Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us, and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. Described by critics as ‘exceptional’ and ‘spell-binding’ by critics, with five-star reviews from The Student and four stars from The Herald, The Skinny and Scotsgay Arts. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Mark Kydd as Creative Mentor and Co-Director.

a unique opportunity for families, teachers, librarians, authors, publishers and many others to share knowledge around how to make books and stories accessible for children with additional needs.

Join friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon session of traditional songs, music, poems and stories, held in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court. All welcome to listen or bring a tune for a turn.

Join us for fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, award-winning poetry! Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, now taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. All styles of poetry are welcome and with a different feature performer every time, this event offers a supportive, creative environment for all. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start with two short intervals, wrapping up around 9.30pm. Loud Poets will be managing sign-ups. To sign up to perform, please fill out the sign-up form for the date on which you'd like to perform. This form will close one week before the event, after which they will email you to let you know if you have a guaranteed performance spot. Two spots are always left open to be filled by random draw from poets who sign up on the door. Slots are five minutes and poets are welcome to perform as many or few poems as you would like within that time. You are welcome to go under the five minutes, but please do not go over out of respect to your fellow performers. A message from Loud Poets about this event: "At our open mic and all of our events, we endeavour to create a safe, welcoming space for all to attend and share their work. We ask performers to be respectful of the diversity of our experiences. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and harassment. Don't punch down. Performers and attendees who violate this policy will be asked to leave."

Short Supply One chair. One question. Sit with us for a moment. In this gentle one-to-one encounter, you’re invited to share an idea you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet. Step One is a quiet participatory artwork by Short Supply, exploring the moment before something begins. Each meeting lasts a few minutes and unfolds differently depending on who sits down. In the middle of the Edinburgh Fringe, this piece offers a pause from the noise – a space to reflect, speak freely and acknowledge the ideas we carry but rarely say out loud. Audience participation Age category: 12+

National Theatre of Scotland The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. 1760: Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian – but is it built on deceit? 2026: Martin O’Connor questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. Sporrans, stags, and shortbread; do these gift-shop images hold us back or bring us forward? Performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, Through the Shortbread Tin returns to explore the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. 'Witty and provocative' \*\*\*\* (Guardian). MadeInScotlandShowcase.com. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Jyne award-winnin nor’east folk sangster Ellie Beaton fur a blithesome reenge throu tradeitional Aiberdeenshire ballants fae the Greig-Duncan Folk Sang Collection. Uisin sic routhie resoorces, fowk takkin pairt wull fin oot mair aboot the airt o gaitherin folk sangs, alang wi the distinct ornamentation an style o thon pairt o the kintra. Pit on bi the Tradeitional Music Forum o Scotland. Join North-East folk singer Ellie Beaton for an engaging exploration of traditional Aberdeenshire ballads from the Greig–Duncan Folk Song Collection. Through these rich resources, participants will delve into the art of folk song collecting, while exploring the distinctive ornamentation and style of the region. Ellie Beaton is a captivating award-winning folk singer hailing from Rothienorman in the North-East of Scotland. With a commanding voice that ripples with warmth and confidence, Ellie effortlessly embodies the timeless spirit of Aberdeenshire’s vibrant singing style whilst blending inspirations from across the globe. Born and raised in Rothienorman, in the heart of Aberdeenshire, she has carved a name for herself as one of the most promising voices in Scotland’s folk scene, being described as “one of the most outstanding voices in Scotland’s folk scene” by the Herald. In February 2025, Ellie was crowned BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, four years after becoming the youngest ever winner of the MG ALBA Scots Singer of the Year.

