Success for first ever Soundhouse Winter Festival

Music fans packed out the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh for Soundhouse’s first ever Winter Festival.

Article Source: Soundhouse
Last Updated: 16 December 2024 13:32

Bringing in an audience mostly comprised of locals (73% from the capital, with 21% from the rest of Scotland), it proved the best antidote to a dark time of year and a great way to mark St Andrew’s Day.

The festival ran over five days thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and included some of the finest jazz, indy and folk musicians from Scotland. Sellouts included the Nicole Smit Quintet; Fergus McCreadie with an outstanding performance from guest Italian star Mattia Galeotti on drums; and Su-a Lee performing alongside a stellar line-up of trad favourites - Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier.

Other popular highlights included a screening of The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric (1933), opened by Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, and accompanied by music composed by award winning multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson from Fair Isle with Shetlander Catriona Macdonald; a preview of rock goddess Megan Black’s new album; and a performance of Unwritten Women read by Edinburgh’s former Makar Hannah Lavery to a new score written and performed by Kate Young.

The Festival also received five star reviews and was a key part of this year’s Fair Saturday celebrations in Edinburgh.

Jane Ann Purdy and Douglas Robertson, producers of the Soundhouse Winter Festival said: “We are thrilled with the appetite that audiences have shown for live music during the winter months. We knew that people would come out for the festival if we programmed great music, so that’s what we did and it paid off. It’s been an absolute blast to present five days of jazz, rock, punk, poetry, and silent film, not a line-up we have had the opportunity to programme before, but one that we would definitely look to repeat next year.”

The Soundhouse Organisation returns in May with more live music at the Traverse for Edinburgh’s Tradfest (2-12 May 2025). Dates for the Soundhouse Winter Festival 2025 are to be confirmed.

Image: Nicole Smit with Kassandra E’Silva on saxophone

Image credit: Douglas Robertson

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Bluey Casting Announced

Live stage show Bluey’s Big Play, featuring Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad and a talented company of actors and puppeteers, has announced its cast for the Olivier Award-nominated production.

Book Now for Lammermuir Festival 2025

The Lammermuir Festival offers audiences a richly immersive experience whether they be new to classical music or life-long fans.

Friendship on the Menu as Vegan Lunch Club Turns One

Hendersons, in collaboration with charity V for Life, is delighted to mark the one-year anniversary of its monthly lunch club for older vegans and vegetarians.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Competition Winners

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the winners of its prize for feature filmmaking and its prize for short filmmaking.

Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today

Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.

Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities

Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.

Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled

The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.

Top spots to visit before the Fringe ends!

With the Fringe Festival due to end on 25th August there's still time to check out the top spots to visit!

Growing Matters announces exciting plans for Open Day event at Gilmerton Walled Garden

Growing Matters is thrilled to announce the date for this year's eagerly anticipated event at Gilmerton's Kitchen Walled Garden - Sunday, 7th September.

Bar Prince at The Balmoral unveils a limited edition wine and gelato pairing with iconic Jannettas Gelateria

Bar Prince at The Balmoral has joined forces with the iconic, family-run Jannettas Gelateria of St Andrews to launch an exclusive wine and gelato pairing from 25th August - 7th September.

Entrepreneur behind Lost Shore Surf Resort launches Adventure Sports Led Workspace in West Edinburgh

Andy Hadden, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, has unveiled The Lighthouse at the EICA - a premium flexible workspace inside the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho.

New Rewards app Shuffle launches in Edinburgh and Glasgow, rewarding diners and backing local hospitality

The first 1,000 people to join will receive six months of free access when Shuffle officially launches, along with an exclusive 40% cash reward on the first use of the app.

Watsonian Football Club honours its legacy by celebration over a century of its iconic kits

The Watsonian Football Club kicked off its milestone 150th anniversary celebrations with generations of players and members coming together to honour the club’s rich heritage.

Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025

Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.

Week two winners of the 2025 Besties announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the week two’s The Besties.

Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies

From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!

Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now

One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!

Chart topping headliner to perform at Edinburgh University Welcome Week

Edinburgh University Students’ Association announces mega line-up of events with a chart-topping headliner.

Fifty Thousand visitors access zoos using universal credit scheme

Over 50,000 people have visited Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, thanks to a discounted ticket offer for anyone receiving universal credit.

Edinburgh International Book Festival Expands Global Ink Programme with EXPO Funding

The Edinburgh International Book Festival this week announced an expansion of its acclaimed Global Ink programme for 2026, made possible through EXPO funding from the Scottish Government.

Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Oasis fans Roll With It at Fort Kinnaird with free Oasis Tribute

Oasis fans flocked to Fort Kinnaird last weekend to enjoy a free live performance by popular tribute band ‘Oasus’.

Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025

Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.

St James Quarter Sessions: Pop up vinyl lounge brings soulful sounds to the heart of Edinburgh

St James Quarter is turning up the volume for music fans with the launch of its first-ever pop-up Vinyl Lounge during the opening and closing weekends of the St James Quarter Sessions!

Morningside venue in Edinburgh gets tails wagging with pet charity event

A community venue in Edinburgh's Morningside is getting tails wagging with a 'Pooch Coffee Morning' being staged especially for local neighbourhood dogs on Sunday 24th August.

Italian singer wins first ever Wonderwall World Championships

A NEW rock ‘n’ roll star was born in Edinburgh on Saturday as the world’s first Wonderwall World Champion was crowned.

Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools

Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.

The Taste of Edinburgh Fringe, a must have map

From rooftop bars to street food halls, Michelin-trained chefs to quirky cocktail spots, this is your interval indulgence sorted.

First winners of The 2025 Besties announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the first of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties.