Sunday 10th August
Time 10.30am
St John's Episcopal Church, Princes Street
EH2 4BJ
FESTIVAL OPENING SERVICE
SUNG EUCHARIST
Preacher: Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury
Music: Vierne Messe Solonnelle
Associate Rector: Revd David Bagnall
Director of Music: Giles Longstaff
ALL WELCOME
FREE ADMISSION
RETIRING COLLECTION
Time 10.30am
St John's Episcopal Church, Princes Street
EH2 4BJ
FESTIVAL OPENING SERVICE
SUNG EUCHARIST
Preacher: Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury
Music: Vierne Messe Solonnelle
Associate Rector: Revd David Bagnall
Director of Music: Giles Longstaff
ALL WELCOME
FREE ADMISSION
RETIRING COLLECTION
Music
Sunday 10th August
7.30pm
St Vincent's Chapel, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
WAR, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
Duruflé Requiem and other choral works.
With the Robin Chapel Choir
Director: Paul Gudgin
Edinburgh’s Robin Chapel is a memorial to Lt Robin Tudsbery of the Royal Horse Guards, who was killed in action in the final months of World War II. The acclaimed Robin Chapel Choir mark the 80th anniversary of his death with a selection of choral works from the aftermath of the war including Duruflé’s exquisite Requiem.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£15 (under 18 concession £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
7.30pm
St Vincent's Chapel, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
WAR, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
Duruflé Requiem and other choral works.
With the Robin Chapel Choir
Director: Paul Gudgin
Edinburgh’s Robin Chapel is a memorial to Lt Robin Tudsbery of the Royal Horse Guards, who was killed in action in the final months of World War II. The acclaimed Robin Chapel Choir mark the 80th anniversary of his death with a selection of choral works from the aftermath of the war including Duruflé’s exquisite Requiem.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£15 (under 18 concession £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Monday 11th August
1.15pm
Canongate Kirk, The Royal Mile
EH8 8BN
YOUNG COMPOSER'S COMPETITION RECITAL Principal Adjudicator: Paul Mealor LVO
Performance of compositions by the winners of the 2025 Sacred Music Young Composers Competition, with the Sacred Arts Festival Singers, director Calum Robertson.
PAUL MEALOR LVO CStJ FRSE is one of the world’s most ‘performed’ living composers and has composed music for some of the most important UK state and Royal occasions of the last ten years including two works for the Coronation (2023) – his Kyrie for Sir Bryn Terfel was the first ever setting of the Welsh Language at a Coronation, and three works for The Honours of Scotland Service (2023). He has also written music for film and television including the score to the BAFTA-Award winning ‘Wonders of the Celtic Deep’, three operas, four symphonies, concerti, chamber music, much choral music and songs, including the 2011 Christmas No 1, ‘Wherever You Are’ for Gareth Malone and the Military Wives Choir. He has received many awards and honours for his work including honorary degrees, fellowships and in January 2024 was appointed to The Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by HM King Charles III for his outstanding contribution to Royal Music. He is the first composer to receive this accolade since Sir Arthur Bliss in 1969 and before him, Sir Arnold Bax and Sir Edward Elgar.
The closing date for the competition is June 1st 2025. Details can be found HERE
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£12 (under 18 free) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
This event is sponsored by the EDINBURGH SOCIETY OF ORGANISTS and the ROYAL COLLEGE OF ORGANISTS.
Prizes generously funded by Geoff and Mary Ball
1.15pm
Canongate Kirk, The Royal Mile
EH8 8BN
YOUNG COMPOSER'S COMPETITION RECITAL Principal Adjudicator: Paul Mealor LVO
Performance of compositions by the winners of the 2025 Sacred Music Young Composers Competition, with the Sacred Arts Festival Singers, director Calum Robertson.
