Pomegranates Festival

Sorry you are too late, this event has been and gone!

The Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland presents its fourth Pomegranates Festival which will run from Friday 25th to Wednesday 30th April 2025 at various venues across Edinburgh.

About Pomegranates Festival

Listed Under Dance Events / Exhibitions Events / Family and Kids Events / Film Events / Nights Out Events / Workshops Events

In 2025 when we mark Edinburgh’s 900 years journey from the 12th Century City of David to the 21st City of Diversity, we are very proud to present the fourth edition of Pomegranates – Scotland’s festival of diversity in traditional dance at various venues across Edinburgh. Expect another ‘fascinating cocktail of movement’ from around the world and around the corner from the festival that has already made it to the #ListHot100 as one of the 100 most influential cultural events of 2024 across Scotland.

The festival season in 2025 starts on International Women’s Day (8 March) focusing on the role women played in Edinburgh’s rich trad dance history, including Mary, Queen of Scots. It culminates in the long festival weekend 25-30 April 2025 at various venues across Edinburgh celebrating UNESCO’s International Day of Dance (29 April).

Every year the Pomegranates Festival celebrates Scottish traditional dance alongside diverse traditional dance practised by New Scots and cultural migrant communities across Scotland. It is the annual platform for the diverse 250+ individual and organisational members to teach, learn and perform in new productions and residencies. It also invites wider audiences to participate in a curated trail of exhibitions, films, workshops, masterclasses, talks, shows, walking tours and social dances. Overall, Pomegranates traces the intrinsic links of traditional dance with live music, film, fashion, poetry, art and heritage crafts.

This year’s festival theme is masks. Feel the power of masks used in different dance traditions and reflect on the significance, beauty and mystery of masks and mask-making in relation to traditional dance from antiquity to modern days. Expect a flair of mystery as our festival artists will don their dance masks and take on whole new personalities honouring their traditions and our global living heritage.

Image: L/R Chloe Zhong, Gerry Gapinski, Lorraine Pritchard, Lexie Guo, Miya Ma and Tony Chen

Image credit Greg Macvean

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!

Similar events you might like...

Burly Ceilidh Club

Selected dates between 10th January 2025 - 8th November 2025

Ghillie Dhu, Edinburgh West

We’re famous for the Ceilidhs in our stunning Auditorium at the Ghillie Dhu, so come along a make it a night to remember!

Ceilidh in Charteris Centre

Selected dates between 22nd February 2025 - 31st December 2025

Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Edinburgh South

Edinburgh Ceilidhs invites you to their regular ceilidh in the Charteris Centre with caller Ken Gourlay, ceilidh band and piper!

Annasach’s Ceilidh at The Counting House

Selected dates between 27th June 2025 - 28th November 2025

The Counting House Edinburgh, Edinburgh South

Annasach Ceilidh Band invites you to our regular ceilidh in the hidden gem of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Counting House!

Disco Days Edinburgh

Selected dates between 16th August 2025 - 15th November 2025

Club Tropicana Edinburgh, Edinburgh West

Scotland's beloved over 30s afternoon clubbing event Disco Days returns to Club Tropicana Edinburgh in 2025!

Old Skool Days

Selected dates between 6th September 2025 - 8th November 2025

Club Tropicana Edinburgh, Edinburgh West

Old Skool Days is back for another round of 90s & 00s Afternoon Anthems at Edinburgh's favourite retro venue!

Historical Georgian Dance Classes

Selected dates between 30th September 2025 - 9th December 2025

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Join the Edinburgh Quadrille Society and learn dances from the Jane Austen / Bridgerton era at Institut français d'Écosse!

Ceilidh Tea Dances

Selected dates between 23rd October 2025 - 18th December 2025

Marchmont St Giles Parish Church, Edinburgh South

Dance away the afternoon, and enjoy good company at these Ceilidh Tea Dances held in Marchmont St. Giles on Thursday afternoons!

Ceilidh Supper Club

Selected dates between 24th October 2025 - 28th November 2025

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant, Edinburgh Old Town

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish National Gallery with great food, great music, and great company, this is one Friday night you won’t want to miss!