Arts & Culture

Dundee is set to light up the skies this Christmas with a spectacular new drone show that could transform the city centre into a breathtaking winter wonderland. If the proposed drone show goes ahead, it will add an entirely new dimension to the festive season — creating one of the most visually ambitious Christmas events Dundee has hosted in years.

Further details about the full programme, performers, and confirmed attractions are expected to be announced closer to the event date. Organisers are working hard to finalise timings and locations so residents and visitors can plan ahead.

For now, Dundee residents can look forward to a day combining familiar festive favourites with the possibility of a spectacular new Christmas attraction right above the city. This innovative drone show promises to be a highlight — offering a modern, eco‑friendly alternative to traditional fireworks and suitable for all ages to enjoy.

Boost for Dundee City Centre

The expanded festive programme is expected to bring increased numbers of visitors into Dundee city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year. The combination of sporting events, family entertainment, Christmas shopping, and evening celebrations could encourage visitors to spend more time — and more — in the city centre, benefiting local shops, cafés, restaurants, and traders taking part in the festive market.

“This drone display will put Dundee on the map this Christmas. It’s not just a show — it’s a massive boost for local business and community spirit.” — Justin Thyme

Organisers will release full details including dates, times, and viewing locations as soon as plans are confirmed. This Dundee Christmas drone display forms part of a wider programme designed to draw crowds back to the city centre and support local trade throughout the festive period.

Whether you’re coming for the markets, the entertainment, or the stunning drone show lighting up the sky — this year’s celebrations promise something special for everyone.

Dundee Drone Show Could Light Up the Skyline

The proposed Dundee drone show would bring a new dimension to the city’s traditional Christmas celebrations. If plans go ahead, an illuminated fleet of drones could create spectacular patterns and images above the city centre, providing a dramatic visual centrepiece for visitors gathering for the festive switch-on.

The celebrations are expected to include:

• A curated Christmas Market featuring local traders and craft stalls
• Family-friendly funfair rides and attractions
• A selection of food and drink stalls
• Live entertainment from street performers and musical acts

Proposed drone show could light up Dundee’s skyline

The most ambitious addition to the 2026 programme is a proposed festive drone light show.

Dundee City Council has put the project out to tender, raising the possibility of hundreds of illuminated drones taking to the skies above the city as part of the Christmas celebrations.

If the procurement process is successful, the display could provide a dramatic aerial centrepiece for the day’s festivities and offer a new visual attraction for visitors.

Drone light shows have become increasingly popular at major events in recent years, using carefully programmed fleets of illuminated drones to create changing patterns, shapes and images in the night sky.

For Dundee, the proposed display would represent a significant addition to the traditional Christmas switch-on celebrations.

A full day of festive entertainment

The celebrations are expected to build throughout the day, with the city centre becoming increasingly busy as families, shoppers and visitors gather for the afternoon and evening programme.

The combination of the Santa Dash, Christmas market, entertainment and family attractions is designed to create a full day of activity rather than simply focusing on the traditional evening lights switch-on.

Local traders and food vendors are also expected to benefit from the increased footfall, while the event could provide an important boost for the city centre during the busy festive shopping period.

Christmas lights switch-on planned for the evening

The day’s celebrations will culminate at 6pm, when Dundee’s seasonal lights are scheduled to be switched on.

The evening event will provide the traditional centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations, with festive lighting transforming the city centre as darkness falls.

If the proposed drone display goes ahead, it could add an entirely new dimension to the occasion and create one of the most visually ambitious Christmas events Dundee has hosted.

Further details about the final programme, performers and confirmed attractions are expected to be announced closer to the event.

For now, Dundee residents can look forward to a day combining familiar festive favourites with the possibility of a spectacular new Christmas attraction in the skies above the city.

Boost for Dundee City Centre

The expanded programme is expected to bring increased numbers of visitors into Dundee city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year.

The combination of sporting events, family entertainment, Christmas shopping and evening celebrations could encourage visitors to spend more time in the city, benefiting local shops, cafés, restaurants and traders taking part in the festive market.

Organisers are expected to release further information about the final programme closer to the event, including confirmation of attractions, entertainment and arrangements for the proposed drone display.

See official updates on the Dundee City Council events page once confirmed.

Local thrill-seekers are in for a massive summer treat as Circus Extreme officially confirms its return to Dundee. The world-renowned production will pitch its big top at Riverside Park (DD2 1UG) from Friday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 12th, 2026, delivering a brand-new, adrenaline-pumping show titled “ROCK IT OUT.”

Years in the making, the 2026 production promises a massive departure from standard circus fare. The two-hour show seamlessly fuses a powerful, live rock band with death-defying stunts, modern circus performance, and classic clowning.

The UK has been chosen as the exclusive debut destination for the global tour, making this a major highlight on Dundee’s summer events calendar.

Dundee Performance Schedule

To help you plan your visit, here is the complete breakdown of showtimes across the ten-day run:

The production combines live rock music with elite, world-class acrobatics. Source: Circus Extreme

How to Book Tickets

Due to high demand for the weekend slots, organizers are recommending booking in advance.

Official Website: Circus Extreme

Box Office Telephone: 0203 375 3970

Summer’s End Angus 2026 in Brechin is shaping up to be one of the most exciting newcomers on the calendar. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Angus countryside, this three-day event blends big-name artists, local culture, and community spirit—making it ideal for couples, weekend travellers, and festival lovers alike.

What is Summer’s End Angus 2026?

Summer’s End Angus is a brand-new music and lifestyle festival launching in 2026 at the Brechin Castle Centre. Designed as a community-focused event, the festival brings together live music, food, entertainment, and local businesses—all in one vibrant setting.

Unlike many large-scale festivals, this one has a purpose: profits are reinvested into the local area, supporting regeneration projects and opportunities within Angus.

Summer’s End Angus 2026 Dates & Location

• Dates: 14th – 16th August 2026
• Location: Brechin Castle Centre
• Region: Angus, Scotland

Brechin is easily accessible from major Scottish cities, making it a convenient yet lesser-known destination for a summer escape.

Line-Up: Who’s Playing?

The Summer’s End Angus line-up combines international icons with well-loved UK artists and emerging talent. Confirmed names include:

• Sugababes
• Emeli Sandé
• Rudimental
• UB40
• Bonnie Tyler
• The Jacksons
• Susan Boyle

With over 60 artists across multiple stages, Summer’s End Angus 2026 festival caters to fans of pop, indie, dance, and classic hits.

What to Expect at Summer’s End Angus

This isn’t just about music—it’s a full festival experience designed for all ages:

• 🎶 Multiple live music stages
• 🍔 Street food and local drink vendors
• 🛍️ Artisan and craft market stalls
• 🎡 Funfair rides and family attractions
• 🌿 Chill-out zones and social spaces

The atmosphere aims to strike a balance between lively and relaxed, making it perfect for couples looking for a fun but not overwhelming festival.

Tickets & Pricing

Tickets for Summer’s End Angus 2026 are available as:

• Day passes
• Weekend tickets
• VIP experiences
• Family-friendly options

Tip: Early booking is strongly recommended, as first-year festivals with strong line-ups often sell out quickly.

Tickets are available from https://summers-end.com/

Why Visit Summer’s End Angus?

Summer’s End Angus stands out because it combines:

• A strong debut line-up
• A beautiful, lesser-known location
• A community-first ethos
• A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

For those tired of overcrowded, commercial festivals, this offers something refreshingly different.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning your summer events calendar, the Summer’s End Angus Festival in Brechin deserves a spot on your list. With its blend of music, scenery, and local charm, it has all the ingredients to become one of Scotland’s must-visit festivals.

Brought to you by our arts and culture team

Back Doune the Rabbit Hole has unveiled its full 2026 line up, with legendary indie favourites Ash confirmed as Saturday night headliners. The independent Scottish festival returns to Cardross Estate in Stirlingshire from 17–19 July, building on the momentum of its successful 2025 comeback.

Ash will be joined at the top of the bill by Huey Morgan, former Fun Lovin’ Criminals frontman and BBC Radio 6 Music DJ, and Alabama 3, best known for Woke Up This Morning, the iconic theme tune to The Sopranos, forming a headline trio that reflects the festival’s broad and eclectic bookings.

