Talks And Lectures events in Edinburgh
View all the upcoming Talks And Lectures events taking place throughout Edinburgh below or use the calendar to find events taking place on a specific month or date.
Events in Edinburgh
IberoDocs 8th Edition
IberoDocs brings a programme of over 20 documentaries, highlighting that both in our darkest as well as our brightest moments, art (in any of its forms) has become a necessary and faithful companion.
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Traversing Borders
Experimental art collectives Exotero and YAMI-ICHI launch Traversing Borders: a digital programme of free, participatory events to help emerging artists find their footing in the art industry.
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ShowMe: A Festival of Workshops for Producers & Creatives
ShowMe is a weekend of practical workshops offering 'tools and rules' around the different aspects of producing and making work happen.
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Mystic & Holistic Festival
The Mystic & Holistic Festival, celebrating everything Mind, Body & Soul returns by popular demand in an online format on Sunday 25th April!
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Doctors, Patients and The Physical Examination
Surgeons Hall Museums are delighted to offer this specialist short with Curator Jim Edmonson.
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Intensive Care with Dr Gavin Francis
Join the RCPE at this live Q&A with GP Gavin Francis, who will explore the experiences of treating patients during the coronavirus pandemic, in both urban and rural communities!
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Guid Crack: Nae Far Fae Here with Jackie Ross
Join guest storyteller Jackie Ross for another online version of the Scottish Storytelling Centre's monthly storytelling session as we explore stories close to home.
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Potted Pathology: The Complete Collection
The Surgeons Hall Museums popular Potted Pathology collection in now available to enjoy at your leisure as a complete series!
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BAFTA Scotland: Guru Live Online
BAFTA Scotland will host its flagship festival for aspiring creatives, Guru Live, online for 2021 between the 4th & 7th May!
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Tall Tales Oscar
Listen to tall tales, ferocious fibs and fables performed live on Zoom by some of Scotland's finest tellers, then you decide who wins the lucrative accolade of Oscar the Leprechaun!
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Rebellious Truth 2021: Karine Polwart + Mike Vass
Tradfest is delighted to present their first annual Rebellious Truth Lecture on 10th May and the first speaker is Karine Polwart. The evening will begin with a performance by Mike Vass.
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Safe To Be Me Festival
Scottish Ballet presents the Safe to Be Me Festival, a digital festival of dance for young people to explore their identities through creative, interactive experiences and digital dance workshops!
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Proposed and Seconded: The Royal Scottish Academy Nomination Books of the 1920s
This talk given by Alice Strang will focus on the women artists proposed and seconded for election by male allies, including Dorothy Johnstone, Cecile Walton and John Duncan.
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Judy Versus Capitalism
Don't miss the Scottish premier of Judy Versus Capitalism the lyrical documentary by Mike Hoolboom, recounting radical feminist Judy Rebick's experiences as an activist and living with a divided self.
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Lived Experience
Personal experiences with mental health problems inspired each of these shorts, ranging from animation and experimental film to documentary and drama, part of SMHAF 2021.
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Pint of Science
Quench your thirst for knowledge when Pint of Science returns online from 17th-20th May 2021!
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Impact Summit
Held online on the 19th & 20th May, Impact Summit is an annual event that brings together some of the brightest minds of our time to discuss tackling global challenges!
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Lecture: Roaring Sound: The Instruments of the Jazz Era
This talk will give a brief introduction of jazz as a style of music and explore the different instruments played in a typical jazz band of the 1920s.
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Digital Lecture: The Brave New World of Edwardian Book Illustration and Design
Join Jonathan Wild, Senior Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, for this talk on the design and illustration of books during the Edwardian period.
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Digital Lecture: Working with Ian Hamilton Finlay
Robin Gillanders gives this talk on his experience working on collaborative projects with Ian Hamiton Finlay between 1994 until his death in 2006.
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Digital Lecture: The Four Seasons in Full Sail: A Year in the Garden at Little Sparta
The garden at Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art. In this talk George Gilliland, Head Gardener at Little Sparta, gives a brief description of its themes, content & planting.
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Digital Lecture: Patrick Geddes’ Evergreen and Charles Mackie
Murdo Macdonald gives this talk on Patrick Geddes’ Evergreen and Charles Mackie on Thursday 3rd June.
