January, a stunning Chinese lantern installation has been created to transform Edinburgh’s famous St Giles’ Cathedral with a canopy of over 400 lanterns.

An evening illumination and soundtrack will create a spectacular sensory experience along with a programme of daytime and evening performances and events throughout the festival.

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ST GILES’ CATHEDRAL, HIGH STREET wed 22 Jan–SAT 1 FEB DAYTIME ENTRY:

Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm | Free (unticketed)

EVENING ILLUMINATION:

Every evening 5.30–8pm | Tickets: £5 (inc. booking fee) For further details and ticket information, visit

burnsandbeyond.com

With thanks to St Giles’ Cathedral

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FESTIVAL RAC HE L SERM AN I

With music at the heart of Robert Burns’ rich poetic legacy, it seems only fitting to celebrate our national bard with a line-up of some of Scotland’s finest musicians. Giving audiences the opportunity to raise a toast to the master songsmith, the Burns&Beyond Festival Club at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms plays host to an array of concerts and events with folk, rock, whisky and a ceilidh all added to the mix

L to R, clockwise: Rachel Sermanni, Chris Stout & Catriona Mackay, Edwyn Collins

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RACHEL SERMANNI, CHRIS STOUT & CATRIONA MCKAY OPENING NIGHT CONCERT, THU 23 JAN, 7–8.30PM

Folk-noir balladeer Rachel Sermanni has often cited Burns as an inspiration, her beautifully evocative sound rooted in the traditional while providing hints of contemporary soundscapes through grunge guitars and percussive textures. Having played the inaugural Burns&Beyond festival in 2018 with a soldout performance ‘under the moon’, she returns for a special opening night concert with Chris Stout and Catriona McKay. Sermanni is known for being a truly dynamic singer and songwriter, whose performance and lyrics draw from a deep well of mystic lore, dreams, nature and the simple-complex experience of being human.

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ASSEMBLY ROOMS

by the history of their native Shetland Islands and Scotland, taking their traditional instruments and catapulting them into the contemporary world of music making. Awarded Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2018, Stout and McKay’s performance at the opening night concert promises to showcase their trademark synergy and bold musical expression.

PHOTO: JOHN MAHER

CLUB Nearly four years on from her critically acclaimed second album, Tied To The Moon, she returned this summer with her third full-length effort, So It Turns, which incorporates darker elements into her sound. Weaving in stories about her time spent at a Buddhist monastery in the Scottish Borders, general feelings of hopelessness about the current state of the world and her overwhelming desire for action and change, the album features a range of musical styles and powerful elements of storytelling.

Performed live, the album’s tracks take on a new life, their sublime and captivating melodies adding extra warmth to Sermanni’s heartfelt vocals.

Having collaborated and gigged together for over two decades, Shetland fiddler Chris Stout and Dundonian harpist Catriona McKay have created a unique partnership and a sound that continues to evolve. They have excited audiences all over the world with their own brand of music inspired

EDWYN COLLINS THU 23 JAN, 9–10.30PM

Elsewhere on the Festival Club programme you’ll find Scottish music legend and inspirational artist Edwyn Collins. Recently celebrating his 60th birthday, the musician, producer and Postcard Records cofounder from Edinburgh, has been a pioneer of Scotland’s music scene for over 40 years, both as the lead singer of 80s post-punk band Orange Juice and as a solo artist in his own right.

In February 2005, Collins was hospitalised following two cerebral haemorrhages which resulted in aphasia, and he subsequently underwent an extensive rehabilitation period. He resumed his musical career in 2007, with his latest album Badbea released in 2019 to rave reviews and critical acclaim.

‘The album is nostalgic really, looking back to the Orange Juice days,’ he said of Badbea in a recent interview. It’s his fourth album since the brain haemorrhages that nearly took his life. The title of the album itself refers to an abandoned village (pronounced ‘Bad Bay’; ‘It’s near the sea . . . ghostly . . . ’ he says) just up the coast from where Collins and his wife and manager, Grace Maxwell, now live and have a studio in the northern Scottish village of Helmsdale.

Showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon, Collins embarked on a UK-wide tour in support of Badbea, inviting fans to enjoy the album’s frenetic post-punk and soulful balladry, as well as continuing his obvious drive to keep performing and making music. His Burns&Beyond gig offers a chance to see the songwriter in his element and to reflect on a career that has greatly impacted Scottish pop history as we know it today.

>> t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

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BURNS&BEYOND 2020

T I D E L I N ES FRI 24 JAN, 9–10.30PM

The evening following Edwyn Collins’ muchanticipated gig, Glasgow-based quartet Tide Lines will be taking to the Assembly Rooms stage with their highly eclectic sound, which is described as ‘a combination of Celtic soul, folk philosophy and big guitars with the voice of a Gaelic angel in singer and chief songwriter, Robert Robertson’.

Having first emerged in the summer of 2016 with the release of their debut single,‘Far Side Of The World’, the band – Robert Robertson on guitar and vocals, Ross Wilson on keyboards, Ali Turner on guitar and bagpipes, and Fergus Munro on drums – have since taken the Scottish music scene by storm, heavily influenced by the traditional music of their native Highlands and Islands.

Their first single of 2019, ‘Running at the Dark’, charted at number 13 in the Scottish charts in the

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first week of its release, the band then embarking on a UK tour in spring this year, with a summer of festivals across Europe keeping them busy. Their devoted fans are renowned for creating electric atmospheres and raucous live shows and having recently sold-out the Glasgow Barrowlands for their biggest headline show to date in under 6 minutes, this promises to be a hot ticket for the festival.

OT H E R EV E N TS No Burns celebration can be truly complete without a good old-fashioned ceilidh and luckily, the Burns&Beyond Festival Club has got you covered.