The wider line up includes The Amy Winehouse Band, EMF, Space, Utah Saints, Oh My God! It’s the Church, Skids, Rianne Downey, Dick & Dom with a special DJ appearance, Bombskare, Karen Dunbar and Rumac.

Doune the Rabbit Hole

A special highlight for 2026 is the addition of Scottish singer-songwriter Rianne Downey, whose rapidly growing reputation and powerful live performances have made her one of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

Across five stages, attendees can expect a wide range of artists spanning indie, rock, ska, folk, punk, electronic and alternative music, alongside DJs and curated takeovers throughout the weekend.

Back Doune the Rabbit Hole remains firmly focused on creating a welcoming, family-friendly festival experience. The much-loved Wacky Warren returns for 2026, offering creative workshops, performances and activities for younger festivalgoers.

The festival is led by former musician and businessman Brian Harkin, who stepped in to revive the event in 2025 following its previous cancellation.

Speaking on the 2026 announcement, Harkin said:

“Independent events are not easy to pull off and I honestly could not believe the reaction to last year’s festival. The support from the audience and the local community was incredible and it reminded me exactly why festivals like this matter. We’re ready to take everything we learned into 2026 and build an even better weekend.”

Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will run from Friday to Sunday, July 17th, 18th and 19th 2026.

To learn more about Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, including ticket options, visit the website at www.backdounetherabbithole.co.uk.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY, SCOTLAND – This summer, Eden Festival returns to the lush landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway with its most ambitious lineup to date. Spanning 10 stages and featuring over 250 acts, the 2026 edition promises a weekend where global rhythms meet grassroots energy, blending everything from desert blues and Scottish trad to sound system culture and late-night electronic pulses.

The Great Mountain Stage: Headliners & Highlights

The eden festival’s heart, the Great Mountain Stage, serves as a platform for both local icons and international legends.

• Friday: The weekend ignites with Glasgow’s Kai Reesu, fresh from their 2026 Scottish Album of the Year win. The momentum builds with the “fearless” folk-funk of Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet, followed by the Afro-electronic rhythms of Raz & Afla. Closing the night is Valtos presents High Water Mark, a high-octane DJ/live hybrid that fuses driving electronic beats with soaring Gaelic fiddle melodies.
• Saturday: A powerhouse evening begins with the spoken-word intensity of She Drew The Gun, followed by the unmistakable baritone of Jurassic 5 founder Chali 2na performing with a full live band. Headlining the night is GRAMMY-winner Julian Marley & The Uprising, bringing the legendary Marley roots-reggae legacy to the Scottish hills. The night culminates in a high-pressure bass “rinse-out” with the Eva Lazarus Sound System.
• Sunday: The final day offers a journey from the intimate to the epic. Contemporary folk-jazz artist Niamh Corkey opens the stage, followed by national songwriting treasure Dougie MacLean. The afternoon takes a global turn with “the Hendrix of the Sahara,” Vieux Farka Touré, before modern trad masters Gnoss bring the main stage to a rousing close.

Immersive Environments & Genre Takeovers

Beyond the main stage, Eden Festival’s legendary character shines through its diverse venues:

• Rabbie’s Tavern: The rustic hub for folk, bluegrass, and rock & roll, featuring standout sets from Malin Lewis, Tarran, The Campbell Boys, and Darach.
• Ghillie Dhu Dance Emporium: Housed in a massive big top, this is the destination for electronic devotees. 2026 features curated takeovers by Rumble in the Jungle and Femme45, guaranteeing an all-night atmosphere.
• The Boardwalk Stage: The ultimate destination for reggae and sound system lovers, featuring a DJ set from An Dannsa Dub, alongside Friendly Fire Band, King Zepha, and Freedom Masses in Dub ft. Alexis.

The Eden Festival: A Weekend Like No Other

With more stages, full timings, and further announcements still to come, Eden Festival 2026 is solidifying its reputation as Scotland’s premier boutique festival—a place where world-class talent and community spirit collide.

If you haven’t experienced EdenFestival…

www.edenfestival.co.uk

Dundee Rep Theatre today launches its 2026 season, a celebration of community, world premieres, new voices, classics, and fresh work that invites audiences to connect with the life of the building and far beyond. To introduce the season, we asked our community participants to make a special film at locations across Dundee, reflecting and solidifying the theatre’s place within the city and inviting audiences to join them in the year ahead.

