CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

St James Quarter Sessions is back and bigger for 2024

St James Quarter Sessions, Edinburgh city centre’s much talked about free music festival, will be back for a second year and promises to be bigger with the addition of new venues and stages.

St James Quarter Sessions is back and bigger for 2024

Article Source: St James Quarter
Last Updated: 2 July 2024 13:36

Edinburgh’s free music festival will offer a diverse range of musical performances from over 80 incredible emerging artists.

From Friday 16th August to Sunday 25th August, guests can get that festival feeling in the heart of the Capital, with not an inch of mud in sight.

This year’s St James Quarter Sessions will launch on August 2nd with a series of pop-up busking performances in partnership with SNACK Magazine. Running throughout August, musicians can apply for a paid performance slot with applications set to open on Friday 5th July.

After launching in 2023, St James Quarter Sessions will again take place during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, supporting some of Scotland’s unique up-and-coming musicians as well as bringing in more established performers from across the UK. 2024 also sees the addition of a rooftop stage with jaw-dropping views across Edinburgh to the castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. The free music festival will fill all floors with more than 80 acts performing across the Galleria and 5 venues within the Quarter from pop-up live acoustic sets and DJs to full band performances with a diverse mix of artists from indie rock and alt-pop to jazz fusion and hip hop.

St James Quarter has also teamed up with Forth 1’s Boogie in the Morning to find the best of local talent who will win the chance to perform on one of the stages during the festival AND a day in the W Edinburgh recording studio.

With this unique addition to the Fringe Festival offerings, guests should expect the unexpected throughout the 10 days of Sessions, with a whole host of performances from impressive music talent. Fans can anticipate the line-up to be filled with their favourite DJs, musicians, and rising artists. The Quarter's stores, dining, and entertainment venues will also be joining in with the festival spirit including performances in Bonnie & Wild, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, The Botanist, The Alchemist and Duck & Waffle.

Free tickets will be available on the St James Quarter app later this month, along with the full line-up announcement for St James Quarter Sessions 2024.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, said: “2024 has been a tumultuous year for the music industry, specifically festivals, many of which have sadly been cancelled due to rising costs and consumers being more cash conscious. The success of the first St James Quarter Sessions allowed guests to experience emerging live music talent in the city centre for free, whilst also being able to take advantage of an exciting array of food and drink offerings and amenities. The month-long festival all under our glass canopy in the comfort of the Galleria allowed visitors to experience memorable, intimate performances with incredible talent with our retail and leisure partners commercially benefitting from the rise in footfall too. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a calendar highlight for many of our guests, and we cannot wait to be at the heart of the buzz, welcoming our guests to the second edition of St James Quarter Sessions.”

Guests can sign up for free tickets by downloading the St James Quarter App HERE which allows them to stay updated with events happening throughout the Quarter for Sessions and beyond.

For more information, please email: stjamesquarter@johndoehub.com

Sponsored Links

Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
WST
Go Ape
Children's Classic Concerts
The Chocolatarium

Latest Edinburgh News

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

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

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, 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

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

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 MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

READ MORE
The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

READ MORE
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

READ MORE
Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

READ MORE
Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

READ MORE
Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

READ MORE
Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

READ MORE
Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

READ MORE
Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.

READ MORE
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Hilton Glasgow
Tea Green
Mowgli
MNB
Renfrewshire Council
Salvation Army

Sponsored Links

Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
WST
Go Ape
Children's Classic Concerts
The Chocolatarium
Hilton Glasgow
Hilton Glasgow
Tea Green
Mowgli
MNB
Renfrewshire Council
Salvation Army

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: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!
The Steamie
Step inside a 1950s Glasgow washhouse on Hogmanay, where the water's hot and the gossips even hotter when Tony Roper's classic play The Steamie comes to The King's Theatre Edinburgh!
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!
Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!

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