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Information Lecture:: A natural Path to health for body and soul through the teaching of Bruno Groening
This online lecture, on 5th June, is about a natural Path to health for body and soul through the teaching of Bruno Groening.
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Be it Ever So Toxic- There’s No Place Like Home
Join Surgeons Hall Museums Research Fellow Professor Donaldson as he explores the history of the use of deadly toxins in domestic life!
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In Conversation with the Sopranos
Get the real story behind what Vanity Fair called “the greatest pop-culture masterpiece of its day” when three of The Sopranos’ most iconic cast members sit down for a chat.
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Leith 2020: An Archival look at Leith
This talk at Lauriston Castle explores the rich heritage of Leith and its unique identity.
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Leith 2020: Leith Theatre Past Present and Future
The joint speakers will outline the chequered history of Leith Theatre, where it is now and where it might go in the future.
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Digital Lecture: Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light
This lecture will set Charles H. Mackie’s art in the context of his life. His Scottish artistic roots underpinned his engagement with French art and continental ideas.
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Lecture: Addressing slavery and Empire at the National Trust for Scotland
Join Jennifer Melville, Head of Curatorial & Conservation Services at the National Trust for Scotland, for this lecture at Lauriston Castle!
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Digital Exhibition Tour: Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light
This tour will focus on key aspects of Charles H. Mackie’s development as an artist, highlighting his range and versatility in oil, watercolour and print.
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Lecture: With the Royal Scots in Gallipoli
This lecture explores the journey of The Dardenelles - Edinburgh's Royal Scots Territorials - who were the first waves of the seaborne offensive that aimed to end WW1.
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Lecture: Playing with the Past
What can Archaeology tell us about the world’s most popular sport? Archaeology Scotland will discuss some of its and others recent work on the archaeology and history of Football.
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Lecture: Murder, Power and … Pineapples?
Come along for a talk from archaeologist Doug Rocks-Macqueen about recent excavations of pineries in the Lothians and Falkirk!
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Salad Fingers + Q&A With Creator David Firth
Head along to the Stand Edinburgh on July 28th for an evening of mind melting animation, featuring Salad Fingers creator David Firth!
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Digital Lecture: Playing Cricket with the Nabis: Charles H. Mackie’s French Connections
This lecture given by Belinda Thomson, Honorary Professor in art history at the University of Edinburgh, examines the influences of French Art in the work of Charles H. Mackie.
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Fringe by the Sea: Gail Porter
Gail Porter speaks from the heart about the highs and lows of her life and career – and in particular her experiences of mental health illness.
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Lecture: A Curious Flowering: The Hydros in Scotland in the 19th Century
Join Jane Neil-MacLachlan, writer and novelist under the pen name of Jane Tulloch, for this lecture on Hydropathic institutions in Scotland in the 19th Century!
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Fringe by the Sea: Helen McClory
Helen McClory, one of the most talented, innovative and original new fiction voices of the decade, will be in conversation with Jennifer Crichton, founder of The Flock.
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Fringe by the Sea: Irvine Welsh
Join Irvine Welsh at Fringe By The Sea as he chats about his books, film, career and life!
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Fringe by the Sea: Paul Murton
Join us at Fringe by the Sea for this talk with Paul Murton, presenter of the acclaimed BBC series Grand Tours of Scotland!
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Fringe by the Sea: Gavin Francis
Award-winning writer and doctor Gavin Francis discusses two of his books at Fringe by the Sea.
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Lecture: The Morton Photography Project at the National Trust for Scotland
Dr Antonia Laurence Allen will share collections, stories and projects from properties as diverse as Canna House, Brodie Castle and Tenement House at Lauriston Castle on 19th August.
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Lecture: Earls, Maids, Dames and Gardeners
Vicky Garrington shares some key pieces from Edinburgh Museums & Galleries large and important costume collection.
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Francis Rossi: I Talk Too Much
Legendary Status Quo lead singer Francis Rossi will share the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock'n'roll when he takes to the stage for an intimate evening of chat and music.
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Lecture: Heroines of the Canongate: Women as Urban and Social Reformers in the Edwardian Old Town
This talk offers a different account of urban reform in Edwardian Edinburgh. It explores the many people who worked together to change the living conditions of the communities in the city’s Old Town
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Lecture: Enlightened Golfers
This talk given by Jim Scanlon, a member of Leith local history society and Leith Rules Golf Society, will explore the variety of notable people who have played golf on Leith Links.