Rick Conte Or, Benjamin Franklin’s Scottish Enlightenment. The Founding Father loved Edinburgh. He visited in 1759 and made pals with David Hume and Adam Smith. But what does Auld Reekie have to do with America's Declaration of Independence? Exactly 250 years after the Declaration, Rick Conte retraces his countryman's steps in a warm, funny and historically grounded account of how Enlightenment Edinburgh influenced a nation, and how a native of that nation found a home here centuries later. 'Delightful' \*\*\*\*\* (NorthWestEnd.com). 'A beguiling show' \*\*\*\* (Scotsman). 'Storytelling at its best!' \*\*\*\* (ScotsGayArts.com). 'Heartwarming' \*\*\*\* (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). None Age category: 14+

Niall Moorjani / Ailsa Dixon Niall Moorjani (Fringe First winner) and Ailsa Dixon (\*\*\*\*\*, Scotsman) present an evocative and moving exploration of what it is to be human, as they lyrically synthesise storytelling with live music and Orcadian folk song. Come for the music, stories and songs, stay for the deep exploration of trans experience in Scotland today, through three queered and reimagined selkie stories set in past, present and future. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 12+

Theatre of Widdershins Ah, new shoes... Delightful on the feet. Soft dancing slippers, swarthy pirate boots, silver buckles and silken soles; no-one makes shoes like an elf. This well-known and well-loved tale has been re-heeled and polished by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse make this show a magical must-see. Suitable for all ages and shoe sizes. 'A triumph of intimacy, imagination and enchantment' (CorrBlimey.com, for Snow White Rose Red Bear Brown 2025). None

Mark Kydd England, 1945. The lives of two strangers are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station. But this isn't Brief Encounter... We're all extras in the lives of others, but the stars of our own. What happens when you pan the camera away from the leading players? Mark Kydd’s solo show turns the spotlight onto a supporting artist with his own surprising tale of first, forbidden love. Our Martin in the Background is the queer love story Noël Coward didn't write. \*\*\*\* (Scotsman). \*\*\*\* (QueerGuru.com). None Age category: 14+

Little Supernovas Award-winning storyteller Brooke brings an immersive, theatrical, comical version of the love story of Romeo and Juliet. Bringing another of the Bard’s plays to the bairns – there's nothing tragic about this story! Back by popular demand after sell-out shows of Macbeth For Bairns at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024 and 2025. Get ready to hit the dance floor at the House of Capulet and get down with the Montagues! Featuring level 2 BSL at performances 21-23 Aug. 'An hour of pure wonder' (CorrBlimey.uk). 'Pulls out all the stops for an action-packed, playful, sensory retelling' (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com). Audience participation

Dougie Mackay / Jemima Thewes Respected by ancient cultures but the archetypal villain in European fairy tales, wolves were hunted to extinction in Scotland by the 18th century. Ancient myth, mesmeric imagery and dreamlike soundscapes open a liminal space where Norse gods, Irish shapeshifters and Siberian wolf-children traverse Scottish moors and Transylvanian mountains. Live music stirs the soul. Shadow puppetry and animation portray terror and playfulness. Stories about our oldest ally ask: in the absence of the wolf, what is lost? Originally commissioned by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2024. 'Powerful and magical' \*\*\*\* (List). 'Richly textured' \*\*\*\* (CorrBlimey.uk). None

The Haggis Box / Scottish Storytelling Centre Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face... Where better to hear Robert Burns' famous poem Address to a Haggis than at The Haggis Box Café in the Scottish Storytelling Centre! Drop in to hear a different surprise performer each day deliver a rousing rendition of Burns' ode to the Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race. Traditional, vegan and vegetarian haggis, neeps and tatties will be available to purchase all day with gluten-free options available. Haggis for all! None

David Colvin Returning to the Edinburgh Fringe, to the venue where it won a Herald Angel Award and built a reputation as a smash hit of modern Scottish theatre, Thunderstruck is the tragic, comic and epic tale of the greatest bagpiper that ever lived. The story of a Pitlochry bin man who rocked tradition, flew beyond the summit of his art and changed Scottish music forever. Whatever notions you have of bagpipes, leave them at the door. 'A stunning, staggering piece of modern Scottish folk theatre' \*\*\*\*\* (BritishTheatreGuide.info). 'Elucidating, charming and rip-roaringly inspirational' \*\*\*\*\* (TheQR.co.uk). 'Masterful' \*\*\*\* (BroadwayWorld.com). \*\*\*\* (Fest). Strong language/swearing, More information References to suicide, alcoholism and portrayal of homophobic bullying. Age category: 16+

Daniel Serridge Across northern England, roads wend their way through picturesque countryside. Ancient dry stone walls hold the ghostly stories of the dead that were carried past on these secret and haunted trails. The Corpse Road follows the rise and fall, the twists and turns of these paths to tell the tale of characters that were carried to their final resting place. Storyteller Daniel Serridge and musician Heather Cartwright weave together story and song in this evocative and unnerving folkloric journey to the grave. 'A Fringe must-see' \*\*\*\*\* (CorrBlimey.uk, for Orpheus/Orfeo). Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, More information Themes of death, grief and bereavement Age category: 14+

Morna Burdon Courage, creativity and resilience are celebrated as Morna highlights women worldwide who have found inventive, daring ways to rebel against war and take a stand for peace. Threaded through with songs and punctuated with humour, this moving spoken word show also looks at how war affects the loved ones of these brave women. Part of A Triptych for Our Times, a celebration marking ten years of Morna's acclaimed one-woman Fringe shows. 'With her first song Morna Burdon plunges us straight into the brilliantly dark humour with which women have creatively waged peace' \*\*\*\* (ScotsGayArts.com). Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Scottish Storytelling Centre To celebrate 20 years of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, join some of our amazing tellers as they share their favourite traditional tales from around the world. Expect folk tales, fairie tales, myths and legends, stories which have been handed down to inspire and entertain across generations. A relaxed session with a different storyteller each day sharing wonderful, wise and occasionally wild stories of their choosing! None Age category: 12+

Hoglets Theatre On a blustery hilltop, a girl has a big secret to share. Following an ancient tradition, she must "tell the bees" that everything has changed. Step into a world of silver-saddled kelpies, mischievous brownies, and the beautiful song of the selkie, as award-winning Hoglets Theatre brings folk legends to life. Packed with gorgeous puppetry, original music and a hive full of interaction, Telling the Bees is a warm, witty, and imaginative show for ages 5+ about brave hearts, new beginnings, and the magic we carry with us. Audience participation

Alexandra Borghino When a young girl moves to a new home, her extraordinary bed comes alive and carries her through dreamy worlds of music, play and imagination. Together they discover friendship, courage and the joys of growing up. With playful audience participation, original songs, enchanting visuals and multilingual storytelling with integrated BSL, the audience are invited to dream, laugh and explore in this wonderful musical adventure. Ideal for ages 5+ and their grown-ups, but open to all. None

I Am Loud CIC Loud Poets have been bringing the very best live poetry to the Fringe for over a decade. Their fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, heart-wrenching fusion of spoken word and live music thrills poetry lovers and turns sceptics into fans. Catch the Loud Poets themselves – Katie Ailes, Mark Gallie and Kevin Mclean – with musical accompaniment from Jack Hinks and a different guest every show. 'Joyous smorgasbord of words' \*\*\*\*\* (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). 'Funny, fierce and finely-tuned' \*\*\*\*\* (CorrBlimey.uk). 'Astonishing range of spoken-word talent' \*\*\*\*\* (BingeFringe.com). 'The most reliably entertaining spoken word night at the Fringe' \*\*\*\* (TheWeeReview.com). \*\*\*\*\* (EdFringeReview.com). \*\*\*\*\* (EdinburghGuide.com). Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company 'The diagonal of the square is incommensurable with its side.' Few words, but with unexpected implications: a number like this – neither whole nor fraction, thinkable but unknowable, wild, irrational – is a chaos element threatening the very order of things. The step from mathematics to heresy is short, and in Pythagoras’ time, mathematics could even cost you your life. A performance balancing mathematics and storytelling, where the story of Hippasus of Metapontum becomes an occasion to reflect on the role of mathematics in Western culture. Audience participation Age category: 12+