Join Fergie MacDonald – ‘The Ceilidh King’ – for a tea-time ceilidh and accordion masterclass to kick-start your Burns Night weekend. Fergie formed his first band in 1953, had his first BBC

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ASSEMBLY ROOMS radio broadcast and television appearances in 1964 and, to date, has recorded no less than 32 albums, making him the undisputed Ceilidh King.

Finally, what better way to honour the bard than by enjoying a wee dram or two to close the programme? Whisky connoisseurs and those less familiar with Scotland’s national drink can head to the Assembly Rooms’ grand Ballroom for an exclusive whisky tasting with Johnnie Walker, which will educate and entertain audiences on the history of the drink, while providing more insight into the process of whisky production in Scotland, the ingredients required and its legacy around the world. Johnnie Walker Ambassador Nigel Robertson will be your guide as you discover the distillation and taste behind some of Johnnie Walkers’s most famous brands. In the words of Burns himself, ‘freedom an’ whisky gang thegither! Take aff your dram!’

Don’t end the night without visiting the Festival Club Aftershow, with Davie Miller, founding member of Scottish electronic pioneers FiniTribe, and Paradise Palms Records keeping you dancing until late each night.

Assembly Rooms, George Street Thu 23–Sun 26 Jan, burnsandbeyond.com

FESTIVAL CLUB EVENTS

Chris Stout & Catriona McKay LUCKY MIDDLEMASS’S TAVERN – OPENING NIGHT CONCERT: RACHEL SERMANNI, CHRIS STOUT & CATRIONA MCKAY Assembly Rooms – Ballroom Thu 23 Jan, 7–8.30pm Ticket: £17.50 (inc. fees) EDWYN COLLINS Assembly Rooms – Music Hall Thu 23 Jan, 9–10.30pm Ticket: £27 (inc. fees) BURNS&BEYOND TEATIME CEILIDH WITH FERGIE MACDONALD ‘THE CEILIDH KING’ Assembly Rooms – Ballroom Fri 24 Jan, 6–8pm Ticket: £12.50 (inc. fees) TIDE LINES Assembly Rooms – Music Hall Fri 24 Jan, 9–10.30pm Ticket: £22 (inc. fees)

Tide Lines

t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

WHISKY TASTING WITH JOHNNIE WALKER Assembly Rooms – Ballroom Sun 26 Jan, check website for times and prices

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FREEMASONS’ HALL

THE NOT-SO-TRADITIONAL

BURNS SUPPER Following last year’s sell-out event, the Not-SoTraditional Burns Supper is back for another raucous night of comedy, live music and delicious food and drink. Last year, comedian Scott Gibson hosted proceedings with live music from the Nevis Ensemble, toasts tae the Lads and Lassies, an energetic ceilidh and spectacular food from the award-winning Urban Angel, plus a dram or two from Johnnie Walker.

This year’s event will see Gibson returning to the helm as he welcomes special guests, a few surprises and a ceilidh finale from the incredible Kilter Ceilidh Band. Revellers will be greeted with a Burns&Beyond Johnnie Walker cocktail on arrival before tucking into a delicious three-course meal.

Not for the faint hearted or easily offended . . .

Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, Fri 24 Jan, 7.30–11.30pm Tickets: £50 (inc. fees), over 18s only

t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

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usher hall

A WALTZ ACROSS THE

CARPET

A special night of music and entertainment in support of

In their expanded second year series of events, the team behind Burns&Beyond have announced that the 2020 programme will feature a special charity concert, A Waltz Across the Carpet, to celebrate the life and music of Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison. All proceeds raised from the concert will be donated to Tiny Changes, a charity founded

by Hutchison’s family following his death in 2018 to raise awareness about mental health issues affecting children and young people.

Hutchison, who openly expressed his personal struggles with mental health through his music, art and interviews, impacted the lives of so many people throughout his life and continues to do so to this day. Tiny Changes was founded to carry on his legacy and aims to inspire ‘positive action on mental health among young people and to make

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tiny changes to Earth’, referencing a much-loved Frightened Rabbit lyric.

Fittingly, A Waltz Across the Carpet also takes its name from a Hutchison-penned lyric in the song ‘Old Old Fashioned’. The night of live music and entertainment at the Usher Hall will be curated by Scott’s brother and bandmate, Grant Hutchison, and is set to feature many artists and performers whose lives were touched by both Scott’s music and friendship. All proceeds raised from the event’s ticket sales, as well as other fundraising throughout the festival, will be donated to Tiny Changes.

Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 26 Jan, 8–10.30pm Ticket: £40 (inc. fees)

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city centre

CULTURE CRAWL SATURDAY 25 January 6.30PM – 10.30PM OVER 50 PERFOrMERS • 9 VENUES • 4 HOURS • 1 NIGHT OF DISCOVERY

Stanley Odd & Rozi Plain & Neu! Reekie! & Michael Pedersen & Nadine Aisha Jassat & Kevin Williamson & Kixx Collective & Tam Dean Burn & The Bum Clocks & Whisky Tasting with Johnnie Walker & Carla J. Easton & The Leith Collective & Chinese Lanterns at St. Giles’ Cathedral Ashley Beedle & Ramrock Records & Scott Capurro & Kinnaris Quintet & Silent Disco ‘Scotland v’s the World’ & Joseph Malik & Band & much more… t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

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NEW TOWN

BURNS&BEYOND 2020

CULTURE CRAWL

SATURDAY 25 January 6.30pm– 10.30PM

Venues throughout the Old & New Town Tickets: £25 (inc. booking fees) Join us on a journey through Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns, moving from one venue to another during an evening of discovery which features live music and performance by artists from across Scotland and beyond.

Take in sights, sounds, visuals and experiences reflecting the best in live performance, all staged in incredible venues and spaces across both the Old and New Towns.

Neu! Reekie!

Neu! Reekie!