PAUL MEALOR LVO CStJ FRSE is one of the world’s most ‘performed’ living composers and has composed music for some of the most important UK state and Royal occasions of the last ten years including two works for the Coronation (2023) – his Kyrie for Sir Bryn Terfel was the first ever setting of the Welsh Language at a Coronation, and three works for The Honours of Scotland Service (2023). He has also written music for film and television including the score to the BAFTA-Award winning ‘Wonders of the Celtic Deep’, three operas, four symphonies, concerti, chamber music, much choral music and songs, including the 2011 Christmas No 1, ‘Wherever You Are’ for Gareth Malone and the Military Wives Choir. He has received many awards and honours for his work including honorary degrees, fellowships and in January 2024 was appointed to The Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by HM King Charles III for his outstanding contribution to Royal Music. He is the first composer to receive this accolade since Sir Arthur Bliss in 1969 and before him, Sir Arnold Bax and Sir Edward Elgar.
The closing date for the competition is June 1st 2025. Details can be found HERE
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£12 (under 18 free) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
This event is sponsored by the EDINBURGH SOCIETY OF ORGANISTS and the ROYAL COLLEGE OF ORGANISTS.
Prizes generously funded by Geoff and Mary Ball
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Monday 11th August
7.30pm
St Vincent's Chapel, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
TIME IN MUSIC IS MUCH
Contemporary sacred song
Sam Madden, tenor
Will Sims, piano
Following their Sacred Arts Festival debut in 2024, Sam Madden and Will Sims return to Edinburgh with a recital of sacred song by contemporary composers. The programme includes works by Errollyn Wallen, Thea Musgrave, Nico Muhly, Ian Venables, Roxanna Panufnik, Tarik O’Regan, Ben Ponniah, Hugh Wood, John Jeffreys, and the Festival’s patron Paul Mealor.
Sam Madden is an international tenor from Dunedin, New Zealand, currently singing as a Lay Clerk at Ely Cathedral. Since moving to the United Kingdom, Sam has performed with distinguished ensembles including Tenebrae, St Martin’s Voices, the Hanover Band, and St Paul’s Cathedral Choir.
Will Sims is the Director of Chapel Music at Robinson College, University of Cambridge and an accomplished collaborative pianist, singer, and composer.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£16 (under 18 concession £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
7.30pm
St Vincent's Chapel, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
TIME IN MUSIC IS MUCH
Contemporary sacred song
Sam Madden, tenor
Will Sims, piano
Following their Sacred Arts Festival debut in 2024, Sam Madden and Will Sims return to Edinburgh with a recital of sacred song by contemporary composers. The programme includes works by Errollyn Wallen, Thea Musgrave, Nico Muhly, Ian Venables, Roxanna Panufnik, Tarik O’Regan, Ben Ponniah, Hugh Wood, John Jeffreys, and the Festival’s patron Paul Mealor.
Sam Madden is an international tenor from Dunedin, New Zealand, currently singing as a Lay Clerk at Ely Cathedral. Since moving to the United Kingdom, Sam has performed with distinguished ensembles including Tenebrae, St Martin’s Voices, the Hanover Band, and St Paul’s Cathedral Choir.
Will Sims is the Director of Chapel Music at Robinson College, University of Cambridge and an accomplished collaborative pianist, singer, and composer.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£16 (under 18 concession £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Tuesday 12th August
1.15pm
Old Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Jeffrey Street
EH1 1DH
ART SONGS AND LIEDER ON SACRED THEMES
Samuel Barber: Hermit Songs (selection from texts by anonymous Irish monks)
Schubert: Litanei
Howells: King David
Strauss: Morgen & Allerseelen
Rachmaninov: Two Sacred Songs
With Emma Morwood, Soprano & Ingrid Sawers, Piano
Born in Belfast, Emma Morwood studied at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Northern College of Music, where she was a major award winner. Described as ‘radiant’ (The Sunday Times). ‘enchanting’ (The Times), ‘superlative’ (Opera Magazine) and ‘brilliant’ (The Telegraph), Emma’s recent concert highlights include appearing as soloist and presenter for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Viennese Gala Concert tour of Scotland; Schubert Mass in A flat with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra; Haydn Creation with the Ulster Orchestra, conducted by Daniele Rustioni; and Handel Messiah at the Usher Hall (Edinburgh Royal Choral Union – ERCU).