The season takes flight with the much-anticipated brand-new musical production of The High Life, co-produced by Dundee Rep Theatre and National Theatre of Scotland in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres. After a thirty-year delay in the departure lounge, the full original cast of Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart reunites for a landmark world premiere directed by Dundee Rep Theatre Artistic Director Andrew Panton. Co-written by Johnny McKnight, Alan Cumming, and Forbes Mason, the production opens in Dundee from 27 March to 4 April before touring Scotland and returns to the Rep 6 to 9 May.

April sees the return of our Rep Stripped Festival, Dundee Rep Theatre’s platform for fresh work, new voices and bold ideas – this time under the creative direction of Fraser Scott. Built on the success of previous editions, which have included early stagings of No Love Songs and A History of Paper, the festival continues to celebrate creativity, innovation and the future of performance, offering audiences the chance to be the first to discover new work. Call-outs for submissions open in January 2026.

Willy Russell’s award-winning modern classic Educating Rita follows, in a funny, tender and life-affirming new production directed by award-winning director Debbie Hannan. This story of self-discovery, second chances and the power of learning brings together Rita, a spirited hairdresser hungry for change, and Frank, a disillusioned academic who has lost faith in his work and in himself. First performed in 1980 and later adapted into the acclaimed film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine, the piece has won multiple BAFTAs and received three Academy Award nominations. This fresh revival promises a heartfelt return to one of Britain’s most loved plays from 23 May to 13 June.

An exciting and original collaboration hits the stage next summer. Dundee Rep Theatre and Solar Bear, in collaboration with Aberdeen Performing Arts and the Traverse Theatre, present The Singer, written by Cora Bissett with Jamie Rea. With songs multi-award-winning KT Tunstall, featuring Deaf artist Jamie Rea and directed by Cora Bissett, The Singer is a thrilling new gig-theatre drama about Joe, a deaf artist who “sings” with his hands, and Andy, a washed-up musician hungry for a comeback. As their unlikely partnership ignites something extraordinary, ambition, betrayal and belonging collide in this powerful story of music, identity and the fight to be heard. The Singer previews at Dundee Rep Theatre in late July, premieres at the Traverse Theatre during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and plays the Citizens Theatre Studio in Glasgow and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen before returning to Dundee in September. 
 

Tony Roper’s much-loved Scottish classic The Steamie then returns for a nationwide tour in a new production from Rerr Terr Productions in association with Neil Laidlaw Productions and Dundee Rep Theatre.  From 27 August to 12 September, audiences are invited into a 1950s Glasgow washhouse on Hogmanay where hot water, lively chat, laughter and secrets accompany the final wash of the year.

One of the most anticipated productions of 2026, A History of Paper, byOliver EmanuelandGareth Williams (creators of The 306 Trilogy, National Theatre of Scotland),returns in a major new production starring Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson. This musical about unbounding joy, impossible grief and the small pieces of paper that shape a life first captivated audiences at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, where it won a Fringe First, the Music Theatre Review Best Musical Award and the CATS Award for Best Director for Dundee Rep Artistic Director Andrew Panton. This new co-production with Pitlochry Festival Theatre brings back a work that moved audiences and critics alike. The production runs from 8 August to 12 September at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and from 16 to 19 September at Dundee Rep Theatre.

Following the success of The Glass Menagerie, Dundee Rep Theatre will once again collaborate with The Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, and Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, with full details of the Autumn 2026 production to be announced early next year.

The season comes to a glittering finale with a magical new production of Dundee Rep Theatre’s 2018 Christmas hit The Snow Queen, created by Noisemaker, the partnership of award-winning writing duo Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour (Oor Wullie, Ceilidh, Scots)and directed by Emily Oulton. This snow-stopping musical celebrating friendship, courage, and festive spirit is set to delight audiences of all ages from November 28 to December 30.

