The enchanting Lauriston Castle has released details of its exciting summer events programme featuring craft workshops, film screenings, family events and lectures, all taking place inside the beautiful Edwardian castle or within its 30 acres of tranquil woodland and gardens.
Overlooking the River Forth for more than 400 years, Lauriston Castle is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city centre and with this packed programme of almost 100 fun and varied events, suitable for all ages and interests, there’s no better place to spend a summer’s day.
As part of the friendly and informative lecture series, David C. Weinczok, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and regular contributor on BBC Radio Scotland presents The North Remembers: The History Behind Game of Thrones. Using character comparisons, battle tactics, geography, and beasts of lore, this will be a fascinating crash course in Scotland’s epic story. Following on from the smash-hit exhibition at The City Art Centre, Johnny Blomfield, will present Robert Blomfield, Street Photographer: The Edinburgh Years 1956 – 1966, an exclusive selection from his brother’s archive which could not be included in the exhibition simply because there wasn’t space. He will also provide some background information and personal insight to Robert’s critically acclaimed work.
Edinburgh Living History, the multi award-winning team who interpret the history of the castle in costumed performances, bring alive the stories of the house with There’s Suffragettes Amongst Us! a performance that unfolds as you join the actors on a walk through the castle. While murder mystery Death Pays a Visit is an opportunity to solve a crime and uncover the secrets that lie behind the ancient walls.
Among the special events for families is the Summer Magic Workshop with Edinburgh International Magic Festival. Sign the kids up to a secret Magic School and learn to create and perform magic at a whirlwind workshop. Families can also learn the magic of photography with Pinhole Cameras to celebrate World Photography Day (19 August). Learn about the basics of pinhole photography followed by the enchanting process of developing black and white prints in a darkroom. The Lauriston Castle Teddy Bear’s Picnic is a morning of teddy bear-themed fun with snacks, games and a competition for the best dressed bear, while Tree Sculpture celebrates National Tree Day (28 July) with a magical art trail through the woods inspiring the creation of a special tree sculpture to take home.
The arts and crafts aren’t only for families; adults can enjoy Abstract Art at the Castle a fun and relaxed day exploring a variety of painting techniques, including pouring, texture, spraying and layering, before creating a unique artwork on canvas. For some hands-on crafts there’s Patchwork Appliqued Cushions using the Castle’s beautiful array of vintage style fabrics to create a charming cushion to grace your home, and for the thespians among us there’s Shakespeare at the Castle, with The Three-Inch Fools presenting Much Ado About Nothing – a rip-roaring comedy of quarrels, deceptions and a frustratingly stupid man called Dogberry, all played out against the dramatic back-drop of Lauriston Castle at sunset