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Leith 2020: Leith: HQ of the Trainspotting Phenomenon.
Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting, now indelibly part of Leith’s legacy with international recognition, deserves more credit and study than it gets. Tim Bell will explore how Leith is presented.
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Lecture: Charles Hodge Mackie and the Celtic Revival in Scotland and France
This lecture explores the influence of both Scottish and French art on Charles Mackie through a consideration of the work he produced in the 1890s.
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Yotam Ottolenghi: A life in flavour
An exclusive opportunity to hear directly from Yotam Ottolenghi about his life in flavour, and find inspiration for your own cooking.
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Levison Wood: The Art of Exploration
Join critically acclaimed author and explorer Levison Wood as he takes to the stage for his third UK tour, The Art of Exploration.
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Burns V McGonagall: An evening with Scotland’s best poet and arguably the worst!
William McGonagall has long been regarded as ‘the worst poet in the history of the English language’. Join Scots actor Jock Ferguson for an evening of anecdotes and stories and a wee dram in betwe
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Lecture: Discovering Leith through Maps
This lecture given by Laragh Quinney will consider how Leith has been depicted on maps from the 16th century to the present day.
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The Serial Killer Next Door
Join Psychological Therapist Emma Kenny as she takes you on a journey looking at what ingredients of possibility lead to body counts by serial killers.
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Lecture: A Guid Cause Maks a Strong Arm
This talk explores the ‘gists, the ‘gettes and the fight for female emancipation, viewed by some as a campaign and by others as a war.
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Professor Brian Cox: Horizons World Tour
Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-out World Tour, Professor Brian Cox is back with a brand-new Arena show for 2021 which will come to the Edinburgh Playhouse on 7th October!
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Dan Snow’s History Hit
Dan Snow brings his award-winning, chart-topping podcast and online TV channel 'History Hit' live to The Queen's Hall.
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Socially Distanced Sports Bar: Live!
Join Elis, Mike and Steff as they take their smash hit podcast The Socially Distant Sports Bar out on the road for the first time!
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Lecture: E. A. Hornel: from Camera to Canvas
This talk by Dr Antonia Laurence Allen is about Scottish artist Edward Atkinson Hornel and illustrates how Hornel’s travels and use of photographs influenced his artistic practice.
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Lecture: Leith 2020: A Photographic Walk Through Time
Fraser Parkinson will illustrate the rich heritage of Leith through photographs, showing the history and changing face of Leith from the mid-1850s to the present day.
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An Evening with Nick Butter
Nick Butter, the first person to run a marathon in every country in the world, tells tales of muggings, war zones, dog attacks, extreme exhaustion, and the sheer scale and diversity of our planet.
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Lecture: Distant lives: The Earliest Photographs of St Kilda
In 1860 Capt. F.W.L. Thomas sailed to St Kilda to take the first ever photographs of St Kilda. This is the story of the quest to give these St Kildans back their identity and to tell their story.
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Tim Peake: My Journey to Space
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an awe-inspiring ride when Tim Peake shares his experience of life in space when he brings his UK tour to the Usher Hall Edinburgh on 11th November 2021!
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Lecture: Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s
This lecture investigates a range of artworks by artists including S.J. Peploe, Dorothy Johnstone, Eric Robertson and William McCance, and places them within the context of their times.
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Lecture: Tokens of Festive Magic: The Victorian Christmas
Join artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb for an exploration of the 19th century Christmas through antique objects, many from her own collection which inspire her intricate etchings.
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Lecture: Upstairs, Downstairs: Glamorous gowns to working dress
Vicky Garrington explores a variety of historic dress from a much-mended maid’s uniform of the early 20th century to a sumptuous 18th century silk dress scattered with tulips.
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Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Living Dangerously
In Living Dangerously, Sir Ranulph Fiennes offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day. Join him for an inspiring evening at the Usher Hall!
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Test Match Special
Join Test Match Special and Ashes stars Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan as they take you inside the famous TMS commentary box!
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Events in East Renfrewshire
In Conversation With... Janey Godley
Join multi-award-winning, take-no-prisoners and totally honest Scottish comedienne Janey Godley as she talks to Graham Spiers live from Eastwood Park Theatre on Saturday 17th April!