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Ingrid Sawers is an accomplished pianist and chamber musician equally at home collaborating in instrumental and vocal repertoire. She has performed at both the Oxford Lieder Festival and the World Saxophone Congress, as well as numerous venues throughout the UK, Europe and in Canada. She has broadcast live on BBC Radio and BBC Arts Channels, travels worldwide as an examiner for ABRSM and coaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£12 (under 18 £5) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
1.15pm
Old Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Jeffrey Street
EH1 1DH
ART SONGS AND LIEDER ON SACRED THEMES
Samuel Barber: Hermit Songs (selection from texts by anonymous Irish monks)
Schubert: Litanei
Howells: King David
Strauss: Morgen & Allerseelen
Rachmaninov: Two Sacred Songs
With Emma Morwood, Soprano & Ingrid Sawers, Piano
Born in Belfast, Emma Morwood studied at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Northern College of Music, where she was a major award winner. Described as ‘radiant’ (The Sunday Times). ‘enchanting’ (The Times), ‘superlative’ (Opera Magazine) and ‘brilliant’ (The Telegraph), Emma’s recent concert highlights include appearing as soloist and presenter for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Viennese Gala Concert tour of Scotland; Schubert Mass in A flat with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra; Haydn Creation with the Ulster Orchestra, conducted by Daniele Rustioni; and Handel Messiah at the Usher Hall (Edinburgh Royal Choral Union – ERCU).
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Ingrid Sawers is an accomplished pianist and chamber musician equally at home collaborating in instrumental and vocal repertoire. She has performed at both the Oxford Lieder Festival and the World Saxophone Congress, as well as numerous venues throughout the UK, Europe and in Canada. She has broadcast live on BBC Radio and BBC Arts Channels, travels worldwide as an examiner for ABRSM and coaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£12 (under 18 £5) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Tuesday 12th August
7.30pm
St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Broughton Street
EH1 3JR
FAITH IN THE FOOTLIGHTS -
THE SPIRITUAL RESONANCES OF MUSICAL THEATRE
With author Ian Bradley and and Schola Cantorum
Director: Michael Ferguson
In his book, You’ve Got to Have a Dream: The Message of the Musical (2004), author Ian Bradley argues that “musicals provide millions of people across the world not just with entertainment and escapism but with spiritual and theological values, a philosophy of life and an encounter with God”. In this groundbreaking event, which brings together live presentation and musical performance, Ian Bradley will uncover some of the theological implications of musical shows, while the renowned Schola Cantorum of St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral will bring the music to life. During the evening, the search for the divine will include songs from shows like The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and more — drawing upon new insights from Bradley’s latest book, Music of the night: Religious Influences and Spiritual Resonances in Operetta and Musical Theatre (2025). Be prepared: you will never hear these musical shows in quite the same way again!
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£18 (under 18 £12) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
7.30pm
St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Broughton Street
EH1 3JR
FAITH IN THE FOOTLIGHTS -
THE SPIRITUAL RESONANCES OF MUSICAL THEATRE
With author Ian Bradley and and Schola Cantorum
Director: Michael Ferguson
In his book, You’ve Got to Have a Dream: The Message of the Musical (2004), author Ian Bradley argues that “musicals provide millions of people across the world not just with entertainment and escapism but with spiritual and theological values, a philosophy of life and an encounter with God”. In this groundbreaking event, which brings together live presentation and musical performance, Ian Bradley will uncover some of the theological implications of musical shows, while the renowned Schola Cantorum of St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral will bring the music to life. During the evening, the search for the divine will include songs from shows like The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and more — drawing upon new insights from Bradley’s latest book, Music of the night: Religious Influences and Spiritual Resonances in Operetta and Musical Theatre (2025). Be prepared: you will never hear these musical shows in quite the same way again!
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£18 (under 18 £12) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Wednesday 13th August
7.30pm
Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston Street
EH3 9DJ
THE SCOTTISH METRICAL PSALTER -
CELEBRATING 375 YEARS
Four newly commissioned settings of the psalms.
with the Sacred Arts Festival Singers directed by Calum Robertson
Introduced by Prof David Fergusson OBE, DD, FBA, FRSE
Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and Dean of the Thistle
The Scottish Metrical Psalter was first published in Edinburgh in 1650 and remains in use to this day. This event celebrates its remarkable contribution to sacred music with four new commissions -- Edinburgh composer Chris Hutchings' new setting of Psalm 24, and three commissions from winners of last year's Young Composers Competition. The event will include an opportunity for the audience to sing some of very best known versions of these psalms.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£18 (under 18 £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Grateful acknowledgement is made to CANONMILLS CHURCH for financial support in commissioning Chris Hutchings' composition.