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre remain committed to making theatre and dance accessible to as many people as possible and are expanding our pricing to offer greater choice, flexibility and affordability in 2026. New initiatives include £15 tickets for every Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre production and £5 preview tickets for under 30s, designed to welcome and inspire the next generation of theatre-goers, and focusing on the future of the arts here in Dundee and Scotland. Alongside this, a new free ticket initiative will allocate tickets across the season to individuals and communities with limited access to the arts, ensuring they can experience live performance, feel at home in the building, allowing us to open our doors to even more people.

Scottish Dance Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, and the full programme will be announced on 20 January.

Complementing Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre’s own work, the venue will present a vibrant programme of visiting companies throughout Spring 2026. These include ABBA Forever on 7 February, Macbeth from 19 to 21 February, BalletLORENT’s Snow White on 27 and 28 February and the musical satire SCOTS by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, directed by Jemima Levick,from 7 to 11 April. The Rep also welcomes What I am Here For on, an immersive multilingual collaboration from Vanishing Point and Teater Katapult, followed by family fun with There is a Monster in Your Show and many more.

This season also marks the arrival of Kath M Mainland CBE as Executive Director, bringing more than two decades of international cultural leadership to Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. Mainland joins the organisation after senior roles at Adelaide Festival, RISING Melbourne, Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. Originally from Orkney, she returns to Scotland to help lead the organisation’s next chapter, marking an exciting moment for the organisation.

New Season at Dundee Rep Theatre

This new season is announced at a time when Dundee faces proposed cuts to arts funding, and Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre continue to demonstrate how essential its work is to the cultural, social and economic life of the city. The Rep provides opportunities for Dundonians of all ages to experience connection, learning and belonging as well as contributing significantly to the well-being of communities across Dundee and playing a key role in Dundee’s tourism and global cultural identity. As consultation begins, the organisation encourages residents to share their views and to champion the vital role that the Rep and other cultural organisations play in the life and future of their city.

Artistic Director Andrew Panton said, “We are proud to be a creative home for our community and a national stage for new voices, major productions and collaborations. Our 2026 season celebrates Dundee, Scotland and beyond and celebrates the people who shape our work. The Rep plays a central role in the cultural life of this city while contributing greatly to the wider Scottish and international cultural landscape, and this programme is a testament to that reach and responsibility. As Dundee enters consultation on proposed arts cuts, we are reminded of the importance of protecting the creativity, opportunity and connection that cultural organisations provide. I hope audiences across Dundee and Scotland will continue to stand with us, take part in the consultation and help ensure a vibrant future for the arts.” 

Image Credit Alastair More

Scottish Contemporary Dance Took Centre Stage this November at the Lublin International Dance Theatres Festival in Poland, with a major programme of performances by Scottish artists and companies as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025.

Running from 8–12 November, the 29th edition of the festival shines a spotlight on Scottish dance. Developed in partnership with The Work Room and Scottish Dance Theatre, the programme brings together leading voices from Scotland’s dance scene in a celebration of creative exchange, artistic diversity and international collaboration.

Scottish Dance Theatre opened the programme with an electrifying double bill, The Flock and Moving Cloud. Scotland’s flagship contemporary dance company brings a night of movement, music and pure adrenaline to the Opera Hall in Lublin. The Flock takes audiences on an acrobatic journey inspired by the epic migration of birds, a powerful metaphor for endurance, freedom and collective strength. In Moving Cloud, contemporary dance meets traditional Celtic music creating a rhythmic meeting of styles that celebrates connection and collaboration. 

In partnership with The Work Room, independent artists bring distinctive and powerful perspectives on identity, belonging and transformation. Akanana Sweet Banana, sees Dorine Mwesiga move between improvisation and structure, drawing on her personal experience to explore influences that shape us. Mele Broomes’ Through Warm Temperatures is a sensual, immersive work that celebrates resilience and self-acceptance through movement and music, performed live with cellist Simone Seales.

Mark Bleakley’s Dance Makes the Floor, transforms the act of dancing into a sonic experience, where the floor itself becomes an instrument and the energy of the performers is what generates the sound. The work features a collaboration with Mwesiga and dancers from Lublin, creating a new dialogue between artists from both countries. 

The Scottish strand concludes with Solène Weinachter’s After All, an intimate, moving reflection on mortality, grief and renewal that combines dance, storytelling and humour to create a space for collective contemplation and celebration.

Beyond the stage, Dorine Mwesiga, Mele Broomes and Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Joan Clevillé, will lead workshops and discussions with dancers and students in Lublin. These endeavour to deepen connections between the Scottish and Polish dance communities, further building on the shared commitment to collaboration that underpins the project.

The inclusion of Scottish artists in the festival stems from Festival Director Ryszard Kalinowski’s participation in Momentum 2023, the Edinburgh Festivals’ international delegate programme, jointly delivered by Festivals Edinburgh, British Council and Creative Scotland held in Edinburgh that connects global cultural leaders with Scotland’s creative community. Those conversations have since evolved into real artistic partnerships, reflected in the strength and diversity of this year’s programme under the theme “RE:UNION”.

Joan Clevillé, Scottish Dance Theatre Artistic Director, says:

“It’s a privilege to be part of this sharing of Scotland’s vibrant dance community on an international stage. The festival’s theme of RE:UNION resonates deeply with the way we work – through collaboration, exchange and a belief in the power of dance to bring people together. We are grateful to our partners in Lublin for offering a platform to Scottish dance artists to be in dialogue with audiences and artists in Poland.” 

Anita Clark, The Work Room Director, says:

“From meeting Ryszard as part of Momentum in 2023, I was stuck by his curiosity and enthusiasm for dance in Scotland. It has been brilliant to deepen our connection through collaborating together on this programme for the 29th edition of Lublin International Dance Theatre Festival. At a time of significant divisions in the world, this festival opens a space where dance connects across borders. The Work Room is excited to bring the energy, originality and resilience of Scotland’s dance artists to Lublin.” 

The Dance from Scotland programme at the Lublin International Dance Theatres Festival is presented by The Work Room and Scottish Dance Theatre in partnership with the British Council and Creative Scotland, as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025.

photo_ Tiu Makkonen _ Dancer_(L-R) Luigi Nardone, Alethia Antonia, Massimo Monticelli.

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026. Exploring the power of music to lift the spirit, bring people together and enhance wellbeing, Scottish Ensemble takes audiences on a bold adventure with new projects and collaborations and the return of the ever-popular Concerts for a Summer’s Night.

This March, a quartet of Scottish Ensemble musicians tour intimate spaces across Scotland with Between Light and Shadow (8-14 March, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dumfries, Perth) in performances of emotional contrasts, bold imagination, and luminous soundscapes. Mozart’s radiant Spring Quartet, brimming with optimism and glowing with warmth, is heard alongside two of Caroline Shaw’s Essays that shimmer with sonic texture and emotional nuance. The second part of the programme plunges us into the brooding and introspective music of Beethoven. From stormy drama to moments of sublime beauty, this quartet is Beethoven at his most emotionally raw and visceral.

Scottish Ensemble’s much-loved Concerts for a Summer’s Night return in 2026 (16-20 June, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow), filling five beautiful light-filled spaces across Scotland with music perfect for long, sun-drenched evenings. From Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence to Prokofiev’s Visions Fugitives, with vibrant works by Bryce Dessner and Oliver Leith along the way, it’s a heady, colourful programme that will leave audiences inspired, and ready to savour every note of summer.

Further afield Scottish Ensemble performs Impulse: Music in Motion at the University of Oxford’s brand-new Schwarzman Centre, during its opening weekend. Playing from memory, the musicians are unleashed through choreographed movement, devised in collaboration with choreographer Örjan Andersson. Impulse will also tour to Norfolk and Germany later in 2026.

Music for Wellbeing continues to be a focus of Scottish Ensemble’s work. Workshops combine live music with guided listening and techniques to help people find a moment of calm, combat stress and anxiety, and lift their mood.  Since 2017, Scottish Ensemble has developed its Music for Wellbeing programme in partnership with Maggie’s, a charity that supports people whose lives have been affected by cancer, including patients, families and medical professionals. Musicians visit Maggie’s centres offering live music experiences designed to nurture connection and mental wellbeing.

Speaking about a recent Scottish Ensemble visit Lorrie Cameron, Centre Head at Maggie’s Lanarkshire, said:

“What an experience!  Taking time to just be immersed in the music was like nothing else. I could feel the vibrations and really experience the sounds in a way I’ve never done before. Watching the musicians play was like watching a dance. Just pure joy!”