Kevin Williamson

Culture Crawl tickets are priced at £25 (inc. booking fee) and allow participants to explore all eight venues throughout the night.

Stanely Odd

PHOTO: SOMHAIRLE MACDONALD

Kinnaris Quintet

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PHOTO: KAT GOLLOCK

Carla J. Easton

Rozi Plain

Freemasons’ Hall, George Street

Assembly Rooms – Ballroom

NEU! REEKIE! PRESENTS

LUCKY MIDDLEMASS’S TAVERN

STANLEY ODD MICHAEL PEDERSEN, DAVIE MILLER (FINIFLEX/TRIBE) & CARLA J. EASTON COLLIDE KEVIN WILLIAMSON WITH KIXX COLLECTIVE & CRAIG LITHGOW Stanley Odd are an alternative hip hop group based in Scotland, who over the last eight years have been breaking new ground, taking Scottish hip hop to audiences around the UK and beyond.

Champions of oddness and outsiderdom, their explosive live shows have earned them a loyal and ever-expanding fanbase.

Award-winning poet, Michael Pedersen joins forces with cult electronic dance and acid house pioneer Davie Miller. Together they deliver an evolved and reimagined version of their Festival No. 6 commissioned mini set, that was part of Andrew Weatherall’s Psychedelic Faber Social stage. And for the first time ever, they are joined by 2019 SAY Award shortlisted musical firecracker Carla J. Easton – known for her dreamy, addictive pop and vivacious songwriting with TeenCanteen and live performances with The Vaselines.

One of the centrepieces of Burns&Beyond will be an explosive performance of Tam o’ Shanter performed from memory, and with menace, by poet Kevin Williamson, with music by Craig Lithgow, plus the dancers & performers of the Kixx Collective.

t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

ROZI PLAIN KINNARIS QUINTET NADINE AISHA JASSAT + SPECIAL GUEST TO BE ANNOUNCED Curated by Aidan O’Rourke (Lau), Lucky Middlemass’s Tavern returns to the Culture Crawl for an evening of spectacular live music and spoken word.

The music of Rozi Plain is a colourful, joyous and graceful snapshot of the world, paused, suspended in time, and then gently toyed with, like stepping out of the linear world as we know it. Wide awake and dreaming.

Kinnaris Quintet’s dynamic and compelling sound is the marriage of their diverse musical backgrounds, influences and styles. Combining Scottish and Irish folk with bluegrass and classical, Kinnaris are five musicians unable to hide their joy at making music together. It’s an enthusiasm that is infectious as anyone who has seen them live will attest.

Nadine Aisha Jassat is a poet, writer and creative practitioner known for combining the creative arts with social justice. As a writer, Nadine’s work explores themes of heritage, voice, family, storytelling and resilience.

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NEW TOWN

BURNS&BEYOND 2020

Secret location

Whisky Tasting with Johnnie Walker Fancy a dram or two for Burns Night? Then visit the Johnnie Walker Whisky Tasting as you navigate the city throughout the night for a crash course on our national drink.

Johnnie Walker Ambassador Nigel Robertson will be your guide as you discover the distillation and taste behind some of Johnnie Walker’s most famous brands such as Black Label, White Walker, Green Label and Gold Label.

Culture Crawl Rose Theatre, Rose Street

Gilded Balloon presents

Joseph Malik

Edinburgh’s legendary comedy pioneers Gilded Balloon return to the Culture Crawl for another hilarious night of rapid-fire comedy sets, featuring a stellar line-up of talent from Scotland and beyond! Featuring Gareth Waugh, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, Marjolein Robertson, Susan Riddell, Jamie Dalgleish and Scott Capurro.

Malcolm Ross

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OLD TOWN

St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street

With thanks to St Giles’ Cathedral

Liquid Room, Victoria Street

The Leith Collective

Chinese Lanterns at St Giles’ Cathedral A must-see venue on the Culture Crawl is St Giles’ Cathedral, where a canopy of over 400 Chinese lanterns will transform the Edinburgh landmark in celebration of Burns Night and Chinese New Year both falling on Sat 25 Jan. With full illumination of the lanterns, cathedral architecture and soundtrack, this is a sensory experience notto-be missed.

OUT OF THE ORDINARY & RAMROCK RECORDS PRESENTS . . .

The Edinburgh all-star band Out of the Ordinary follow up two sell-out Edinburgh shows with another stellar line-up fronted by Leith’s finest DJ and singersongwriter Joseph Malik including Ramrock HiFi with legendary DJs Jo Wallace and Ashley Beedle playing alongside the infamous Bum Clocks – the original Leith supergroup, and Tam Dean Burn – Scotland’s foremost actor. Add to this, Steven Christie (Proclaimers), Malcolm Ross (Orange Juice), Rusty Burn (Fire Engines) and Leith’s very own comedian and taxi driver Paul McNeil (hailed by Irvine Welsh as one of the funniest men in the city), singer songwriters Lynzie Dray and Rosanne Erskine, Zimbabwean singer and the city’s King of Afrobeat Einstein, Portobello’s own singer-songwriter Daniel McGeever and the full Easter Road Northern Soul Band. This promises to be a riotous night to remember!

t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

Secret location

Silent Disco – Scotland vs The World Returning for 2020, the kings of the Silent Disco, Silent Adventures, and Edinburgh’s DJ legend, The Great Calverto, invite you to battle it out on the dancefloor as classic Scottish tunes take on international hits for a night of non-stop dancing in a secret venue on the Culture Crawl. Don’t get stuck there all night ’cos you’ve got more venues to explore . . .

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the

bairns’ burns supper A fun way to get the kids involved on Burns Night

Burns Night isn’t just an annual affair for the grown-ups; with music, dancing and food in the mix, it can be a great chance for wee ones to get involved and learn about this important Scottish festival, all while having heaps of fun in the process.

