Connect Festival reveals Speakeasy line up
Connect Festival unveils its Speakeasy lineup, including live comedy, a host of talks with artists taking to the stage, panel discussions and live podcast recordings.
Article Source: Connect Festival
Last Updated: 4 August 2023 8:37
• Coming to Royal Highland Showgrounds in Edinburgh later this month, Connect Festival has unveiled its Speakeasy lineup.
• Festival has also revealed its site map, including a larger camping area where people can bring their own tent
Connect Festival has today unveiled the lineup for its Speakeasy, including live comedy, a host of talks with artists taking to the stage across the weekend, panel discussions and live podcast recordings.
The Speakeasy is nestled in the Connect grounds, bringing the best of the Edinburgh Fringe for festival goers, offering an experience like no other Scottish festival.
Ahead of their headline slot on Unknown Pleasures on Friday, the Speakeasy will welcome the DJ duo Slam, who defined an era of Scottish techno music. Slam will be in conversation with The List on their rise and memories of TITP’s iconic Slam Tent.
Guaranteed laughs will be delivered on the Friday by award-winning stand-up comedian Ian Smith, known for his BBC Radio 4 comedy documentary ‘Girl Stuck in Basketball Hoop’, followed by Glasgow-local and TikTok sensation Stephen Buchanan and Joe Wells, who is no stranger to the comedy circuit and Joe Wells.
Friday’s headliner Susan Riddell is on to watch in Scotland’s comedy scene, she’ll be taking to the stage after supporting Fern Brady and Ardal O’Hanlon on tour.
On Saturday, fans of TAAHLIAH, one of Scotland’s rising stars in dance and electronica, can hear her take on the contemporary Scottish dance music scene and the unique appeal of club spaces as she is in conversation with Frankie Elyse co-founder of Polka Dot Disco Club.
Carl Donnolly will be taking to the stage, along with Jarred Christmas and Gareth Mutch. Jack Skipper, who has more than 200,000 followers on Instagram will also be performing, followed by Hal Cruttenden, known for stand up appearances on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Royal Variety Performance and Would I Lie To You.
Glasgow Collective, Anoraq, will bring their unique blend of spoken work and vocal melodies to the stage, creating sonic environments that reflect boundaries, rhythms and languages.
Exploring the high and lows of partying with special guests, the Out, Out! Podcast, will also be recording a live episode. Presenters Aarti Joshi and Laura Boyd will be joined by comedian Paul Black, chef Julie Lin and director/ producer Hannah Currie who will delve into their past nights out.
The laughter won’t stop on Sunday, with performances from Connor Burns, Matt Bragg and Sharon Wanjohi. Dan Tiernan, who won British Comedian of the Year with his high energy performance, will be taking to the stage along with Lost Voice Guy, who rose to fame after winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.
The List will be sitting down with Katie Gregson-MacLeod, Inverness’ TikTok viral sensation as part of their ‘In Conversation’ series. She’ll be sharing the story behind her meteoric rise and how her single ‘Complex’ sparked a journey to signing with Columbia records.
A panel with Intercultural Youth Scotland, Scotland’s leading charity for young black and people of colour, will delved into how their work is nurturing Scotland’s next generation of musical talent.
With the festival just three weeks away, Connect has also revealed its site map, detailing a larger camping area allowing festival goers to bring their own tents along with stage locations.
Katt Lingard, Project Manager for Connect said: “We’re so excited to announce the Speakeasy lineup for this year’s Connect Festival. With both huge names and up-and-coming performers, each and every person has amazing comedic material, and we’re really looking forward to hosting them.
“Connect is about so much more than music and comedy and festival-goers can enjoy a fantastic weekend of art, wellbeing and delicious food, too. Our food offering this year sounds mouth-wateringly good, with tasty treats inspired by dishes all over the world and will be announced soon. With only three weeks to go, we’re very much looking forward to welcoming people to the Royal Highland Showgrounds once again, ending the festival season on a high.”
Connect Festival takes place from 25-27th August at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre Showgrounds. Tickets for Connect Festival are available to purchase through the festival website.
For more information on Connect Music Festival, visit https://connectmusicfestival.com/
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience
John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.
READ MORE
Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100
Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style
Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!
READ MORE
Heather On The Hill Festival Announced
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORE
Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend
Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.
READ MORE
United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport
United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
READ MORE
Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter
Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.
READ MORE
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links