It’s over a hundred years since the first ‘Leith Pageant’ parade took place in 1907, to raise money for a new Hospital. The Hospital may now be gone, but the Festival has grown and now boasts over 150 events in more than 40 venues – all within a mile of the foot of Leith Walk. This year is going to be even bigger and better. All the old favourites will be there – the concert Under Junction Bridge, the Tattoo, and, of course, the Gala Day and Pageant.

Leith Festival has long prided itself on being open to friends both old and new, from Leith and far beyond. This year the Festival, as ever, will be a celebration of multi-cultural diversity. Leith is an ancient port which has always welcomed seafarers, but nowadays we welcome people from all walks of life, and all parts of the globe, particularly those who choose to make their home here. This microcosm of world culture will be brought to us by a range of international and local talent, Who will celebrate everything from music, art, photography and dance, to food and drink. Local councillor Gordon Munro, who is the Chair of the Festival, told The Leither, “Leith Festival is a local Festival with a global outlook – and a unique ethos. It’s the most popular and affordable Festival in Edinburgh, particularly with Leithers and the people of Edinburgh. The Festival touches all aspects of community life and represents all of Leith.”

Carolyn is the author of 6 articles including 'Leith Festival ’09' from May's Leither

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John-Paul McGroarty, artistic director of Leith Festival continued, “We’re not a community Festival, we’re a Festival in the community. As Irvine Welsh put it, ‘It’s like the Fringe used to be. It’s got street cred’.”

This year, there are over 100 bands, many of whom will be broadcast on Leith FM, 40 comedians, numerous theatre and dance productions and a strong literature and spoken word stream, which takes place in a picturesque setting upstairs at the Raj. Many of the events are free, making the Festival accessible to everyone.

Look out for next month’s Leither, when we’ll select some highlights. Meantime, pick up a programme today and start browsing.

Photo by Ryan McGoverne and that’s Kirsten of Little Doses.