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
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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Tynecastle DigiFest - Online Festival of Learning
Tynecastle DigiFest, the online Festival of Learning, is on until 13th August with an amazing line-up of guest speakers and workshops guaranteed to get you thinking about how you can use technology.
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Counterfeiting the Loss of Virginity in Early Modern England
Join the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for this free event looking at the cultural history of virginity and the medicinal preparations used to fake virginity in Early Modern society!
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Salad Fingers + Q&A With Creator David Firth - POSTPONED
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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Army@TheFringe
Army@TheFringe returns to the stage at Edinburgh in August with a bright and bold programme of theatre, discussions, installation - mixed with magic and variety.
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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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Fringe by the Sea: Sam Baker ‘The Shift’ in Conversation with The Flock
In ‘The Shift’, writer and journalist Sam Baker seeks to empower and give voice to women to create a new narrative. Sam talks here to Jennifer Crichton, editor of The Flock.
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Fringe by the Sea: Gordon Buchanan – Animal Families and Me
Animal Families and Me promises a unique opportunity to hear personal recollections of Gordon’s globetrotting travels, as he delves into his world of weird, wild and wonderful wildlife.
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Paddy the Cope
West Lothian meets West Donegal as shale miner Patrick Gallagher (John McColl) returns to his native sod to spread social revolution, imbued with the co-operative principles he’s learned in Scotland
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Fringe by the Sea: Lemn Sissay
BAFTA nominated international prize-winning writer Lemn Sissay performs a special reading at Fringe By The Sea, reflecting on a childhood in care, self-expression and Britishness.
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The Royal Society of Edinburgh: Curious
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) will be making us wonder this summer as it launches its third annual events programme, Curious.
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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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Wolves Within
Come and delve deep into the psyche of wolves with Danish storyteller Svend-Erik Engh and Scottish musician Neil Sutcliffe!
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Brian Taylor’s Lunchtime Blether With Vince Cable
In his Lunchtime Blether…series for Fringe By The Sea, Brian welcomes guests from the literary and political worlds to chat about the issues of the day.
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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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Edinburgh International Book Festival Online Themes: Poetry - The Art of the People
This year’s poetry series celebrates those poets whose collections work to fill in the gaps in our understanding of ourselves, our society and communities and our planet.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Online Themes: Stories and Ideas for a Changing World
How do we begin to make sense of the ever-changing world we are living in? In this series we look at stories and ideas that offer positive prescriptions for a better future.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Blood Legacies - Confronting our Colonial Past
This series explores how the West’s traditional narratives around race and colonialism are increasingly agreed to be toxic and unacceptable.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Generation Next - Empowering Voices
This year’s series of events for young adults takes a fearless and unflinching look at the issues affecting young people today.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: On Belonging - Migration Stories
This series looks at stories of migration: from the often brutal catalysts for moving, to the arduous journeys undertaken, to the process of trying to adapt to a new home.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Pride and Prejudice - Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Voices
Join us for our series celebrating the stories and voices blazing a trail for the LGBTQIA+ community today.
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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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Edinburgh International Book Festival Online Themes: Scotland - Exploding the Myths?
Join us for a captivating look into the past, present and future of Scottish writing.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: A Planet in Crisis - Ideas for Action
In this series of events we turn to those who offer positive calls to action and creative perspectives for protecting our planet – giving us hope that it’s not too late.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Body Matters
Expect fun and frank discussions about a subject integral to almost everything we do as we consider the all-important role our bodies play in our sense of self.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Dazzling Debuts
The Book Festival has long been a champion of new writing and new writers and this year we welcome a host of authors whose dazzling debuts are already making big waves in the literary world.
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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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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: On Influence - The Art that Shapes Us
In this series, we take a close look at the art and artists who have been a source of inspiration to others. From musicians and painters to writers and poets.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Performing Stories
In addition to an array of immersive evening events filled with music, spoken word and storytelling, these are literary events to lose yourself in.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: The New York Times Series
Led by expert journalists and editors from The New York Times, we talk about the actions, decisions and revolutions that got us to where we are today, and where we could potentially go from here.
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Kylie Minogue Wine Tasting
Join Brand Ambassador Madeleine St Clair as we discover some of the finest wines and fizz from the Kylie Minogue Wine collection. Plus, sample a tasting plate from our Forth Floor Window Bar!
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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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The Golden Fly
Storyteller Alice Fernbank and musician Graham Dickson lead you on a storytelling voyage laden with song and myth, presented through flute and voice.
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A Toast to the People: Jay Bernard and Jefferson Tshabalala
Awarded young performers Jay Bernard and Jefferson Tshabalala unleash dynamism in this exciting A Toast to the People offering.
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A Toast to the People: Inua Ellams and Saul Williams
Inua Ellams and Saul Williams bring their own distinct styles to this interactive and not-to-be-missed A Toast to the People event.
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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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A Toast to the People: Hollie McNish and Wana Udobang
Join Hollie McNish and Wana Udobang for an electric night of performance poetry and spoken word in the International Festival’s Old College Quad venue!
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A Toast to the People: Vanessa Kisuule and Safiya Sinclair
Vanessa Kisuule and Safiya Sinclair impart their wide-ranging experiences for an unforgettable A Toast to the People performance.
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A Toast to the People: Francesca Beard and Rafeef Ziadah
Join Francesca Beard and Rafeef Ziadah for an electric night of performance poetry and spoken word in the International Festival’s Old College Quad venue!
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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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Alan Cumming is Not Acting His Age
Alan Cumming employs his usual charm and wit through story and song in a wickedly memorable performance.
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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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Creating Serial: an Evening with Sarah Koenig
After a sell-out US arena tour, Creating Serial is heading to the UK for the first time, for two exclusive live dates, one of which is at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 10th October 2021!