Autism And Girls
The East Renfrewshire branch of the National Autistic Society are holding two sessions specifically for parents and carers of autistic girls.
Scotland Invented Football: The Footballers of Cathcart Cemetery
Cathcart Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the early pioneers of world football, join Friends of Cathcart Cemetery and the Hampden Collection for this online talk exploring their lives.
Fostering A Positive Autistic Identity For Wellbeing
Join the East Renfrewshire branch of the National Autistic Society as they present 'Fostering A Positive Autistic Identity For Wellbeing', a talk by Dr Chloe Farahar.
In Conversation with... Jonathan Watson
Don't miss an evening of conversation with Jonathan Watson hosted by Graham Spiers streamed live from Eastwood Park Theatre on Saturday 22nd May!
Events in Fife
Virtual Death Cafe
Held across the UK, Death Cafés are welcoming, safe and friendly meetings for people, often strangers, to openly discuss something that affects us all.
The Psychology Of Serial Killers
Forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees is an expert in the dark underbelly of murder and in this fascinating talk she will be revealing the results of years of research.
Francis Rossi’s - I Talk Too Much
Legendary Status Quo lead singer Francis Rossi will share the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock’n’roll when he takes to the stage for an intimate evening of chat and music.
An Evening with Will Young - CANCELLED
Pop star Will Young will speak on the evolution of pop, gay rights and wellbeing in this spoken word show.
The Parrish Times
Former professional motorcycle and truck racer turned TV commentator and speaker/entertainer, Steve Parrish will share the uncut version of his hilarious biography The Parrish Times.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Living Dangerously
In Living Dangerously, Sir Ranulph Fiennes offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day. Join him for an inspiring evening at the Alhambra Theatre!
Day At Night: The Doris Day Songbook
A celebration of the life of Doris Day, featuring over 24 popular hits from the Doris Day Songbook, the songs interwoven with stories, anecdotes and facts about the life of this special lady.
Events in Glasgow
Introduction to IP: How to Identify and Protect your IP Assets
Whether it's an invention, design, brand name, literary work or a song, this session will give you the knowledge to identify the Intellectual Property assets contained within your business!
Glasgow Zine Fest 2021: Artist Talk with Grace Wilson
Join Glasgow Zine Fest's Young Producers for a live online Q&A session about being an artist in Scotland, as they interview ceramics artist Grace Wilson!
Glasgow Zine Fest 2021: Connecting the Spectrum: Neurodiverse Communities Online And Offline
Join Autistic writer & historian of Disability Jessica Secmezsoy-Urquhart as they look at how the internet has united a global neurodiverse community for the first time, giving autistic people a voice
Café Scientifique Français d’Écosse: Fabrication d’objets géants dans l’espace - défis et bénéfices pour la société
Held in French, the Café Scientifique is a monthly rendez-vous where you can learn more about scientific topics in a relaxed and Francophone atmosphere, their April meeting is being held on Zoom!
Glasgow Zine Fest 2021: U Belong Glasgow: Remote
U Belong is a multilingual platform in Glasgow featuring performances based on the theme of 'Remote' by BPOC, LGBT+ and disabled poets, artists, musicians and comedians!
The Dark Philosophers Book Group: Stillicide by Cynan Jones
The Dark Philosophers are a regular, open reading group which aims to bring the literature of Wales out of the shadows, join them for their next online meeting on April 21st!
Café Littéraire
Join Alliance Francais teacher Franck for his next 'Café Littéraire' event discussing French literature in a relaxed and francophone environment!
Still Gaun! - CANCELLED
Still Game stars Mark Cox (Tam), Jane McCarry (Isa) & Paul Riley (Winston) are coming to the King's Theatre Glasgow for an evening of fun, laughter and memories of the hit show!
FEARY: A Theory Reading Group - Zine Fest Special!
FEARY hopes to traverse and encounter many of the vast - and often contradictory - strains of feminist and gender - through monthly reading groups at Glasgow Zine Library.
Glasgow Zine Fest: An Evening in the Butch Archive
Join Darcy Leigh for An Evening in the Butch Archive where she will share stories of her adventures in butch culture and DIY archiving as well as readings from her work.
Insight Talks at the Hunterian
Gain an insight into The Hunterian's world class collections at one of their weekly lunchtime talks!