RELATED EVENT
Friday 15th August
3-4pm
St Vincent’s Chapel, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
THE SPLIT-LEAF PSALTER
The making of the ‘Scottish Psalter’: poets and composers, committees and kings;
the psalter through the centuries: precentors, printers, and pioneers;
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£10 (under 18 free) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Presented in conjunction with the Church Service Society
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the CHURCH HYMNARY TRUST for its generous financial support of both these events.
7.30pm
Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston Street
EH3 9DJ
THE SCOTTISH METRICAL PSALTER -
CELEBRATING 375 YEARS
Four newly commissioned settings of the psalms.
with the Sacred Arts Festival Singers directed by Calum Robertson
Introduced by Prof David Fergusson OBE, DD, FBA, FRSE
Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and Dean of the Thistle
The Scottish Metrical Psalter was first published in Edinburgh in 1650 and remains in use to this day. This event celebrates its remarkable contribution to sacred music with four new commissions -- Edinburgh composer Chris Hutchings' new setting of Psalm 24, and three commissions from winners of last year's Young Composers Competition. The event will include an opportunity for the audience to sing some of very best known versions of these psalms.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£18 (under 18 £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Grateful acknowledgement is made to CANONMILLS CHURCH for financial support in commissioning Chris Hutchings' composition.
RELATED EVENT
Friday 15th August
3-4pm
St Vincent’s Chapel, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
THE SPLIT-LEAF PSALTER
The making of the ‘Scottish Psalter’: poets and composers, committees and kings;
the psalter through the centuries: precentors, printers, and pioneers;
- told through narration and enactment,
- interviews and dissertations,
- music scholarship online,
- audience participation, a psalm book display,
- and the bairns from the Sang Schule.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£10 (under 18 free) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Presented in conjunction with the Church Service Society
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the CHURCH HYMNARY TRUST for its generous financial support of both these events.
Thursday 14th August
7.30pm
Canongate Kirk, The Royal Mile
EH8 8BN
LA SERENISSIMA - VIVALDI IN VENICE
Howe Street Ensemble
Director: Les Shankland
Antonio Vivaldi was employed as Maestro di Capella, at the Ospedale Della Pieta, in the great mercantile city of Venice. Here he produced a great deal of instrumental, and operatic music, along with a significant collection of church music to be performed by the talented choir and instrumentalists based at the orphanage within the Ospedale. In La Serenissima, The Howe Street Ensemble performs works from this collection, including. the Gloria in D major, and Lauda Jerusalem, along withe Vesper Psalm Beatus Vir. in Edinburgh's comfortable, and atmospheric Canongate Kirk.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£16 (under 18 £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
7.30pm
Canongate Kirk, The Royal Mile
EH8 8BN
LA SERENISSIMA - VIVALDI IN VENICE
Howe Street Ensemble
Director: Les Shankland
Antonio Vivaldi was employed as Maestro di Capella, at the Ospedale Della Pieta, in the great mercantile city of Venice. Here he produced a great deal of instrumental, and operatic music, along with a significant collection of church music to be performed by the talented choir and instrumentalists based at the orphanage within the Ospedale. In La Serenissima, The Howe Street Ensemble performs works from this collection, including. the Gloria in D major, and Lauda Jerusalem, along withe Vesper Psalm Beatus Vir. in Edinburgh's comfortable, and atmospheric Canongate Kirk.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£16 (under 18 £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Friday 15th August
8pm
Old Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Jeffrey Street
EH1 1DH
SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES -
MUSIC AND POETRY CELEBRATING THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS
Choir of Old Saint Paul’s
Director: Dr John Kitchen MBE
In a memorable phrase, the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews says 'we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses'. This provides the inspiration for Old Saint Paul's superb choir, under its Director John Kitchen, to perform a selection of anthems and hymns inspired by the lives and deaths of some of the greatest witnesses to the Christian faith. Drawn from works composed and written over two millennia, the music will be interspersed by poetry reflecting the same theme.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£16 (under 18 £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
8pm
Old Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Jeffrey Street
EH1 1DH
SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES -
MUSIC AND POETRY CELEBRATING THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS
Choir of Old Saint Paul’s
Director: Dr John Kitchen MBE
In a memorable phrase, the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews says 'we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses'. This provides the inspiration for Old Saint Paul's superb choir, under its Director John Kitchen, to perform a selection of anthems and hymns inspired by the lives and deaths of some of the greatest witnesses to the Christian faith. Drawn from works composed and written over two millennia, the music will be interspersed by poetry reflecting the same theme.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£16 (under 18 £10) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Exhibitions
Monday 11th - Friday 15th August
St Vincent's Chapel Undercroft, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
SEEDS OF HOPE
Carol Marples of the Soul Marks Trust
Exhibition and Participatory Workshops
For over thirty years, Carol Marples, of the Soul Marks Trust, has been professionally engaged with art as a means of spiritual exploration and discovery. In addition to her own work in several media, she is widely known for leading workshops – both in person and online -- that use the techniques of visual art to enable the expert and the inexpert to find a deeper spiritual dimension in working with matter, form and colour. This five-day exhibition of her arresting work includes 3 morning workshops in which Carol will guide participants in making and reflecting, bringing art and prayer together on the exhibition's theme.
EXHIBITION, admission free, donations invited.
Mon. 10am - 5pm Tues/Wed/ Thurs 12 noon – 5pm Friday 10 – 5pm
WORKSHOPS
Tuesday/ Wednesday / Thursday…10am -12pm Each workshop is limited to 15 people.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE - £20 in advance from Fringe Box Office
St Vincent's Chapel Undercroft, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
SEEDS OF HOPE
Carol Marples of the Soul Marks Trust
Exhibition and Participatory Workshops
For over thirty years, Carol Marples, of the Soul Marks Trust, has been professionally engaged with art as a means of spiritual exploration and discovery. In addition to her own work in several media, she is widely known for leading workshops – both in person and online -- that use the techniques of visual art to enable the expert and the inexpert to find a deeper spiritual dimension in working with matter, form and colour. This five-day exhibition of her arresting work includes 3 morning workshops in which Carol will guide participants in making and reflecting, bringing art and prayer together on the exhibition's theme.
EXHIBITION, admission free, donations invited.
Mon. 10am - 5pm Tues/Wed/ Thurs 12 noon – 5pm Friday 10 – 5pm
WORKSHOPS
Tuesday/ Wednesday / Thursday…10am -12pm Each workshop is limited to 15 people.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE - £20 in advance from Fringe Box Office
Tuesday 12th - Wednesday 13th August
10am-4pm
Old Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Jeffrey Street
EH1 1DH
DISCOVERING THE FABRIC OF FAITH
Over many years, the ‘Jacobite’ church of Old Saint Paul’s has accumulated an exceptionally rich collection of church vestments, hangings and linens. This two-day exhibition offers Edinburgh’s residents and visitors the opportunity to see the many ways in which beautiful cloth, intricate embroidery and superb needlework can bring a distinctive artistic dimension to Christian faith in the practice of worship. Expert guides will be on hand to explain the symbolism skillfully embodied in fabric, and the religious ceremonies in which these magnificent items are regularly used.
Admission FREE, with donations invited to offset the cost of staging the exhibition.
10am-4pm
Old Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Jeffrey Street
EH1 1DH
DISCOVERING THE FABRIC OF FAITH
Over many years, the ‘Jacobite’ church of Old Saint Paul’s has accumulated an exceptionally rich collection of church vestments, hangings and linens. This two-day exhibition offers Edinburgh’s residents and visitors the opportunity to see the many ways in which beautiful cloth, intricate embroidery and superb needlework can bring a distinctive artistic dimension to Christian faith in the practice of worship. Expert guides will be on hand to explain the symbolism skillfully embodied in fabric, and the religious ceremonies in which these magnificent items are regularly used.