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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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James Martin Live
Celebrity chef James Martin is hitting the road with a brand-new tour for 2022 and stops off at the Usher Hall on Thursday 10th March.
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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.
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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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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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Fran Lebowitz
Fran Lebowitz, the star of Netflix’s Pretend It’s A City, will be live in conversation at the Usher Hall Edinburgh on Sunday 26th June 2022. Do not miss it!
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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!
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Events in East Renfrewshire
Stepping Stones Project - For East Renfrewshire Families New To Autism
If your child or young person has recently been diagnosed with autism or is on the diagnostic pathway, join NAS East Renfrewshire for their Stepping Stones project.
What *is* Autistic experience really? - Open to anyone living or working in East Ren
Join NAS East Renfrewshire for 'What *is* Autistic experience really?' a talk delivered by Dr Chloe Farahar, an autistic educator who is part of Aucademy.
Events in Fife
Death Cafe at the Botanics
Held across the UK, Death Cafés are welcoming, safe and friendly meetings for people, often strangers, to openly discuss something that affects us all.
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!
Wildlife and Photo Walks and Talks Group
This year, Castlemilk Park Project are combining wildlife and photography in a series of photo walks and talks!
The Climate Emergency In Scotland - What Can We Do About It?
The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow are joined by Pete Smith, FRS, FRSE, Aberdeen University & Director of Scotland's Climate Change Centre of Expertise for this online talk on 28th July.
HANG
Taking place online and live at SWG3 Glasgow on Saturday 31st July, HANG is a hybrid music conference dedicated to hip hop and grime music in Scotland!
Say It Loud: Don Letts - There And Black Again Tour
Don Letts will bring his 'There And Black Again' tour, which looks back on his life and career in a series of stories and film clips, to Broadcast Glasgow on Saturday 31st July!
Govanhill International Festival and Carnival
Govanhill International Festival and Carnival is a cultural celebration of our unique community, including a Carnival Parade on Saturday 7th August and a whole host of other events!
Insight Talks at the Hunterian
Gain an insight into The Hunterian's world class collections at one of their weekly lunchtime talks!
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!
Wildflower Wander
Join the team at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond for a guided walk which will show you how to identify some of the wildflowers on the reserve and hear about their historical uses!
Nature And Climate: An Emergency Response
The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow are joined by Francesca Osowska, CEO of NatureScot for online talk 'Nature And Climate: An Emergency Response' on 11th August.
Bestriding The World Stage Like A Colossus? Or Doomed, We’re All Doomed!
The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow are joined by Baroness Young, Chair of the Woodland Trust for online talk discussing biodiversity and the challenge of climate change on 1st September.
Say It Loud: Dave Haslam: Book Reading And Q&A
Join Dave Haslam as he discusses his life and career as a DJ and writer at Broadcast Glasgow on Wednesday 8th September!
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 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!
An Evening With Alan McGee
Join Alan McGee as he discusses his career, the music industry and his relationship with bands such as Oasis and Primal Scream in a live interview and Q&A at Glee Club Glasgow!
An Evening with Michael Bisping: Tales From the Octagon
First ever British UFC champion, Michael Bisping, takes to the stage at the O2 Academy Glasgow on 10th October where he'll be recounting tales from his journey to the top of UFC!
An Evening With Paul Wight
After over 18 months, Inside The Ropes is finally back with a brand new tour, this time featuring the legendary giant himself, Paul Wight!
Redhanded
Redhanded is a true crime podcast hosted by Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, join the duo as they bring their live tour to Oran Mor Glasgow on 31st October and 1st November!
An Evening With Shaun Ryder
Join Shaun Ryder as he discusses his life, career & the music industry at The Glee Club Glasgow on November 11th!
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!
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.
Gordon Buchanan: 30 Years In the Wild - Anniversary Tour
Gordon Buchanan will discuss his incredible 30 year career as a wildlife filmmaker at The Old Fruitmarket Glasgow on Saturday 26th February!
James Martin
Following the phenomenal success of his previous tours, celebrity chef James Martin returns to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with his new show!
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!
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 2nd October!
Events in Lanarkshire
Dalzell At Dusk
Join NLC Countryside Rangers on a guided walk through this historic estate, where the mature woodlands provide an excellent habitat for night-loving creatures like bats, badgers, owls and more!
Behavioural Design Fest 2021
Behavioural Design Fest 2021 brings you the best and latest techniques from expert practitioners in the emerging fields of Behavioural Design and Decision Science!
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
Renfrewshire Business Network - July Meeting
Increase your business contacts and grow your network at the next Renfrewshire Business Network meeting which is being held online on Thursday 29th July.
16 Years: Gigs in Scotland 1974-1990
Join Beacon Arts Centre for a special event as Chris Brickley, author of 16 YEARS: Gigs in Scotland 1974-1990, discusses the live music experience in Scotland!
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
Shambhala Soul Sisters Circle
Join Natasha for her monthly Shambhala Soul Sisters circle! It's an opportunity for like-minded women to consciously connect with each other.
Dollar Glen Ramble
Join Chris Knapman on a journey of discovery through Dollar Glen SSSI as we explore the glorious Summer woodland to reveal unusual trees and abundant wildlife.
Kenton Cool
The Albert Halls is delighted to welcome Kenton Cool, the British record holder for Everest ascents, in his event 'Everest The Cool Way' this September.
Gordon Buchanan: 30 Years In the Wild - Anniversary Tour
Gordon Buchanan will discuss his incredible 30 year career as a wildlife filmmaker at Macrobert Arts Centre on Friday 25th February!
Pete Whittaker: Solo and Free
Join Pete from the sub culture of underground crack climbing and onto the side of the world’s highest big walls.
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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