CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On

Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on.

Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On

About Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On

Martyn Bennett was an artist ahead of his time.

Piper, violinist, composer, producer, DJ – his radical blend of tradition and technology created an audacious new sound that was uniquely his own.

When he died tragically young at just 33 his professional career was little over a decade long, and he fought serious illness for half of it. Despite this Martyn left a remarkable body of work which continues to inspire the musicians who knew and worked with him, and the younger generation of artists growing up in awe of his genius.

But this kind of legacy does not survive without others to take up the baton, those who encourage others to listen, to learn, to play and take the music further.

Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on. They are Gary West, author of Brave New Music – The Martyn Bennett Story, and BJ Stewart trustee of the Martyn Bennett Trust.

It is testament to their work that Martyn’s art continues to win awards and fills concert halls two decades after his death.

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
The Chocolatarium
Local Motive Markets
Hilton Glasgow
WST

Other Events at Traverse Theatre or Edinburgh Tradfest

Dancing Shoes

4th December 2025 - 20th December 2025

After a raucous run in the Spring, Dancing Shoes returns to the Traverse in December with even more heart, humour and high-energy moves.

READ MORE

Jakub Klimiuk Quintet

12th January 2026

An accomplished London-based guitarist and composer, Jakub Klimiuk takes his quintet on tour with a brand new set of material, with a date at the Traverse Theatre on 12th January!

READ MORE

Laura Jurd - Rites & Revelations

16th January 2026

One of the most distinctive voices in jazz and improvised music, Laura Jurd's unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates.

READ MORE

Soundhouse: Foghorn Stringband

1st February 2026

After a barnstorming performance at Edinburgh Tradfest in May 23, we’re delighted to welcome back the Foghorn Stringband on Sunday 1st February.

READ MORE

Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern

2nd February 2026

Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern's guitar treatments of traditional music is unique, exploring the harmonic possibilities of these old, and sometimes not so old, tunes.

READ MORE

Manipulate Festival: Coffee With Sugar?

4th February 2026 - 5th February 2026

Using thousands of coffee beans, flying candyfloss, biographical fragments, historical sources, video art and live music, ‘Coffee with Sugar?’ is a visually striking performance!

READ MORE

Manipulate Festival: Size Matters

5th February 2026 - 6th February 2026

Blending puppetry, science, and surrealist theatre, Julia and Mamoru and their puppet doubles explore how time and perception shift with size.

READ MORE

Manipulate Festival: Don Quixote (is a Very Big Book)

7th February 2026 - 8th February 2026

In his new one-man show, Dik Downey (Green Ginger, Pickled Image, Opposable Thumb) weaves together the crazed delusions of Don Quixote with his own struggle against reality.

READ MORE

Manipulate Festival: The Wood Paths

9th February 2026 - 10th February 2026

Wood Paths is a celebration of humanity’s endless creativity and our desire to understand, to shape, and to find beauty in the mess.

READ MORE

The Flames

14th February 2026

​​A striking and innovative mix of film, music and performance to explore stories about life after fifty, presenting a fresh look at how we approach ageing.

READ MORE

Head. Heart. Hand.

19th February 2026 - 21st February 2026

Head. Heart. Hand. is a powerful new play by Stef Smith, created to mark the 150th anniversary of the institution that is known today as Queen Margaret University (QMU).

READ MORE

Quilici Tessa

23rd February 2026

Carlos Quilici and Martín Tessa perform an instrumental repertoire that includes works by the main composers of the genre as well as their own compositions.

READ MORE

Soundhouse: Espen Erilsen Trio

25th February 2026

The Espen Eriksen Trio is one of the most popular piano trios in Europe – not at least in UK and you can catch them at Traverse Theatre on 25th February!

READ MORE

The Events

27th February 2026 - 28th February 2026

When Claire, a priest and choir leader, survives a mass shooting in her church, she embarks on a desperate search for answers that will ultimately bring her face to face with the attacker.

READ MORE

Class Act Edinburgh Showcase 2026

4th March 2026 - 5th March 2026

The Traverse is delighted to be presenting the Class Act Edinburgh Showcase 2026 on 4th & 5th March!

READ MORE

Medea

6th March 2026 - 7th March 2026

The award-winning production of this thrilling Greek tragedy returns re-imagined to tour Scotland's stages in 2026, including two nights at the Traverse Theatre in March!

READ MORE

Soundhouse: Martin Taylor

9th March 2026

Multi-award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor is recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. Don't miss him at the Traverse Theatre on 9th March!

READ MORE

A Grain of Sand

10th March 2026 - 12th March 2026

A Grain of Sand is a one-woman show that takes an intimate look at war through the eyes of a child, blending Palestinian folklore with real-life testimonies from children in contemporary Gaza.

READ MORE

Saint Joan

18th March 2026 - 21st March 2026

As today's world faces political unrest and war, Saint Joan speaks powerfully to a new generation challenging authority, reminding us of history's unlikely revolutionaries.

READ MORE

Hannah James & Toby Kuhn

23rd March 2026

If you’re looking for warmth, honesty and musical excellence, look no further than this evening with Hannah James & Toby Kuhn at the Traverse Theatre!

READ MORE

Kendal Mountain Tour 2026

24th March 2026

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2026 comes to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 24th March!