Turan Ali / Scottish Storytelling Centre The 5-star, award-winning hit LGBTQ+ storytelling show returns for its fourth Fringe; camper, fruitier and queerer than ever! Host Turan Ali takes time out from his BBC shows to scour the Fringe for the best queer talent, creating a diverse line-up of artists to share hilarious, surprising, sobering tales, songs and epic poems. Expect jaw-dropping insights into LGBTQ+ lives past, present and future. 'Edinburgh's most vibrant, authentic and exciting storytelling event' \*\*\*\*\* (TheWeeReview.com). 'Utterly fabulous' \*\*\*\*\* (TheQR.co.uk). \*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). '[A] rich fruitcake of an evening' Must See Show 2025 (FringeReview.co.uk). 'Triumphant' \*\*\*\*\* (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). More information This event may contain strong language/swearing. Some stories may have content which is sensitive or triggering to audiences.

Cara Silversmith A young girl wears her heart on her sleeve. Her father struggles to support the family and accepts a devastating offer from a strange figure... Can a woman without hands reach into a pool of dark memories to reclaim her own future? Based on the Grimm story of the Handless Maiden, this storytelling show explores disability and resilience in the face of trauma and societal expectations. Cara Silversmith has lived with a chronic condition for most of her adult life. Her storytelling celebrates diverse identities, the environment and the creation of a better world. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 16+

Marjolein Robertson and Off the Kerb Productions Shetland storyteller and comedian Marjolein Robertson takes us across the sea to the UK’s most northerly isles for an hour of immersive tales – beautiful, sad, funny and magical. Told with Marjolein's signature mix of Shetlandic and English, enjoy the mother tongue of the once-Nordic lands on your escape to another world. 'Robertson is simply outstanding' \*\*\*\*\* (TheQR.co.uk). 'Hauntingly lyrical storytelling' \*\*\*\*\* (List). None Age category: 14+

Alan Bissett 'Allow me to give you some advice, Billy...' Alan Bissett, award-winning creator of Fringe hit The Moira Monologues, performs as two Scottish cultural giants, asking what (might’ve!) happened when Billy Connolly attended the launch for Alasdair Gray’s 1981 masterpiece, Lanark. Bissett unearths the origin stories of these Glasgow geniuses, exploring their struggles in an uplifting tale of triumph against the odds. Directed by Kirstin McLean. Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe 2025. Longlisted for Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award 2025. \*\*\*\*\* (BritishTheatreGuide.info). \*\*\*\*\* (National). \*\*\*\*\* (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). \*\*\*\* (Herald). Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Craigmillar Tapestry Project The Craigmillar Tapestry Project is a community initiative to create a series of tapestry panels representing the rich history of Craigmillar. Designed and stitched by local people with artwork and guidance from artist Andrew Crummy, there are now twenty panels stitched by over five hundred contributors. The panels are stitched to an incredibly high standard, reflecting the great talent in Craigmillar. People included elements of their own experience and cultures to the tapestries – such as traditional Syrian stitching, names of local activists and important landmarks. None

Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company An incendiary retelling of Homer’s Iliad, sung through the voice of Thetis, Achilles’ mother. Two performers fluidly shifting: god/mortal, mother/warrior, goddess/lover, masculine/feminine, collapsing the boundaries of gender, power and fate. Love – maternal, erotic, spiritual – collides with the brutal machinery of war. Developed through international residencies and informed by artistic exchange with Lebanese and Palestinian artists working amid ongoing conflict, the production refuses nostalgia. Olympus is not distant; it is political, volatile, human. Nearly three millennia later, the epic burns with the same question: who wages war, and who pays the price? Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature Age category: 16+

Corinne Harragin Leaping salmon, fishtail women, mythical raves and sacred springs – these legends celebrate those who question the fixed and find their own flow. Troubled Waters transports audiences into a world where ancient folklore intertwines with contemporary themes. Whether you come for the laughs or the watery wisdom, you'll dip your toes into vital waters and explore what moves beneath the surface. Described by audiences as ‘delicious’, ‘captivating', ‘sexy’ and ‘brilliant’, this storytelling show explores our connection to waterways, wetlands and their inhabitants. 'Genuinely very funny... A masterful storyteller’ (BackstageBristol.com). More information Contains sex references Age category: 14+

