Keep an eye out for all sorts of shows by independent performers: comedy, magic, fire, etc.. The…read moreEdinburgh Festival Fringe is a joyous annual event that happens every August. Short street performances are spread throughout the city, particularly centering around the Royal Mile. We were unlucky with the weather in that it was pouring rain the day we visited. And so it was difficult to find shows as well as for the entertainers who had to stall until a large enough crowd had gathered. For the ones that we did stop to watch, they were quite enjoyable.

I happened to be visiting Edinburgh for a college reunion during the time of the Fringe Festival,…read moreso after meeting up with my friends at the airport, we all headed to the Royal Mile (which I fondly started calling the High Mile on account of its elevation and because so many people were high on life, drugs or alcohol!) to soak in the atmosphere. And what an atmosphere it was! Full of buskers, mimes, musicians, and eclectic acts - from Japanese pop to American tap dancing to an Eastern European theatre group performing a moving play about Jewish children interned at a Nazi concentration camp. It was a warm and sunny afternoon and the crowd was out in force, and I could clearly see the shimmering blue waters of the Firth of Forth in the distance. After stopping by for a wonderful meal of haggis and salmon and IPA at the Whiski Bar and Restaurant (different review for that one), we plunged back into the creativity and madness, enjoying the magical experience that's the Fringe!

Game Fair's are one of those things most people will never go to, ever, in their lifetimes, and…read moreit's such a shame because it's such a great family day out! And with so much to see and do my review probably won't do it justice, but I'll give it a whirl... The Scottish Game Fair is undoubtedly Scotland's largest Game Fair and rocks up at Scone the first weekend in July each year. Set with the stunning Scone Palace on one side and the River Tay on the other, it's setting alone makes it worth a visit. On the day entry is £19 for an adult, children are £5 or having just checked, £40 for a family ticket, so not the cheapest but worth it in my view. Heads up, you can usually buy online in advance with a few ££ knocked off. Okay so first off, there's actually LOADS for kids - trampolines, inflatable castles, crocodiles and octopuses (I kid not, wish I'd taken a pic now!), archery, climbing, segways and mini-carts to name but a few. For grown-up kids, try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting, the air rifle range (glad to see my shooting had improved since last year's attempt!) or the off-road 4x4 course for a white-knuckle ride! Aside from the activities, there is easily over 400 traders selling everything from fishing and shooting supplies, clothing (expect to see a lot of tweed and barbour on show!), jewellery and crafts or even treat yourself to a new car if that's what you fancy. The Food Hall stocks a plethora of local produce, most with free samples, and this year also included cookery demo's from Flora Sheddon (of GBBO fame (and also a local lass)) and Three Sister's Bake **TIP ALERT** Make sure you're not on driving duty...gin samples are definitely a highlight in here! Outwith the food hall, there are plenty of food trucks for refuelling (Tomintoul Venison a must-try!) and a beer tent for a cold one or 5 ;-) As if all that wasn't enough...(gutted you missed it now huh!)...the main ring has demo's varying from birds of prey to duck herding (highly entertaining!) and features everything from pipe bands and tug o war to terrier racing! Other activities to watch or take part in include fly-casting, the dog scurry (dummy retrieval) and the gundog working competition so get training now for next year! Oh and one last thing, being a game fair a lot of people bring their dogs so if you're not doggy-minded, this maybe isn't the place for you. I however, was in doggy heaven!

Attended the Feastival on Saturday and had a great time. The…read moregreat weather and a few drinks in a local beer Garden set me up nicely for tasting all the food that was on offer. I managed to try 4 different offerings by sharing each of them with the "better half". Everything I had was good - Kimichi Cheese Burger - First time trying "Kimichi" and it was lovely, very spicy. Pulled Pork Roll and Corn on the cob - Very nice. Slow Roasted Caribbean Chicken and rice - Really enjoyed it, although I had wanted the Jerk Chicken but they had sold out within a couple of hours. Fish and Chips from the Finneston - Amazingly fresh and tasty. So all in the food was great, Glasgow needs more events like this and hopefully it will be coming back soon. I had never been to the venue before and was really surprised by it even being there to be honest, it felt strange coming out after all that food and beer into the middle of the Barras. My only negative on the day would be the beer side of things. - Beers were a bit overpriced in my opinion, had to queue for a beer token and then queue again for an actual beer - Then told the beer was off for 15 min. To be honest though it did not impact massively on a great day and event and the real aim of eating lots of great street food.

We came on Sunday after winning two free meals via Yelp! We had the 3 year old in tow but were told…read moreby Kiltr it was very child friendly and there would be face-painting and other activities. We arrived a wee bit early before it opened at 4pm (odd time for a Sunday right?) but had to wait even longer as they didn't open the doors until 4:15. When you are waiting with a 3 1/2 year old not ideal. We went in and had a look around and decided to try places we couldn't normally book a table to eat in. I went for Smokey and the Bandit pulled pork and NBH had a Kimchi burger from Kimchi Cult. We would have gotten chips from The Finnieston for Blondie Boy but they weren't ready. It was a bit shocking to see stands not ready when doors opened late if I'm honest. That being said NBH loved his burger and I enjoyed my pulled pork but would have liked some BBQ sauce on it. We couldn't see any face-painting which when you've told your child they can get their face painted and then they can't is kinda a big deal. If I'd not been told it would be there specifically I wouldn't have missed it. All in all it was a good event that can be improved on in the future.

