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Open Streets

Programme for 1 December

Open Streets, Edinburgh Old Town

12 noon - 5pm

Walks & tours, sketching, cycling and exhibitions!

Open Streets invites everybody to enjoy vehicle-free city central streets on Sunday afternoon from 12noon to 5pm. The Open Streets movement is in full swing across the globe and Edinburgh is proud to join in, offering people-friendly streets for one afternoon a month.

Open Streets works with the community to create a small programme of home grown activities for all from exercise classes and dance demonstrations to walking tours and e-bike trials. Many activities are free and none require booking - just turn up and try something new, get on your bike or just follow your feet and enjoy the spaces!

Download the December Open Streets flyer.

Look out for the Open Streets Team who are wearing green high visibility vests – they can help you find out more about what’s going on this Sunday.

Grassmarket Zone

Time Activity
12noon - 4.30pm Harts Cyclery - E bike trials - Pick up an Electric Bike at the east end of the Grassmarket and have a go at cycling up Victoria Street! 
2.30pm - 3.15pm The Noise Committee - High energy carnival drum crew playing original material inspired by world percussion and modern dance music.
12noon - 1pm Tango - Argentinian Tango, experience this wonderful dance from Buenos Aires. Dance display is in the west Grassmarket, outside Dance Base.

Lawnmarket Zone

Time Activity
11am - 4pm Heritage Trail - Pick up your copy of our history trail at Gladstone's Land, and discover the major landmarks of 17th century Edinburgh.
2pm - 4pm Stories of Edinburgh - Join our costumed performers Edinburgh Living History in the Writers' Museum as thye share stories of 19th century Edinburgh and perform readings from some of the greatest stories in Scottish Literature. Free, drop in activity.

West High Street Zone

Time Activity
2pm - 3.30pm Taoist Tai ChiTM display and taster - Watch and try a sequence from the Taoist Tai ChiTM set and experience the benefits to body, mind and spirit.
2pm – 3pm Social Dancing - Edinburgh Swing Dance Society are hosting an outdoor social dance for the swing dancers of Edinburgh. Find us by the Mercat Cross.
2.30pm & 3.30pm
Royal Mile Walking Tours - Free walking tours around Edinburgh's historic Old Town, with expert guides from the Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides Association. Meet at the City Chambers. First tour at 2.30pm, second tour at 3.30pm
3.30pm - 4.15pm Commotion Drummers - Enjoy the pulsating beats of Brazil. Commotion women drummers bring original grooves and batucada beats to the streets of Edinburgh!
12noon - 3pm Security bike marking - Marking bikes with UV etch using The Bike Register System.
All day Winter Windows - These colourful, vibrant stained-glass window designs showcase the creativity of Edinburgh's school pupils and will be displayed in the City Chambers and West Parliament Square.
All day Try a Just Eat bike from the Just Eat Cycle Hire Scheme; courtyard, City Chambers.

East High Street Zone

Time Activity
10am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm A Magical Christmas - Make gorgeous decorations inspired by Museum of Childhood for Christmas with artist Rachael Forbes. Free, drop in art activity for families.
12.30pm  - 4.30pm Street Games in the marquee - Come and play giant chess, badminton and Connect 4 on the Royal Mile. Chess kindly donated by our friends at Leith Market.
12.30pm - 4pm Knitting in the Storytelling Centre - Enjoy a relaxing, friendly space with knitters, open to all who want to join in with other handcrafts. Free patterns, wool and needles provided.
12noon - 5pm Explore Edinburgh’s Literary Quarter - this self-guided free tour will illustrate stories from the Netherbow area of Edinburgh's Old Town; an active literary quarter for the last 500 years.
2pm - 2.30pm Love Music Community Choir - Our eclectic mix of songs will provide warmth and winter cheer! Suitable for all ages and musical tastes.

Canongate Zone including Cranston Street

Time Activity
8am - 4pm Dunbar's Close Garden - Laid out in the style and character of a 17th centure garden this hidden gem is an oasis of peace and tranquility.
10am - 4pm The RSPB at Museum of Edinburgh - Come and make bird suet cakes out of seed mixes, lard and yoghurt pots, with RSPB Scotland and take them home for your local wildlife to enjoy. Suitable for all ages, adult supervision essential - this one can be messy! Free, drop in activity.
12pm - 3pm Just Eat Cycles E-Bike Trials - Come and try the new E-Bikes from Edinburgh’s Cycle Hire Scheme for free before they launch for the wider public in March 2020.
12noon - 4.30pm Street Play -  Playing outside whatever the weather with Canongate Youth’s Play Rangers Team.
12noon - 5pm Snowflakes and hot chocolate - Get crafty at The Crannie and help us decorate by making snowflakes whilst enjoying a cup of cocoa.
2pm - 3pm  Ravaged Hearts - Country, blues and soul duo, with guitar, fiddle and close harmonies. Entrance to Sibbald Walk.
All day Royal Mile Primary School Outdoor Exhibition - Cityscapes created by every class while learning about the amazing buildings, famous residents and exciting stories from the heart of Edinburgh.

Outside or Cross Zone

Time Activity
11am onwards Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk - Once more, Scotland’s fundraising Santa’s will run, walk and stroll around West Princes Street
Gardens, raising money to grant the Wishes of children for When You Wish Upon a Star.
12noon - 2pm Breeze through Open Streets – Women’s only Breeze led ride leaving from Meadows and riding round Arthur’s Seat and up through Royal Mile. Sign up on British Cycling Let’s Ride website. Starting point: Bridgend Farmhouse. EH16 4TE

Please note programme details are subject to change.