READ MORE

PASS: Cyrana

25th March 2026 - 26th March 2026

A bold reimagining of a classic tale, Cyrana tells of the fight to be heard — and the courage to stand tall when the world tries to silence you.

READ MORE

PASS: Roll With it

25th March 2026 - 26th March 2026

Roll With It is a new coming of age comedy exploring friendship, identity, found family, and most importantly, dragon-slaying.

READ MORE

The Light House

28th March 2026

Tender, funny and defiantly hopeful, The Light House is a real-life love story about holding on to each other, even in the darkest times. It’s a love letter to life.

READ MORE

Game of Crones

4th April 2026 - 5th April 2026

Funny, feral, and gloriously unapologetic, Game of Crones is a riotous celebration of women in their prime - warriors who will not go gentle into bingo night.

READ MORE

GUSH

10th April 2026 - 25th April 2026

Exploring self-identity, sexuality and the tension between compromise and sacrifice, GUSH considers what it means to discover what we want and dare to ask for it.

READ MORE

The Horsenecks

13th April 2026

The two multi-instrumentalists bring together their backgrounds in Old Time, early Bluegrass, Gospel and Country music to deliver a sound that is both timeless and fiercely alive.

READ MORE

What I’m Here For

15th April 2026 - 18th April 2026

What I’m Here For is a fast-moving fusion of new European writing and visual imagination, which explores the tragi-comic collateral of hospitals and human choices.

READ MORE

Holly Clarke

19th April 2026

Holly Clarke has made a name for herself as a powerful singer and accomplished guitar player. Catch her at the Traverse Theatre on Sunday 19th April!

READ MORE

Jack Docherty in The Chief - No Apologies

22nd April 2026 - 24th April 2026

Jack Docherty, BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad, The Chief, and Absolutely, comes to the Traverse Theatre after packed-out Fringe runs in 2024 & 2025!

READ MORE

Sylvain Cossette Quintet – Second Cycle

27th April 2026

Experience an unforgettable evening of jazz with the Sylvain Cossette Quintet, a Canadian ensemble that blends elegance, creativity, and pure energy.

READ MORE

Tomorrow

28th April 2026 - 30th April 2026

Tomorrow is a physical response to the things we struggle to say with words. As the world feels ever more at odds with itself, how do we find our place?

READ MORE

Shotgunned

29th April 2026 - 30th April 2026

Equal parts hilarious and heart-breaking, Matt Anderson's Shotgunned is a relatable and intimate piece of theatre about how the people we lose can shape who we become.

READ MORE

QOW TRIO

14th May 2026

QOW TRIO are back with a barnstorming third album and play the Traverse Theatre on Thursday 14th May!

READ MORE

Leila Navabi: Relay

16th May 2026

Relay is a bold, joyful punk-musical one-person show about making a queer family on your own terms, written and performed by award-nominated comedian, writer and composer Leila Navabi.

READ MORE

Aspyrian

18th May 2026

Aspyrian are fast gaining a reputation as one of the most ambitious new acts on the UK jazz scene and they play The Traverse Theatre on Monday 18th May!

READ MORE

Stand & Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-in

19th May 2026 - 20th May 2026

Played out to a live 80's soundtrack, this is the true story of the gallus Greenock girls who fought a battle against injustice that thrust them onto the world stage.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Open Pass Scotland
Escape The Past
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Similar events you might like...

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Selected dates between 20th February 2025 - 18th December 2025

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

READ MORE
Find Out Fridays

Find Out Fridays

Selected dates between 15th August 2025 - 19th December 2025

Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.

READ MORE
Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks

Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 23rd October 2025 - 26th February 2026

Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!

READ MORE
Weekly Tours at St Cecilia’s Hall

Weekly Tours at St Cecilia’s Hall

Selected dates between 28th November 2025 - 17th December 2025

Join our team of volunteers at St Cecilia's Hall for a FREE weekly tour of the collection!

READ MORE
Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Selected dates between 30th November 2025 - 13th December 2026

A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.

READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction

Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction

Selected dates between 5th December 2025 - 29th January 2026

Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!

READ MORE
Life Of A Ghost Hunter

Life Of A Ghost Hunter

Selected dates between 13th December 2025 - 19th December 2025

How do real life ghost hunters hunt ghosts? Join Phantom Seekers Paranormal for a light hearted look at what goes into hunting ghosts, what we do and how we do it.

READ MORE
Aleister Crowley - The Beast, The Bard, The Brat

Aleister Crowley - The Beast, The Bard, The Brat

16th December 2025

Wild rumours spread about Aleister Crowley throughout his eccentric life. Come along and hear about a side to the sorcerer that is seldom heard!

READ MORE
Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley

Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley

6th January 2026
Edinburgh South

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!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
The Chocolatarium
Local Motive Markets
Hilton Glasgow
WST
Wonder & Co
Open Pass Scotland
Escape The Past
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
The Snowman with Live Band
Join us on 23rd December at Greyfriars Kirk for a screening of The Snowman with live music from Whitburn Band.
Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
A Christmas Story
The Ukrainian Youth Partnership are proud to A Christmas Story, performed by and choreographed by the children and adults of the Ukrainian community.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall