1. Scotland’s festival of science fiction, fantasy and horror writing has gone online for its second edition to present a mix of live and pre-recorded talks, workshops and events. Due to be held in Edinburgh this weekend, Cymera has been entertaining viewers at home with more than 30 events featuring sci-fi, fantasy and horror writers. The pre-recorded talks will remain online for a week, allowing viewers to experience in-depth discussions about topics in genre writing at their own pace. The 68 authors involved in the festival include Chris Brookmyre. All events are free. https://www.cymerafestival.co.uk/
2. Join Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland tonight for an online bonanza to raise funds. The aim is to take the excitement, entertainment and production values of their large-scale events and tranfer them online for the ultimate Sunday night in. The Sunday Night Social Live is hosted by Edward Reid and features TV/film actor and London West End star John McLarnon.The night will also involve a raffle, quiz and SBH Scotland’s Got Talent. Prices for the two-hour show start at £5 and viewers can join on https://sbhscotland.org.uk/social/
3. Going clubbing is not possible at the moment, but people can still experience the joy of dance at home through free, live and interactive online classes for children and adults run by House Of Jack. The kids’ classes are on every Saturday with Ursula Manandhar, starting at 9.30am for Primary 1-2 and going right up the age groups to classes for secondary school pupils in the afternoons. Email ashleyjackdance@gmail.com to join. There’s no need to book the Wednesday evening adult classes in advance. www.ashleyjackdance.com
4. Young people’s mental health may suffer because of the lockdown and in order to address this, Impact Arts are offering drop-in, virtual, creative and wellbeing sessions led by experienced artists and youth workers for anyone aged 14-26 living in Scotland’s Central Belt, from now until the end of August. No creative experience is necessary as activities are varied, with both visual and digital art workshops, so there is something to suit everyone. The youth workers will also be holding workshops on themes such as routine and breathing exercises to support general wellbeing https://www.impactarts.co.uk/content/join-a-project-make-space/
5. Every week Glasgow’s Sonnet Youth Social Club brings together artists to stream performances directly to your home. Hosted by Kevin P Gilday and Cat Hepburn, the live Facebook event is fully open and interactive, with viewers invited to make a donation to charity. This week’s charity is Peek Project and the performances will be streamed at 21:05 on Thursday and 22:20 on Friday. Guests include award-winning comedian and writer Stuart McPherson, who also stars in BBC Scotland’s Bafta-winning series Scot Squad, and Glasgow alt-folk singer-songwriter Beerjacket, aka Peter Kelly. Pay what you feel at paypal.me/sonnetyouth
6. Edinburgh’s Art And Craft Collective have created their first virtual exhibition. Houses Of Light by artist Ian Pearsall features lighthouses which he says are of universal significance. The exhibition is free and runs until July 31. Go to https://www.artcraftcollective.co.uk/blog/houses-of-light-spring-exhibition/
7. Looking for something a wee bit different? Join free weekly online chocolate creation workshops with Carol Ann from CA&CO. The classes are suitable for anyone, whether the aim is to have fun with the kids and partner or some quality creative time alone. The workshops use easy-to-find ingredients and no fancy equipment. It is on at 2pm today and at the same time each week on Sundays throughout June. https://www.facebook.com/groups/212784149935980
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