Scottish Ensemble and Maggie’s enter a new phase of their collaboration with the announcement that Scottish Ensemble will be Maggie’s Music for Wellbeing Partner. This enhanced commitment will see Scottish Ensemble musicians visit all eight Maggie’s centres in Scotland three times a year, doubling current provision and ensuring that people in the Highlands and Aberdeen can access the same uplifting experiences as those in Edinburgh or Dundee.

Scottish Ensemble’s Chief Executive, James Hardie said:

“At Scottish Ensemble we’re fiercely passionate about the power of music to lift the spirit, bring people together, and enhance wellbeing. Our Music for Wellbeing programme is a vital part of our work serving communities across Scotland, and for many years now Maggie’s has been a hugely valued partner. It feels incredibly exciting to be entering a new phase of our collaboration on the eve of Maggie’s 30th anniversary, and to continue sharing the unique magic that music can bring with even more people across Scotland.”

Maggie’s Induction and Development Lead, Andrew Anderson said:

“Maggie’s is delighted to be working with the incredible Scottish Ensemble as Music for Wellbeing partner. Visitors to all of our Scottish centres are able to benefit from this brilliant programme. The musicians along with Maggie’s teams create such a wonderful experience of mindfulness with music. People taking part really value these inspiring sessions.”

Scottish Ensemble’s Music for Wellbeing programme is made possible with the generous support of funders, including Glasgow City Council Communities Fund, The Northwood Charitable Trust, The Gannochy Trust, The McGlashan Charitable Trust and The Bridge Awards.

For full details of performances during spring and summer 20226 visit https://scottishensemble.co.uk/whats–on/

Deacon Blue are delighted to announce the 2025 release of a brand new studio album – which will be entitled ‘The Great Western Road’, released on 21 March 2025 by Cooking Vinyl – plus two sets of dates in the UK and Ireland.

2025 marks 40 years since Ricky Ross met Dougie Vipond and they started to form Deacon Blue, the songs on ‘The Great Western Road’ reflect the journey the band has taken and remain honest to the age and experience they all share. Ricky Ross: “It’s just the next part of the adventure and it’s as exciting now as it was back in 1988”.

Deacon Blue ‘The Great Western Road’

The album will be preceded by the single ‘Late ’88’ on 29 November 2024 which fondly remembers the care-free excitement of those early days. ‘The Great Western Road’, recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, sees Ricky Ross and (Deacon Blue guitarist and long term collaborator) Gregor Philp return to production duties, having last produced the band’s Top 5 charting and their last full length album, 2020’s ‘City Of Love’. This album was recorded by Matt Butler, who last worked with the band on their debut, ‘Raintown’.

There will be a limited run of five theatre shows in late March / April ‘25 to herald the arrival of the album including Usher Hall on Sunday 30 March. Followed by 15 arena shows across the UK & Eire, which kick off in Liverpool on 19 September 2025, they play Wembley Arena for the first time since 1990, and finish with two hometown shows at the Glasgow OVO Hydro on Friday10 and Saturday11 October. The shows will go on sale on at 10am on 29 November 2024.

Ricky Ross says of the two differing sets of dates, “I love the idea that a circus coming to town is a temporary existence, a little bit of magic suddenly appears in the middle of a town or a village and then it goes away. It’s very similar to what you do live. The live experience is so ephemeral, at the end of a show people lose all their inhibitions, and then it’s over. You have to be there. That’s what’s magical about it.”

“There will be two different shows, we’re curating a show that changes and evolves, pulling out little surprises every now and again. The theatres are more intimate and give us a chance to bring out one or two things that we wouldn’t do in the arenas. They give us a chance to play songs from the new album and songs from other albums that we have never played before. And we have some amazing nights at the big shows in the arenas, we suit the show to the place we’re playing and our mantra is ‘we want people to have the best night of their lives’. Every night has got to be brilliant.”

Truly, fans of this loved and revered Scottish band have plenty to celebrate next year: 2025 brings not only the 40^th anniversary, and two sets of concert dates, but also ‘The Great Western Road’ studio album.

Pre-order the new album here.

I will be adding dates of shows when they become availabe.