Well worth a turned ankle…read more Bungo in the Back Lanes is one of the better Glasgow get togethers. Organised by the Strathbungo community, it has something for everyone. There are Beer gardens which are literally in back gardens, live bands, cake gardens that are open to all, bouncy castles have been placed up alleyways and tombolas are more than prevalent. Based up the back cobbled lanes of this South Side area across from Queen's Park, it has the feel of a proper community fete and it's massive, attracting thousands! There are almost two acres of back lanes to explore and you'll get lost without the handy map on offer. Everyone seems to open up their back gates, set out their stall and sell their wares - whether it's home baking, barbecued burgers, beer, bbq paella, craft goods, face painting, play areas, ice cream, plants or junk from their attics, it's all there. You'll not get anywhere fast though. Trying to navigate from one beer garden to another, or from the pakora man to Mr Thomsons cake garden will take a wee bit of time as you try to evade the throngs of pushchairs struggling up the potholed cobbled lanes. And it's no wonder paramedics are on call with the risk of turning an ankle or two. Well worth it though :-)

Art and very good Art it is…read more You forget these Vaults quite easily on Market Street as they just merge into the city backdrop. They don't get used like this so it's a great way to use a space and i hope it's the start of something special for artists. The musty vaults host a series of arts and entertainment. I fell in love with two particular artist's work - David Martin and Miriam Mallalieu apart from the bit where I almost crapped myself going into Miriam Mallalieu's "Charnel House for Roadkill"!! We went in the daytime so know real entertainment to hear, but to see there were plenty of cool artists!

It's an exhibition - it's a party - it's a wonderland it's…read moreall of these things. And more. Every year Edinburgh's art scene opens the Vaults on Market Street and turn them into a world of its own. Sculpture, Fine Art, film, music, installation art and performances will take hold of you as soon as you step in. You will forget your everyday life for a couple of hours and feel like floating in a creative aquarium. I forgot that I was still in Edinburgh. the tickets at 10- 15 Pounds seem expensive but you'll be able to see several bands and DJ's and judging from their Opening Night yesterday, it's spectacular and I would (and will) happily spend it again. And they are a charitable fund! Oh and if you are too busy at night: the exhibition Vaults are open during the day - for free.

As far as Jazz & Blues festivals within the UK go, Callander is still a baby. As a band, our first…read moreand most recent experience of British Jazz and Blues festivities was Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival in the summer. 30 years strong, the festival brings the city to life and stands as an excellent example of jazz culture within the UK and further afield. You know what? Although much smaller scale, I'd say Callander Jazz & Blues festival is definitely one to put on your list for next year. We were impressed with the packed, multi-venue programme and the variety of acts over the weekend. From Jazz Choirs to Jive bands, you're sorted for your weekend fix of top-quality jazz and blues. And there was even a show on a boat. Awesome! We were thrilled to be playing a set in the mini-theatre venue within the beautiful St Kessogs Church on the main street. We were immediately bowled over by the effort that had been made to make the town look pretty, with super cute little patterned letters adorning the church steps announcing 'Jazz and Blues Fest' and bunting galore. - I just loved the attention to detail! We were definitely given a warm welcome to the festival, with organiser Graham greeting us enthusiastically and giving us tips for who to be sure to see and, quite possibly, the best advice we've received for a while; to go to Deli Ecosse for lunch. What's that we hear? Only a brass band playing outside the church. And folks swinging and bopping along. There was an incredible energy and the Sunday afternoon made for a splendid slice of jazz. How nice would it be to, unaware of the festival. stumble upon a lively jazz street performance? I know I would love such a jazzy-bluesy surprise! We watched on with smiles, excited for our own performance. I genuinely wouldn't have thought that Callander was the place for jazz and blues but I'm so glad I discovered the festival. Callander is a beautiful town and the festival certainly had it shining brighter that weekend. Thank you, Callander Jazz & Blues Fest. We had a blast. We're already booked for next year; Callander's tenth jazz and blues festival. I can't wait!

Weird and wonderful and I'm so glad I got to experience this. Make sure you buy your tickets in…read moreadvance and come prepared for a possibly chilly/windy night in the darkness with few places to sit and only a few options for food and drink that will be very busy. There is a rough schedule but there are things going on in multiple places at once and you will end up missing some things, not being able to see some things and that's OK! It's basically a volunteer run event so don't expect a clean and set experience - go in with your perspective open and enjoy! The ground is very uneven and it is very dark so be very careful walking around.

Beltane is genuinely one of the highlights of my year. Not only is it utterly magical, it makes me…read morefeel like the rest of the year is magical too. It's the perfect opportunity to shed the last vestiges of my lingering winter blues before the first true rays of summer. All while on top of a Scottish hill positively wreathed in flame. The dozens upon dozens of folk who volunteer for this event put so much work into everything from the costumes, to the drums, to the performances themselves: It's completely self evident that it's a labour of love. I think that's ultimately what makes Beltane so spectacular. Not just for the retelling of some ancient rite, but for the opportunity to keep that ritual alive and dancing from one year to the next. Often half naked, buck-wild, and hovering a handful of degrees above freezing. If you ever have the opportunity to see the May Queen and the Green Man (along with the Whites, the Reds, the Processional Drummers...), dress up warm, grab a few of your closest friends, and hike up Calton Hill on the last evening of April. If you have even a trace of wonder in your heart, you'll not be disappointed.