Pomegranates Festival
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
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!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Assembly Roxy
Come and experience Scottish dance the way its meant to be every month at the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at the Assembly Roxy!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Summerhall
Come and experience Scottish dance the way its meant to be every Tuesday at the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club in Summerhall!
READ MORE
Burns Night Ceilidh
Get ready to dance the night away at this Burns Night Ceilidh in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK, where traditional Scottish food and lively reels will keep you moving all evening!
READ MORE
Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh
Enjoy a night like no other in the beautiful setting of the National Museum of Scotland at night as the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band bring the Grand Gallery to life!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open House Ceilidhs
Join Edinburgh Open House Ceilidhs with Live Band & Caller, held in the Royal British Legion Hall! Great informal fun night suitable for all ages (10yrs+).
READ MORE
Laldie Ceilidh with Da Hooley Band plus a Dose of Burns
Celebrate Burns Night with a full Laldie Ceilidh, featuring Da Hooley Ceilidh Band, with bonus Burns recitals at the Assembly Roxy on Saturday 24th January!
READ MORE
Burn’s Night Ceilidh
Join us for a lively Ceilidh Friday at The Three Sisters as Maggie’s Chamber transforms into a night of traditional music, energetic dancing, and great atmosphere.
READ MORE
Portobello Grand Ceilidh
Welcome to the Porty Town Hall Grand Fundraising Ceilidh! Join us for a fantastic night dancing to Bella McNab’s Ceilidh Band. Together we can laugh, dance and raise funds to support our local hall.
READ MORE
Easy Sundays: Burns Family Ceilidh
Celebrate Burns' birthday with family and friends and dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band on Sunday 25th January!
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links