Cécile’s Top Picks of What’s On in Edinburgh, February 2021
Image Cécile Paul
Hi, and welcome from a chilly February in Edinburgh! With very strong ties to Auld Reeky (after having spent over two decades living and working in the centre, below Edinburgh Castle) I reckon I’m well placed to point you in the direction of the best events happening in my home from home! Although things are still pretty quiet on the streets because of lockdown, there are many fun events to join online from the comfort of your own armchair, including many and varied Valentine’s Day events. Here are my top picks for what’s on in February:
Feb 14 2021: Stroll the Streets of Edinburgh
This Valentine’s Day, why not be a tourist in your own home town and take a stroll through the charming streets of one of the most romantic cites in the world? Filled with historic buildings, fascinating nooks, crannies, wynds and an iconic castle, Edinburgh’s Old and New Town never cease to amaze. The brisk February weather will leave you exhilarated and ready for your Valentine’s Day Dinner!
https://edinburgh.org/, facebook @Edinburgh
Image credit: Cécile Paul | The Old Town of Edinburgh from George IV Bridge
Feb 13 Feb 12 2021 19h00 – 22h00: The Story of the Beatles – Edinburgh
This entertaining Beatles tribute at the Liquid Room Edinburgh will take you on a nostalgic musical journey, from Beatlemania to Sergeant Pepper and the later offerings of the Fab Four. Sport your 60s fashion and join in!
Image credit and styling Cécile Paul | Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Drum…really?
2021: Paper Flappers and Jazz Age Fashion
A fun-filled event for all those 1920s fashion enthusiasts: Using paper silhouettes you will design your very own stylish Art Deco dresses, headbands and cloche hats in collage and paint. Bring a fashionista friend along for a fabulous frenzy of feathered flapper fun.
Image credit Museums and Galleries Edinburgh | Flapper creations
Feb 14 2021: Chocolate Making Led by Master Chocolatier – Edinburgh School of Food and Wine
Make your own chocolate creations with the help of the oldest cookery school in Edinburgh, learn about infusions and at the same time discover the origin and process of chocolate making together with a number of tempering and moulding tips to take away. Kids are not left out either – there are kids’ masterclass sessions on February 7 and 21.
https://www.esfw.com/, facebook @ESFW1
Image credit Pixabay | Chocolate creations
Feb 2021 – Every night in February: Night Walk for Edinburgh
Don’t fret if you’re in lockdown and need to stay indoors, as you can download the ‘At Home’ version of this fabulous experience and participate virtually! Janet Cardiff (of Cardiff and Miller’s Night Walk at the Edinburgh Festival fame) will guide you through the backstreets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, unravelling a disjointed tale layered with history, invention, game-playing and memories.
Image credit: Cécile Paul | The Old Town of Edinburgh from Waverley Station
Feb 1 2021: Masterclass with James McAvoy
Presented by the Edinburgh Youth Theatre, this interactive session with James McAvoy (of The Last King of Scotland fame) lets you ask James questions about his stellar career. This is a rare opportunity for aspiring young actors to pick the master’s brain. Not to be missed!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/masterclass-james-mcavoy-tickets-136256764651, https://www.ytas.org.uk/opportunity/james-mcavoy-gives-a-rare-masterclass-to-aspiring-young-actors-edinburgh-youth-theatre/
Image credit Eventbrite | James McAvoy
Feb 6 2021: Fine Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Join this fun and interactive online session together with likeminded wine and chocolate lovers in anticipation of Valentines Day! You’ll be expertly guided through a tasting and pairing session, sampling six different types of delectable chocolate paired with equally delicious wines. What could possibly be more decadently self-indulgent?
https://www.designmynight.com/edinburgh/valentines-day-in-edinburgh
Image credit Pixabay
Feb 14 2021: Dine at Home with Harvey Nichols for Valentine’s Day
Dining at the Harvey Nichols restaurant may be a little tricky this Valentine’s Day but fret not! With a little help from their master chef you’ll follow the easy step-by-step instructions and create a sumptuous four course dinner at home, using Harvey Nichols ingredients delivered to your front door. So – what’s for dinner? How about succulent lobster, Beef Wellington, passionfruit cheesecake and Camembert with designer biscuits to finish?
http://www.harveynichols.com/store/edinburgh/, @HarveyNichols.Edinburgh
Image credit Harvey Nichols | Can’t dine in the HN restaurant on Valentine’s Day? Create your own restaurant at home!
Feb 2021 – Every Saturday in February: Strictly Come Murder
Here’s an activity especially for all the ‘Strictly’ fans! It’s murder on the dance floor – who dunnit? You will play using all your latent Sherlock Holmes talents, interrogate and cast your suspicions together with your team members to solve this murder mystery.
https://www.designmynight.com/edinburgh/valentines-day-in-edinburgh
Feb 11 2021 Recording Modernist Scotland
This is a session for those who are tickled pink by all things architectural (of which Scotland boasts its fair share). Join Dovecot Studios for this online talk with Historic Environment Scotland to learn about the fascinating Modernist period and the importance of recording our built environment. You may never walk past the same ’old’ buildings again without pondering the merits of conservation for posterity!
https://edinburgh.org/whats-on/recording-modernist-scotland/
Feb 13 2021: Harry Potter’s Scotland Trail – Virtual Online Tour
For Harry Potter fans of all ages! Discover all the places that author JK Rowling drew inspiration from when writing her famous books. Hop aboard the Hogwarts express to the Scottish Highlands once you’ve visited all the iconic spots – from the Elephant house where the books were conceived to spooky kirk-yards and historic Victoria Street (aka Diagon Alley).
Feb 2021: Future Ecologies at the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh
A daily slot where you can join contemporary artists Louis Henderson, Uriel Orlow, Charlotte Prodger and Ben Rivers in using film and video to investigate subjects as varied as herbal medicine, gender and e-cycling, and in the process contemplating humanity’s past and future. All within the breathtaking surrounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
https://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/350th-anniversary/whats-on/, facebook @thebotanics
Image credit Pixabay | Snowdrops in the Royal Botanical Garden