New for 2020, the Bairns’ Burns Supper will have you and your little ones birlin’ for Burns with traditional ceilidh dancing for the whole family. Suitable for all ages, join the incredible Kilter Ceilidh Band and some superb ceilidh callers for an entertaining, relaxed, child-friendly event. Kids can also get a taste of their first Burns Supper with a bit of haggis and some surprise guests who will no doubt help supply plenty of laughs and amusement.

No need to book a ticket, just turn-up with your dancin’ shoes ready!

Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, Sat 25 Jan, noon–1.30pm, free (unticketed).

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CULTURE TRAIL

major minor music club Major Minor Music Club returns to Burns&Beyond following last year’s sold-out event with another fun-packed show for music lovers and a unique opportunity to take the next generation to their first gig

M

artha Ffion, the musical project of Claire Martha Ffion McKay, will be taking over the Freemasons’ Hall with her live band for a unique afternoon concert, combining classic songwriting with her beautifully melodic dream-pop sound. We catch up with the Glasgow-based musician to find out more about her upcoming special gig.

MARTHA FFION & BAND

On Major Minor Music Club and why it’s a great initiative for families

I’m really inspired by people who are doing gigs differently and making them more inclusive for people who might feel alienated by the normal gig culture. There are loads of times I’ve missed gigs I wanted to go to – because they finish ridiculously late or I know there’s going to be a ‘laddy’ atmosphere with people shoving and throwing pints.

It’s great that Major Minor are committed to creating a safe and fun atmosphere for kids and families! I remember seeing live music when I was a kid at festivals in my hometown and how much of a buzz it was, even though it was usually just an Elvis impersonator . . .

On being a part of Burns&Beyond and the legacy of Robert Burns

Being Irish, I experienced my first ever Burns night in student halls in Glasgow – that was my first time trying haggis. I love the tradition of it all though I have to admit I am still pretty new to Burns’ work (aside from ‘the hits’!) It’s going to be really fun to celebrate Burns&Beyond in Edinburgh with the band.

On what families and little ones can expect from her special set

I’ve been doing my research, figuring out what the kids are listening to. There’ll hopefully be at least one fun cover. And also hopefully some new Martha Ffion songs from the new album I’m currently working on. We can’t wait!

Major Minor Music Club – Martha Ffion & Band, Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, Sun 26 Jan, 2–4pm Ticket: £10 / £5 (inc. fees)

t f c @BurnsandBeyond | #BurnsandBeyond

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RED, RED ROSE STREET

BURNS&BEYOND 2020

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ROSE STREET Red, Red Rose Street returns as part of Burns&Beyond, with the capital’s famous city centre street hosting a series of free and ticketed events for audiences of all ages

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ose Street was frequented by Burns and today’s bars and restaurants that inhabit the street have remained pillars of Edinburgh history, each building and venue forming part of the city’s rich past. During Burns&Beyond,you can explore the shops, bars and restaurants, whilst enjoying comedy, theatre and live music in many of the venues. Here are some of the highlights of the Red, Red Rose Street programme.

RABBIE RAMBLE The Rabbie Ramble returns, where families can once again collect a Rabbie Ramble Map from the Information Centre at the Assembly Rooms, George Street and set off to discover hidden clues and puzzles throughout the area.

Once complete, claim your prize and earn a well-deserved rest in one of the many cafes, bars or restaurants, where you will find special Burns&Beyond offers in many of the businesses.

THE BIG BURNS QUIZ New for 2020, The Big Burns Quiz will be held in bars throughout Rose Street on Wed 22 Jan. Teams will compete against other bars, testing their knowledge on everything Scotland from Robert Burns to Scottish pop music, Scottish history to popular culture. To find out how to enter and support your favourite Rose Street bar, burnsandbeyond.com for more details.

CHINESE NEW YEAR – LUCKY RED ENVELOPES Also during Red, Red Rose Street, you can join in the Chinese New Year celebrations by picking up a Lucky Red Envelope from participating businesses on Rose Street. Find hidden prizes, business offers, Burns&Beyond with Johnnie Walker Festival tickets or maybe a Burns poem to brighten your day.

You can also visit the Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre Basement, Burns&Beyond Festival Club at the Assembly Rooms or Freemasons’ Hall, George Street to enjoy some incredible live music, theatre, comedy and dancing for all ages.

Red, Red Rose Street, throughout Rose Street, Edinburgh, Mon 20– Sun 26 Jan, free and ticketed events. Visit burnsandbeyond.com for full listings of Rose Street events and business offers.

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gilded balloon basement at

the rose theatre 204 Rose Street, Edinburgh | 0131 622 6552 gildedballoon.co.uk

Gilded Balloon’s year-round home for comedy, cabaret and theatre in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End is renowned for its formidable programme of entertainment, featuring award-nominated comedians and boundary-pushing performance artists.

Here are just some of the venue’s highlights for Burns Night celebrations in January

ARMOUR: A HERSTORY OF THE SCOTTISH BARD Thu 23 Jan, 7.30pm, £12 What do the widow and mistress of Scotland’s famous bard discuss over tea? After the death of Robert Burns, his wife Jean Armour and mistress Nancy Maclehose finally meet.

Female-led theatre company Fearless Players bring an all-female production dedicated to the women behind Scotland’s history.

Using the well-known music of Robert Burns woven through with original compositions, this show gives a voice to the women behind the bard.

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THE GHOSTING OF RABBIE BURNS Fri 24 Jan, 7pm, £12

relationships haven’t changed that much in 200 years after all.

Heartbroken author Emily Winters takes herself away to her aunt’s old cottage in Ayrshire to get over her cheating ex. As she celebrates Burns night alone, wishing that the right man would show up, she gets a slightly different visitation than she’d hoped for – the ghost of Rabbie Burns appears to give her some dating advice . . . and he knows what he’s talking about!

Featuring the great songs and poems of Burns, such as ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose’, ‘Ae Fond Kiss’, ‘Charlie is my Darlin’ and, of course, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, this hilarious comedy proves that love and

THE COMEDY SHOW BURNS SPECIAL Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jan, 9pm, £12

On Burns Night weekend, Gilded Balloon bring you the (whisky) cream of the comedy crop! With MC Gareth Waugh and your headliner Scott Capurro plus a couple more special guests to be announced.

BURNSANDBEYOND.COM

burns events

Scottish storytelling centre 43–45 High St, Edinburgh | 0131 556 9579 scottishstorytellingcentre.com

As Scotland’s master storyteller, Robert Burns continues to touch lives with his timeless prose and lyrical gems. And what better way to honour our national treasure than by revisiting some of his best known works? Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre have got you covered as they pay homage to Burns with a feast of storytelling, music, workshops, dance and children’s events, celebrating his life and legacy in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

TAM O’SHANTER: TELLING THE BIG TALE Sat 18 Jan, 2pm, £16 Explore Robert Burns’ master narrative and learn how to recite this most mighty of tales with Donald Smith. A big challenge packed with fun.

CAFÉ CEILIDH: BURNS CELEBRATION Tue 21 Jan, 2pm, free Join the Scots Music Group for an afternoon of traditional songs, music, poems and stories celebrating Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.

SUPPER WITH BURNS Thu 23 & Fri 24 Jan, 7pm, £30 An alternative Burns Supper in the beautiful setting of

the Storytelling Court with a generous helping of Burns’ stories, song and lore. Hosted

by David Campbell and Ruth Kirkpatrick, with clarsach player Katie Harrigan. Also featuring Daniel Allison’s wonderful rendition of Tam O’Shanter.

FAMILY CEILIDH Sat 25 Jan, 1.30pm, £5 Come with family and friends to dance familiar Scottish dances and sing well-known songs. All the dances will be called and there will be easier circles for the littler ones. A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music and some stories too.

BURNS FOR BRUNCH Sat 25 Jan, noon &

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3.30pm, £10 (£8) Hungover, perhaps, but not yet hung out to dry, Robert Burns awakes in Auld Reekie 2019 sharing his thoughts, poems and songs, casting a satiric eye around his Scotland and ours.

THE CEILIDH HOUSE: TAM O’SHANTER Sat 25 Jan, 7.30pm, £10 (£8) Welcome to the Burns Night Ceilidh House, where people meet to dance, sing, play music and share stories. Join in for a special improvised ceilidh telling of Tam O’ Shanter in a friendly, lively, and enjoyable setting, with the chance to participate or just to sit back and enjoy the fun.

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Be transported back to a time where weird and wonderful creatures roamed the Earth as Edinburgh Zoo’s award-winning lantern festival returns Having quickly become a hugely popular element of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations, the awardwinning Giant Lanterns event returns to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo, but with a whole new theme for 2019. Running across 47-nights, this extravaganza is based around a Lost Worlds theme, where hundreds of prehistoric creatures will be brought to life to present a visually stunning display of the history of wildlife.

‘We are thrilled to be bringing Giant Lanterns back to the zoo this winter and really excited about our new theme,’ says Lyndy Donaldson, events and experiences manager at Edinburgh Zoo. ‘Giant Lanterns: Lost Worlds will offer visitors the opportunity to discover the amazing creatures that once lived on our planet and help us raise awareness of the very real threat of extinction faced today by endangered species around the world.’

The enchanting mile-long nocturnal trail around the zoo will transport visitors back to a time when unfamiliar creatures roamed the earth, with over 600 lanterns highlighting 570 million years of incredible wildlife, from the first array of tiny microbes, to a world ruled by dinosaurs and an ice age that gave way to the forgotten giants

of the animal kingdom.

‘Highlights include a tyrannosaurus rex, a 32-foot-tall volcano, a gigantic 65-foot-long snake as well as some new interactive elements,’ adds Donaldson. ‘As Scotland’s only Chinese lantern festival, it’s a fantastic experience for all the family.’

This is the third year of the Giant Lanterns event which continues to dazzle and delight guests of all ages. The event stems from a long-standing relationship between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Sichuan, the birthplace of Edinburgh Zoo’s giant pandas, with the lanterns painstakingly handcrafted by artisans in Sichuan, travelling over 5000 miles before arriving at the zoo.

The event has timed entry slots, every 15 minutes from 4.45pm to 7.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to book online in advance to secure their preferred date and time. The Giant Lanterns of China runs in partnership with the VYA Creative Lantern Company, DDM Entertainment and Events Inc. and the Conficius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh.

Giant Lanterns of China: Lost Worlds, Fri 15 Nov 2019–Sun 26 Jan 2020 (not 25 Dec) Tickets: £8.50–£17, edinburghzoo.org.uk

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GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA: LOST WORLDS

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Edinburgh's Official

Chinese New Year Concert A multicultural musical voyage with performers from China and Scotland 28 28

Asian Association of Commerce, Culture and Education in Europe is once again pleased to present the official Chinese New Year Concert at the Usher Hall on Tue 21 Jan 2020. The Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival, will be celebrated on stage by the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Edinburgh Singers and many outstanding artists and soloists from China and Scotland.

Featured among these artists are the Guizhou Song and Dance Ensemble, a professional performing arts troupe established in 1956.

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USHER HALL

Working in genres ranging from dance drama to opera, the troupe specialises in artistic creation that features key characteristics of Guizhou culture. With many works in their repertoire that have gained recognition and won awards at home and abroad, including the sensational dance drama Manluo Flower, the company now has a cast and crew of over 200. The troupe has toured over 20 countries, including the UK, France, Japan, Russia and Canada, promoting Guizhou traditions and artistic exchange around the world.

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For this particular performance, they will be bringing a variety of dances and songs that portray and show their unique folk customs and the styles they manifest. Join in this musical celebration to say farewell to the happiness and gentleness of the Pig, while welcoming in the optimism and energy of the Rat. Edinburgh Official Chinese New Year Concert, Usher Hall, Tue 21 Jan, 7pm, usherhall.co.uk

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FLY FINNAIR AND TAKE THE SHORT NORTHERN ROUTE TO CHINA

Chinese new year 2020

CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENTS LISTINGS With such a wide variety of events taking place in Edinburgh for Chinese New Year, there are many ways to celebrate the Year of the Rat with friends and family.

Read on to plan your perfect festival experience

ANATOMICAL MUSEUM MUSEUMS IN MANDARIN AND COLLECTIONS IN CANTONESE – THE CNY SPOTLIGHT SERIES Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jan, times vary, stcecilias. ed.ac.uk Come and explore the highlights of the collections and museums with the Museums in Mandarin and Collections in Cantonese teams. Tours are free but ticketed.

BELLFIELD BREWERY A CELEBRATION FEAST AT BELLFIELD BREWERY Thu 23–Sun 26 Jan, times vary, £30, bellfieldbrewery.com/ feast Scottish and Chinese food and drink come together to celebrate Chinese New Year and Burns Night. With lucky New Year food and traditional Scottish food and drink

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on offer including a special edition beer from Bellfield, the evening will be accompanied by dramatic readings of Burns poetry and local musicians. If you feel in the mood to dance, there’s plenty of space in the courtyard.

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE FOR SCOTLAND A GLIMPSE INTO CHINESE NEW YEAR’S CULTURE Thu 23 Jan, 4.30–6.30pm, confuciusinstitute. ac.uk/CNY2020 Red couplets, Chinese New Year phrases, tales, traditional preparations for Chinese

New Year – this free drop-in workshop combining language and culture activities will help you to get ready for your very own Chinese New Year.

BURNS POETRY LAUNCH AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION Thu 23 Jan, 6.30–7.30pm, confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/ CNY2020 To mark the special occasion of the Chinese New Year and Burns Night falling on the same day in 2020, the Confucius Institute for Scotland will launch the 3rd edition of Selected Poems of Robert Burns before Chinese New Year’s Eve. This

volume is a collation of the earliest and finest Chinese translations of Robert Burns’ poems published from the 1920s. The original calligraphy work in the volume will also be displayed at the event.

FREE LANGUAGE TASTER Tue 28 Jan confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/ CNY2020 Making New Year resolutions?

Sign up for a free language taster course at the Confucius Institute for Scotland to start the new year. This is a lively and interactive course for learners who have no prior knowledge of the Chinese language. It will set you on the path to learning the language if you wish to continue your studies.

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE FOR SCOTLAND CHINESE NEW YEAR PARTY Fri 31 Jan, 6–9pm, confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/ CNY2020 Join the Confucius Institute for Scotland’s annual Chinese New Year’s party to mark the arrival of the Year of the Rat. As well as the chance to meet up with friends, old and new, over some delicious jiaozi and a glass or two, there will be a range of cultural activities to take part in, including mahjong, calligraphy, karaoke, and Chinese chess. Please register to ensure you can get a ticket and to allow us the chance to

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try to provide enough Chinese dumplings!

EDINBURGH ZOO GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA: LOST WORLDS Fri 15 Nov 2019–Sun 26 Jan 2020 (not 25 Dec), entry slots every 15 mins from 4.45– 7.30pm, £8.50–£17, edinburghzoo.org.uk Giant Lanterns: Lost Worlds, Scotland’s only Chinese lantern festival, offers visitors the opportunity to discover the amazing creatures that once lived on our planet and help us raise awareness of the very real threat of extinction faced today by endangered species around the world. Highlights to look out for on your journey include a tyrannosaurus rex, a 32-foot-tall volcano, a gigantic 65-foot-long snake as well as some new interactive elements.

CHINESE NEW YEAR RECEPTION AT EDINBURGH ZOO confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/ CNY2020 The Confucius Institute for Scotland will host a Chinese New Year’s reception at Edinburgh Zoo to mark the arrival of the Year of the Rat and celebrate our collaboration with the zoo on the lantern festival. Enjoy the Chinese New Year festivities and amazing lantern display.

Places at this event are limited

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and booking is essential. Date to be confirmed on website.

HOLYROOD DISTILLERY BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATION Sat 25 Jan, 6.30pm–late, £50, holyrooddistillery.co.uk In partnership with awardwinning caterers Hickory, flavour is at the forefront of this event. Join us for a specially curated evening of Burns-themed food and whisky tasting; followed by live traditional Scottish music in the bar, with views of Arthur’s Seat.

CHINESE NEW YEAR Thu 23 Jan–Sun 2 Feb, times vary, holyrooddistillery.co.uk A week of activities and events celebrating both Burns Night and Chinese New Year,

including: themed tastings of gin and whisky, the signature Burns Night event, red envelope gifts for every visitor (ranging from a Holyrood Distillery Pen through to a whisky hamper worth £200), limited edition red label whiskies, and Mandarintranslated experiences available all week.

HOTEL CHOCOLAT TARTAN MEETS TRADITION CHOCOLAT LOCK INS Mon 20, Wed 22, Fri 24, Sat 25 Jan, 6.15– 7.15pm, hotelchocolat. com Enjoy a chocolate tasting to celebrate Chinese New Year and Burns Night at Hotel Chocolat on Frederick Street, Edinburgh. Tickets are £10 (with the £10 to spend instore on the night).