Admission FREE, with donations invited to offset the cost of staging the exhibition.
Poetry
Sunday 10th August
3pm
St John's Episcopal Church, Princes Street
EH2 4BJ
3pm
St John's Episcopal Church, Princes Street
EH2 4BJ
THE DARK WELL FROM WHICH TO DRAW
with Grahame Davies, Rowan Williams and Paul Mealor
An exploration of Welsh religious poetry marking 25 years since the death of R. S. Thomas.
With poets Grahame Davies and Rowan Williams, composer Paul Mealor
and reader Lois McFarland.
Music by the Sacred Arts Festival Singers, Director Calum Robertson
The Welsh priest/poet R S Thomas (1913-2000) is one of the most acclaimed poets of the 20th century writing in English. In this event, two contemporary Welsh poets -- Grahame Davies and Rowan Williams are joined by the composer Paul Mealor in an event that celebrates Thomas with some of his poems, while also reflecting on the Welsh tradition of religious poetry and presenting it afresh in words and music.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£18 (under 18 £12) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Organized in conjunction with the SCOTTISH NETWORK for RELIGION AND LITERATURE
with Grahame Davies, Rowan Williams and Paul Mealor
An exploration of Welsh religious poetry marking 25 years since the death of R. S. Thomas.
With poets Grahame Davies and Rowan Williams, composer Paul Mealor
and reader Lois McFarland.
Music by the Sacred Arts Festival Singers, Director Calum Robertson
The Welsh priest/poet R S Thomas (1913-2000) is one of the most acclaimed poets of the 20th century writing in English. In this event, two contemporary Welsh poets -- Grahame Davies and Rowan Williams are joined by the composer Paul Mealor in an event that celebrates Thomas with some of his poems, while also reflecting on the Welsh tradition of religious poetry and presenting it afresh in words and music.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£18 (under 18 £12) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Organized in conjunction with the SCOTTISH NETWORK for RELIGION AND LITERATURE
Wednesday 13th August
1.15pm
Canongate Kirk, The Royal Mile
EH8 8BN
1.15pm
Canongate Kirk, The Royal Mile
EH8 8BN
YOUNG RELIGIOUS POETS COMPETITION FINAL
With Christine De Luca & Robert Crawford
In this reading, the poetry of established poets Robert Crawford and Christine is combined with the winning entries of the Scotland-wide 'Young Religious Poets' competition. Details of the competition (closing date for entry May 1st, 2025) can be found HERE.
Robert Crawford’s eight collections of poetry include The Scottish Ambassador (Cape 2018). His ninth – Old World – will be published in 2025. His poetry has been shortlisted for the T S Eliot Prize, and his prose books include biographies of Robert Burns and T.S. Eliot.
Christine De Luca is a Scottish poet and writer from Shetland, who writes in both English and Shaetlan. Notably, she has published several poems in conjunction with visual artists, and her poetry has been translated into many languages. She held the position of Edinburgh's Makar (poet laureate) from 2014 to 2017.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£12 (under 18 free) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Organized in conjunction with the SCOTTISH POETRY LIBRARY and sponsored by the CHRISTIAN ARTS TRUST
With Christine De Luca & Robert Crawford
In this reading, the poetry of established poets Robert Crawford and Christine is combined with the winning entries of the Scotland-wide 'Young Religious Poets' competition. Details of the competition (closing date for entry May 1st, 2025) can be found HERE.
Robert Crawford’s eight collections of poetry include The Scottish Ambassador (Cape 2018). His ninth – Old World – will be published in 2025. His poetry has been shortlisted for the T S Eliot Prize, and his prose books include biographies of Robert Burns and T.S. Eliot.