Kendal Mountain Festival Tour - Glasgow
Join the Kendal Mountain Festival Tour in Glasgow for a one-of-a-kind evening, celebrating exploration of some of the wildest places on earth, as they screen some of the world's best adventure films!
Virtual Tour of the Sainte Chapelle
The Alliance Française Glasgow is excited to invite you to a presentation and a virtual tour of one of the most beautiful monuments in France: La Sainte Chapelle!
The Lighthouse Building Tours
The Lighthouse hold tours every Saturday, they offer a great opportunity to learn about The Lighthouse building, but also about the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the city he was born in!
Salad Fingers + Q&A With Creator David Firth
Head along to the Stand Glasgow on July 26th for an evening of mind melting animation, featuring Salad Fingers creator David Firth!
Gelong Thubten: A Monk’s Guide To Happiness Live
Mindfulness pioneer Gelong Thubten will bring 'A Monk's Guide To Happiness' to Oran Mor Glasgow on Friday 10th September 2021.
Clydebuilt Festival
Back for a fourth year, the Clydebuilt Festival will return to the Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship at Riverside on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of September 2021!
Bob Dylan’s Greatest Rejected Album Tracks: An Evening with Michael Gray
After a sold out gig at the venue last year, the pioneer of Dylan Studies, Michael Gray returns to Oran Mor Glasgow on Tuesday 14th September!
An Evening With Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in Conversation
Moderated by Rob Roth, founding members of pioneering new wave band Blondie, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein explore their own history and discuss their lives in music.
An Evening with Karl Kennedy - The Doctor Will See You Now! - CANCELLED
Join Neighbours actor Alan Fletcher at Oran Mor Glasgow as he discusses his life as a musician and actor with particular focus on his 25 years playing the legend that is Doctor Karl Kennedy!
Ben Fogle: Tales From The Wilderness
Join Ben Fogle at Ayr Town Hall for his uplifting and exciting show 'Tales From The Wilderness'... from crossing Antarctica to conquering Everest, Ben will take you on an inspiring adventure!
Professor Brian Cox: Horizons World Tour
Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-out World Tour, Professor Brian Cox is back with a brand-new Arena show for 2021 which will come to The SSE Hydro Glasgow on 9th October!
The Night Sky Show
The Night Sky Show at the Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow will take you on an epic journey from our celestial back yard and across the cosmos!
Hollie McNish
With fans ranging from Emma Watson, Pink and Benjamin Zephaniah, Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed!
Ant Middleton: Mind Over Muscle Tour
Ant Middleton is bringing his 'Mind Over Muscle Tour' to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on November 16th & 17th, taking the audience through a motivational journey of self-help and self-discovery!
Tim Peake: My Journey to Space
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an awe-inspiring ride when Tim Peake shares his experience of life in space when he brings his UK tour to the SEC Armadillo Glasgow on 29th November 2021!
An Evening with Kris Boyd and Friends
Join Rangers legend Kris Boyd and some very special guests for an evening at the SEC Armadillo on Friday 7th January!
Events in Lanarkshire
Men’s Newspaper Group
Grab a cuppa and join LEAP Project for this free, weekly online Men's Newspaper Group, held on Wednesday afternoons!
Thunder’s Danny Bowes & Luke Morley: The First 50 Years
Join Thunder founder members Danny Bowes and Luke Morley at Airdrie Town Hall as they discuss the highs and lows of life in Britain's most popular and enduring rock band with rock writer Mick Wall!
Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously
Sir Ranulph Fiennes' endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration join him for an evening at Motherwell Concert Hall!
Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Open Book & Paisley Library Shared Reading Group
Join Open Book and Paisley Library for an hour of shared reading on Wednesday mornings!
Guided Tours of Paisley Abbey
Built in the 12th century and steeped in history, Paisley Abbey is a fascinating building to visit, find out more on one of the regular guided tours!
Thunder’s Danny Bowes & Luke Morley: The First 50 Years
Join Thunder founder members Danny Bowes and Luke Morley at Beacon Arts Centre as they discuss the highs and lows of life in Britain's most popular and enduring rock band with rock writer Mick Wall!
Events in Stirling and Falkirk
Nick Knowles and Neil Oliver – Does History Repeat Itself?
It is time to meet the common folk as Nick Knowles and Neil Oliver turn the spotlight on those who gave their all for the Britain, we know today.
Events in Other Areas
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