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JOHN LEWIS JOIN THE RACE FOR THE RATS Sat 25 Jan, noon–2pm, johnlewis.com Use your rat-like wisdom to find one of the five lucky red ‘rat’ envelopes hidden around the shop. Each envelope contains a gift card to spend in John Lewis & Partners.

Bring this brochure to the main entrance of the shop to take part.

MERCAT CROSS A ROYAL MILE SPECIAL: CHINESE NEW YEAR Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jan; Sat 1 & Sun 2 Feb, 11am, mercattours.com Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 with a special edition Secrets of the Royal Mile tour.

Hear stories from each Year of the Rat and the historical events that shaped our past and our people, our city and country. From grand

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monarchs to our own Mercat Cross, bold New Town plans to riotous public executions, you’ll connect with our past with your Mercat storyteller as they guide you through the twisting tales and wynds of Scotland’s stories.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY Sat 25 Jan, 11am– 4pm, nms.ac.uk/ chinesenewyear Drop in for a fun selection of traditional activities to celebrate the Year of the Rat. Starting with a spectacular Lion Dance, enjoy lively performances and demonstrations throughout the day. Try your hand at calligraphy, make a lucky red envelope and dress up in traditional costume. Discover more about the Chinese Zodiac animals then use our trail to find them all hiding around the museum. With support from the Confucius

Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh.

CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR & BURNS NIGHT – A MUSICAL FINALE Sat 25 Jan, 3.45pm, nms.ac.uk/ chinesenewyear A double cultural celebration of music and song by Chinese and Scottish traditional musicians to end the day’s festivities at the museum. With support from the Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS 2020 YEAR OF THE RAT – CELEBRATION CONCERT Thu 6 Feb, 7.30pm, hwuconfucius. eventbrite.com The Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication from Heriot Watt University will once again be hosting the Rainbow Melodies troupe of musicians from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics to help celebrate the arrival of the year of the Rat in 2020. This year the troupe will perform a selection of music based on traditional Chinese folk music with a variety of traditional instruments including the erhu, Chinese zither, drums, pipa and suona horn.

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Chinese new year 2020

TRON KIRK THE SCOTTISH TEXTILES SHOWCASE Mon 20 Jan–Sun 2 Feb, scottishtextilesshowcase. com Step inside Edinburgh’s famous Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile and you will find a host of Scottishmade cashmere, tartan and tweed accessories and homeware made by Scottish artisans and wool mills. Enjoy a lantern display and specially designed products to mark the Year of the Rat. Visitors will receive a complimentary wee dram on Burns Night and have the chance to talk to leading whisky writer Tom Bruce-Gardyne.

SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY BURNS NIGHT Sat 25 Jan, £15, smws. com Are you celebrating the life of the Scottish bard this January? Dust off your tartan and get the party started with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Every year on 25 January, Scotland raises a glass in patriotic celebration of national bard Robert Burns and we will be doing just that with a dram and haggis taster.

ST CECILIA’S MUSEUMS IN MANDARIN AND COLLECTIONS IN CANTONESE – THE CNY SPOTLIGHT SERIES

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Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jan, times vary, stcecilias.ed.ac.uk Come and explore the highlights of the collections and museums with the Museums in Mandarin and Collections in Cantonese teams. Spotlight tours of the Anatomical Museum and St Cecilia’s Hall and Music Museum will be available regularly across both days and tours are free but ticketed.

BILINGUAL CEILIDHS – BACK WITH A BANG! Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jan, 6.30–8.30pm, £5, stcecilias.ed.ac.uk Back by popular demand, the St Cecilia’s CNY Bilingual

Ceilidh makes the joy and breathless wonder of the traditional Scottish ceilidh accessible to visitors and residents from China. Live music, a historic dancing space and demo team will encourage all to take to the floor. Each ceilidh will open to the sound of Chinese drums.

A CELEBRATION OF CHINESE CULTURE Sat 1 Feb, 2.30–4pm, stcecilias.ed.ac.uk This event will bring you a flavour of China through music, song, poetry and dance. Join in for this free family afternoon in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

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PROMOTIONS LISTINGS Celebrate Chinese New Year and Burns Night with a range of discounts and offers from some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants, hotels and shops

SHOP & STAY APEX HOTELS Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, Apex Haymarket Hotel, apexhotels.co.uk Celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rat with Apex Hotels and get 10% off your stay at any of their four city-centre Edinburgh hotels when you use the code CNY (valid between Fri 24 Jan and Sun 9 Feb 2020). Enjoy a luxury overnight stay in the heart of Scotland’s capital and receive a red envelope with a lucky Johnnie Walker whisky gift upon arrival.

to Sun 9 Feb, by showing this brochure. There will also be an exclusive CNY promotion on chisholmhunter.co.uk

CODE POD HOSTELS – THE COURT 1a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, codehostels. com Stay the night in luxury at CoDE Pod Hostels – The CoURT and get an extra 20% off when you book for three nights or more. Transformed from a former prison into a boutique hostel, we can guarantee it will be the best night’s stay in jail you will ever have. Valid on stays from November to the end of March, book minimum 14 days prior arrival.

CHISHOLM HUNTER 97–98 Princes Street, Edinburgh

EDINBURGH-FLATS edinburgh-flats.com

Chisholm Hunter will be giving away red packets with a special CH surprise inside and an offer of up to 10% discount to all Chinese clients from Thu 23 Jan

Edinburgh-Flats is a family run business with a collection of conveniently located selfcatering accommodation, short stay and long-term rentals in

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Edinburgh. Enjoy the 2020 Chinese New Year / Burns Night celebrations and plan your perfect stay by entering the code China2020 to receive an exclusive 10% off when booking directly on their website.

HOTEL INDIGO EDINBURGH 51–59 York Place, Edinburgh, edinburgh. hotelindigo.com Hotel Indigo are offering 20% off the hotel’s best available rate when booking from Jan to Mar 2020. In order to book, contact the hotel on gm@ hiedinburgh.co.uk and quote CYN2020.

LOCHCARRON OF SCOTLAND lochcarron.com After looking at the Burns Check and the history of the checks and tartans related to Robert Burns, Lochcarron of Scotland have created The Red Red Rose Check. They will launch this in a range of lambswool products,

CHINESENEWYEAR.SCOT

PROMOTIONS

GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA LOST WORLDS Edinburgh Zoo, Fri 15 Nov 2019–Sun 26 Jan 2020 (not 25 Dec), entry slots every 15 mins from 4.45–7.30pm, £8.50–£17, edinburghzoo.org.uk To mark Chinese New Year and Burns Night, use the exclusive discount code LostWorldsCNY to get 20% off tickets (subject to availability, valid from Wed 8–Sun 26 Jan only).

GRASSMARKET, LEITH AND STOCKBRIDGE MARKETS Sat 25 Jan, 1 & 8 Feb (Grassmarket and Leith); Sun 26 Jan, 2 & 9 Feb (Stockbridge), stockbridgemarket.com knee rugs, blankets and scarves initially and will have this available in their base in the Tron, as well as with some key approved stockists in Edinburgh. Lochcarron of Scotland will also launch an online CNY promotion (see lochcarron. com for online details).

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jan, nms.ac.uk/ chinesenewyear Visit the museum shops where you can celebrate Chinese New Year and Burns Night with some special offers and surprises. The shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay.

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FOOD, DRINK & ENTERTAINMENT THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON Sat 25 Jan–Sat 1 Feb, thedungeons.com/ edinburgh Experience the ultimate underground immersive journey through Edinburgh’s darkest history. The rat is the symbol of the Dungeons and to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rat, the Dungeons will give a rat-tastic goodie bag of treats to every student visitor as well as a complimentary Rat-tacino hot drink and a special rate of just £10 entry throughout the festival week.

Stalls at Grassmarket, Leith and Stockbridge Markets are celebrating Chinese New Year with tasty discounts and themed menus. Locally produced crafts are also available, with producers joining in celebrations for the Year of the Rat. There will be a big focus on fusion street food, with a Chinese tea stall to welcome visitors.

THE HAGGIS BOX Grassmarket Police Box, the Old Tolbooth Market, Fri 24–Sun 26 Jan Over the weekend, The Haggis Box will be running a Pay-It-Forward scheme whereby, if patrons buy haggis, neeps and tatties and perform a Burns poem,

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list.co See for m .uk/ off or and e prom ers otio full ns te cond rms an d ition s

they will pay forward a haggis meal to someone else in need.

HARD ROCK CAFE EDINBURGH 20 George Street, Thu 23–Tue 28 Jan, 11am– 11pm, hardrockcafe.com/ location/edinburgh/ Enjoy Hard Rock’s own version of the Burns Supper with their highly popular Haggis Burger, accompanied by a wee dram.

Booking essential. Price: £19.95 (upgrade to Single Malt +£3).

MACBACKPACKERS 15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, macbackpackers.com MacBackpackers offers fun-filled, fully guided adventures around Scotland for 18–40-year-olds. Save 15% on any tours from Mon 20 Jan–Sun 9 Feb with promo code: radan (that’s a rat in Scottish Gaelic).

SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY Tue 21–Sat 25 Jan, smws.com The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is getting set to welcome in the Chinese Year of the Rat. Anyone who buys a dram and shows a copy of this brochure will receive a traditional Chinese red envelope containing a special Society gift.

THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE Sat 25 Jan, open 38 38

daily from 10am, scotchwhiskyexperience. co.uk On 25 Jan, a free green tea will be offered to all who purchase a morning whisky tour. Simply take your tour ticket to the McIntyre Gallery bar after your tour to redeem.

A special whisky cocktail will also be designed to celebrate both Chinese New Year and Burns Night, available from the Whisky Bar on 25 Jan. And on the same day, receive a red envelope in the whisky gift shop (with every purchase) containing a lucky coin, whisky cocktail recipe and more.

From Mon 20 Jan to Sun 2 Feb, the bar will be serving a whisky flight of four special whiskies from newly reopened distilleries as a nod to the Year of the Rat. Visitors can also enjoy Scottish tapas with a

Chinese twist, which will be offered throughout the period, available at the bar.

THE SCOTTISH CAFE & RESTAURANT Thu 23, Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jan, contini.com/whatson/burns-night-supperceilidh Join this delicious traditional Scottish fayre and dance your socks off with the restaurant’s in-house ceilidh band. Guests are piped in, arrival drinks can be purchased at the bar and seating will be at shared tables.

The £50 per person includes a three-course set menu, nip of whisky with your haggis, piper and ceilidh; £65 per person to include arrival glass of fizz, three-course set menu served with half a bottle of wine, nip of whisky with the haggis, piper and ceilidh.

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supports students, academic businesses, and the local community new year 2020 understandChinese and appreciate this uniqu culture, its people and the myria opportunities for business and cultur relationships.

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2020 YEAR OF THE RAT

Chinese Lanterns at St Giles’ Cathedral & Edwyn Collins & Red, Red Rose Street & Official Chinese New Year Concert & Major Minor Music Club & NEU! REEKIE! & Rachel Sermanni & The Culture Crawl Not-So-Traditional Burns Supper & Bairns’ burns supper & Kinnaris Quintet & Tiny Changes Fundraising Concert & Giant Lanterns of China at Edinburgh Zoo & Burns&Beyond Festival Club & Comedy & Whisky Tastings with Johnnie Walker & Family Ceilidh & Tide Lines & more...

TUE 21 JAN – SUN 9 FEB 2020 burnsandbeyond.com

chinesenewyear.scot