JGProducing Common Tongue is a play aboot imperfect Scots. A fast-paced, riotous one-person show exploring the impact of language, identity and their intersections in Scotland. Bonnie’s life has been defined by words; the right ones, the wrong ones and the ones used against her. Now, Bonnie has a chance to speak about it. But she’s not really sure what she’s going to say, or how she’s going to say it. Written and directed by Fraser Scott, this ‘quick-witted, damning, and gorgeous’ (\*\*\*\*\* CorrBlimey.uk) play is delivered with deft humour and big heart. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Wildcard Stories Witch! Hag! Spinster! Words are powerful – even one can tell a whole story. This storytelling show welcomes you into the spinster's cottage, but what will you find there? A financially independent woman with a honed skill and craft, or an evil-doing hag waiting to snatch your child? Journey through three Scottish folktales that illustrate the change in the meaning of the word spinster, and thus the changing role of women in the Middle Ages. Spin together the threads of ancient tales and unpick the tapestry of the demonisation of women with storyteller Frankie Regalia. None Age category: 12+

Kirsty Law Enlightenment Edinburgh. Robert Burns and Walter Scott meet only once, at a salon in the Sciennes home of Adam Fergusson. Or so history tells us. In the School of Scottish Studies archives, a Scottish Traveller recounts another version – a fantastical gathering of 'all the great writers', locked in poetic flyting – until tragedy strikes. Scots folksinger Kirsty Law weaves together documented fact, imagined rivalry and a childhood memory of hearing the tale in the very building where it happened. A meditation on truth and fiction, and on the ordinary people who quietly carry on Scotland's living tradition. None Age category: 12+

Kirsten Milliken / David Hughes The greatest stories have always opened our eyes, pricked our ears and loosened our tongues; not easy when the chaos makes us want to bury our heads. When faced with injustice, oppression and tyranny how long can we afford compliance? How long do we excuse the beast once it has learned to bite? Two traditional storytellers rally myths, legends and folk songs in this rousing call to arms. Now is the time to pull our heads from the sand, look darkness in the eye and make a stand. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 16+

Harebell Tellers Atop a far-off mountain, birds gather to perch on the fate-shaping hands of an old mountain man – stories stirring in the murmuration, waiting to glide into the human world. In this Harebell Tellers production, traditional storytellers Ailsa Dixon and Ffion Phillips follow the flight paths of bird mythology across ancient Britain; oceans, forests, in and out of this world and that. Weaving together Welsh and Scots language, music and story into a meditative hour of storytelling magic, breathing new life into ancient myths and re-enchanting old folktales. 'A captivating hour of bardic wonder' \*\*\*\*\* (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). More information Brief mention of violence Age category: 12+

Morna Burdon Following acclaimed performances at Adelaide Fringe and sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, Morna brings Bonnie Fechters home to the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of A Triptych for Our Times, a ten-year celebration of her acclaimed one-woman shows. Bonnie Fechters stand up for themselves or what they believe in. Morna weaves an inspiring tapestry of songs and stories, shedding light on remarkable women whose courage, love, inventiveness and human spirit ripple through time to affect us all – whether we know it or not. ‘Deeply moving... mellow singing... charismatic’ \*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Morna Burdon A critically-acclaimed combination of personal and political poetry and song. Artificial intelligence, Thatcher's children, Gaza, the actions of the homed, the voices of the homeless, Scots language and the joy of blowing raspberries. Morna’s unique perspectives and observations offer incisive, gentle, provocative, poetic contributions to the wider story we all share. Interspersed with stories and songs ranging from climate change and immigration to that need we all have sometimes to just scream! Part of A Triptych for Our Times, a celebration marking ten years of Morna's acclaimed one-woman Fringe shows. Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Brite Theater Hamlet has the questions. Do you have the answers? A prince of Denmark needs your help. Take on the roles, journey through the play and resolve the great questions of life together, immersed in the story as never before. From multi award-winning Brite Theater, creators of Richard III (a one-person show) and Deliverance. Starring Emily Carding, directed by Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir. ‘Sigfusdottir’s adaptation and Carding’s sensitive interpretation provide a shortcut to the empathy that many Hamlets crave but seldom achieve’ \*\*\*\* (Stage). ‘Will leave you feeling closer and more empathetic to Hamlet than ever before’ \*\*\*\*\* (TheFrontRowCenter.com). Audience participation Age category: 14+

Tom Oakes / Brite Theater Multi-instrumentalist Tom Oakes returns with Forge, a new work building on the award-nominated The Hearth. Traditional music is set against live composition and improvisation, threaded with archive broadcast and new writing by Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir. Stories of resistance surface in sound and speech, carried in music that changes from night to night. The Hearth was nominated for Best New Work at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe before appearing at major festivals including Celtic Connections in Glasgow. None Age category: 12+

Estelle and Andrew have been together since university, building a life together - or so Andrew believes. When Estelle unexpectedly ends the relationship, they have to endure a six-week transition period before separating for good. Still living under the same roof, they attempt to navigate the emotional and practical fallout in very different ways. But as tensions rise and old habits persist, both are forced to confront what remains between them - and whether leaving is ever as simple as deciding to go. 'Modern Love' explores how we treat one another when the word 'love' is involved. Production title: Modern Love Production company: Atelier 32 Writer: Poppy Hope Smith Director: Stephanie Austin Cast: Poppy Hope Smith, Bailey Newsome Producer: Atelier 32 (HOUSE ATELIER 32 LTD) Assistant Producer: Cindy Awor

Jemima Thewes is a multidisciplinary artist of sound and visuals; a songwriter and folk singer, puppeteer, and character performer. The Wolf, the Moon and the Wild brings together a collection of images drawn from artwork originally created for the stop-frame animation and shadow puppetry of A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun, a collaboration with storyteller Dougie Mackay that received critical acclaim at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The exhibition gathers stills from these animations alongside paintings, cut-outs, and prints, inspired by Jemima's love of nature and the wilds of Scotland. Jemima offers affordable, inspiring work to take home, and if you wish to explore the work more deeply A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun is returning to Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from 7-28 August at 1pm.

Don’t miss the next fantastic show from Scotland’s premiere spoken word night! For over ten years, Loud Poets has been showcasing the best spoken word poetry from Scotland and beyond. Expect fist-thumping, heart-wrenching, side-tickling poetry performances with live musical accompaniment. July's showcase will feature Emma Atrim, Spencer Mason, Kareem Parkins-Brown and Diz Undone. Please note, this showcase begins at 7pm, rather than 7:30pm as with previous Loud Poets showcases. This will be the consistent start time for Loud Poets events at the SSC moving forward. “Loud Poets is tearing up the landscape, bringing the ancient art to contemporary audiences – spreading mirth, giggles and talent along the way.” - Corr Blimey “Go listen to Loud Poets and hear them say the things you’ve been trying to say yourself.” - Shane Koyczan “There’s a humour, poignancy and most of all confidence which serves to inspire.” - Scotsman

The Little Egret is a graceful white heron with dainty yellow feet which look like they have been dipped in a pot of paint! Native to southern Europe, the bird has made an incredible journey to northern Europe - albeit with climate change playing a part. Factor in the over-eating of this unfortunate bird in centuries past - in 1451, a thousand of the birds were consumed at a banquet in Northumberland - and over-hunting in the quest for feathers to adorn hats in the nineteenth century, it's nothing short of a miracle that it is here and spreading along our very own River Tweed. Funded by Destination Tweed and the Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Borders-based Riddell Fiddles use local photographs and music written especially for the performance to lament and celebrate the meteoric rise of such an eccentric bird. This is a musical event with visuals to showcase the magnificence and resilience of nature.