Christine De Luca is a Scottish poet and writer from Shetland, who writes in both English and Shaetlan. Notably, she has published several poems in conjunction with visual artists, and her poetry has been translated into many languages. She held the position of Edinburgh's Makar (poet laureate) from 2014 to 2017.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£12 (under 18 free) from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Organized in conjunction with the SCOTTISH POETRY LIBRARY and sponsored by the CHRISTIAN ARTS TRUST
Architecture
Tuesday 12th August and Thursday 14th August
3pm - 4pm
EXPLORING SACRED SPACE
The Magdalen Reformation Chapel
Opened in 1542 as a Catholic Chapel for the (then) fashionable area of Edinburgh's Cowgate, the Scottish Reformation of 1560 turned the Magdalen Chapel into the birthplace of Scottish Presbyterianism. Expert guides will relate the story of this fascinating building, explaining the many unusual features it has acquired both as a chapel and as the home of the Hammermen’s Guild. These include the oldest stained glass in Scotland, the famous Deacon’s Chair of 1708 and a spectacular chandelier-- the 'essay' of a gifted hammerman apprentice -- PLUS an opportunity to hear live Scottish metrical psalm singing.
Group limited to 25 people.
TICKETS £10 in advance only
Tuesday: Eventbrite
Thursday: Fringe Box Office
Organized in conjunction with the SCOTTISH REFORMATION SOCIETY
3pm - 4pm
EXPLORING SACRED SPACE
The Magdalen Reformation Chapel
Opened in 1542 as a Catholic Chapel for the (then) fashionable area of Edinburgh's Cowgate, the Scottish Reformation of 1560 turned the Magdalen Chapel into the birthplace of Scottish Presbyterianism. Expert guides will relate the story of this fascinating building, explaining the many unusual features it has acquired both as a chapel and as the home of the Hammermen’s Guild. These include the oldest stained glass in Scotland, the famous Deacon’s Chair of 1708 and a spectacular chandelier-- the 'essay' of a gifted hammerman apprentice -- PLUS an opportunity to hear live Scottish metrical psalm singing.
Group limited to 25 people.
TICKETS £10 in advance only
Tuesday: Eventbrite
Thursday: Fringe Box Office
Organized in conjunction with the SCOTTISH REFORMATION SOCIETY
Film
Saturday 16th August
12 noon
St Vincent’s Undercroft, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
CHARLIE CHAPLIN'S THE PILGRIM
With an introduction by Richard Kendall
In this silent film from 1923, Charlie Chaplin plays an escaped convict who steals a minister's clothes to replace his prison uniform. This disguise leads him into a series of misadventures when he has to keep playing the part of a parson, including conducting a wedding and improvising a sermon.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£10 from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
12 noon
St Vincent’s Undercroft, St Vincent Street
EH3 6SW
CHARLIE CHAPLIN'S THE PILGRIM
With an introduction by Richard Kendall
In this silent film from 1923, Charlie Chaplin plays an escaped convict who steals a minister's clothes to replace his prison uniform. This disguise leads him into a series of misadventures when he has to keep playing the part of a parson, including conducting a wedding and improvising a sermon.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
£10 from Fringe Box Office and Eventbrite and on the door
Saturday 16th August
4pm
St Michael and All Saints, Brougham Street
EH3 9JH
FESTIVAL CLOSING SERVICE :
CHORAL EVENSONG
Rector and Officiant: Fr Oliver Brewer-Lennon
Choir of St Michael and All Saints
Director: Sandy Chenery
GUEST HOMILIST: The Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop and Metropolitan of St Andrews & Edinburgh
MUSIC
Introit: Gaudeamus Omnes – William Byrd (c.1540-1623)
Versicles and Responses: William Smith (1603-1605)
Canticles: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G - C V Stanford (1924 -
Anthem: Hymne à la Vièrge – Pierre Villette (1926-1998)
ALL WELCOME
FREE ADMISSION
RETIRING COLLECTION
4pm
St Michael and All Saints, Brougham Street
EH3 9JH
FESTIVAL CLOSING SERVICE :
CHORAL EVENSONG
Rector and Officiant: Fr Oliver Brewer-Lennon
Choir of St Michael and All Saints
Director: Sandy Chenery
GUEST HOMILIST: The Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop and Metropolitan of St Andrews & Edinburgh
MUSIC
Introit: Gaudeamus Omnes – William Byrd (c.1540-1623)
Versicles and Responses: William Smith (1603-1605)
Canticles: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G - C V Stanford (1924 -
Anthem: Hymne à la Vièrge – Pierre Villette (1926-1998)
ALL WELCOME
FREE ADMISSION
RETIRING COLLECTION
