Festival of Europe
Scotland's second international Festival of Europe takes place on May 10th and 11th at French Institute, Edinburgh. Come along for a fantastic weekend of discussion, art and socialising!
About Festival of Europe
Festival of Europe lines up top-flight speakers to discuss recent dramatic developments on the world stage and how UK should respond
Keeping democracy healthy in Europe is key theme, says organiser.
Scotland’s second Festival of Europe is being held at the French Institute, Edinburgh, on 10th and 11th May. Backed by the European Movement in Scotland and a wide range of other organisations, a major theme of the two-day event is “The Future of European Democracy”.
The Festival comes at a time when far right parties are on the rise across Europe and, as Donald Trump’s administration changes the global order that has been in place since the end of World War 2.
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Other Events at Institut francais d Ecosse
The Gemstone Arias in Concert
Join us for the World Premiere performance of The Gemstone Arias composed by Jay Capperauld with text by Niall Campbell, performed by Rosie Lavery (soprano) and Anna Michels (piano).
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Screening of L’Atalante
L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.
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Screening: Souleymane’s Story by Boris Lojkine
Prize winning film Souleymane’s Story, depicts the harsh reality of delivery cyclist Souleymane who recently immigrated from Guinea. Catch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on 28th January!
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Screening of Mélodie en sous-sol
Mélodie is considered as one of the best thrillers and certainly among the most stylish movies of the early 1960s. Watch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 11th February.
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Screening of ‘Three Friend’ by Emmanuel Mouret
Catch this French romcom by Emmanuel Mouret at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 18th February!
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Family Afternoon: Let’s play with colours
Looking for an afternoon of imagination and joy? Don’t miss our Family Afternoon at the Institut français d’Écosse on Thursday 19th February, suitable for ages 3 to 10!
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Screening of Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)
Holy Cow is an enchanting first film by Louise Courvoisier that was awarded the 2024 Youth Prize at Cannes’ Un Certain regard competition, as well as the Best First Feature film.
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Concert with the Jen Ewan Band
Fresh from supporting the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, the Jennifer Ewan Band bring their stirring and richly layered mix of compelling original songs, Swamp Blues and old-time Cajun dance music!
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Writing the French Caribbean: an Introduction
Broaden your horizons on a journey to the French Caribbean for Francophone Month at this talk by Professor Lorna Milne FRSE, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques!
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SPIRITUEUSES – Women and Whisky
SPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.
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Screening of La Vie est belle
La vie est belle is a 1987 musical comedy directed by Mwezé Ngangura and Benoît Lamy, screening at the Institut français d'Ecosse on 11th March!
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Screening of Monsieur Lazhar
An Algerian professor is hired at a Montreal public school to take the place of a professor who died tragically in her own classroom and helps his students overcome their grief.
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Children Show: Paws Up!
This English adaptation of the famous children’s book by Catharina Valckx ‘PAWS UP!’ is a poetic, interactive and funny show, performed in French and English
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RCS presents : Alexander Krylov in concert
For the Baroque Music Festival 2026, Alexander Krylov will present a solo programme of works including Bach, Scarlatti and Couperin.
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Blessed Echoes by Ensemble Près de votre oreille
Since 2017, Près de votre oreille has developed an original artistic identity, recording several acclaimed albums and performing internationally.
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Jeux de Dames: A portrait of Love - Concert by Ensemble Amarillis
The Institut Francais d’Ecosse proudly present Ensemble Amarillis, their first Scottish performance as part of the Baroque Music Festival 2026.
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John Butt in Concert
Musical Director of the Dunedin Consort, John Butt invites us on a journey that begins in Italy and concludes in Germany as part of the Baroque Music Festival!
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Italian Baroque: Monika d’Ermo Recital followed by Cenacolo Musicale
The Institut Francais d’Ecosse partners with the Italian Consulate in Edinburgh and the Italian Institute of Culture for an exceptional Night of Italian Baroque Music on Saturday 18th April.
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Concert with Les Fils Canouche
After a successful tour in France, Les Fils Canouche are heading to Scotland with their new album “Les Pantophiles” and play the Institut français d'Écosse on 7th May!
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley
Join the School of Physics and Astronomy at 50 George Square on Tuesday 6th January for a drinks reception followed by a lecture from Sir Steven Cowley!
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Dan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Follow Dan O'Neill as he leads an extreme conservation mission through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, exploring snow leopard behavioural and spatial ecology using video camera traps.
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The Psychology of Horror Movies
Discover the fascinating connections between horror films and the human mind, exploring themes of psychoanalysis, gender, and more at Assembly Roxy on Wednesday 21st January. Followed by a Q&A.
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Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky
The Scotch whisky industry faces a growing problem: fake vintage whiskies. Some bottles sold as rare single malts from the 1800s or early 1900s are actually much younger.
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Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again
Justin Hawkins brings his YouTube show “Justin Hawkins Rides Again” to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 24th January!
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Celebrating Burns
Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!
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