The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Author: julietkinsey (Page 1 of 19)

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival image of fire on top of a hill with people all around it

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival

30/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival

Your Complete Guide to Scotland’s Ancient Celtic Celebration

Every year since 1988, the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival draws up to 15,000 people to Calton Hill for a spectacular celebration marking the arrival of summer. The Beltane fire festival honours an ancient Celtic tradition that began on the evening before May 1st, featuring dramatic performances, sacred fire rituals, and mythological characters like the May Queen and the Green Man. What is Beltane, exactly? The Beltane holiday represents the transition from winter to summer through the powerful symbolism of death and rebirth. Over 300 volunteers now bring this ancient tradition to life, investing approximately 10,000 hours into rehearsals, costumes, and props. read on to explore the festival’s Celtic origins, key rituals and characters, and everything you need to attend.

What Is Beltane? The Ancient Celtic Fire Festival

Origins of the Beltane Holiday

Beltane translates to “bright fire,” referring to the bonfires central to this ancient celebration. The name derives from the Celtic god Bel (also known as Beli or Belinus), whose cult stretched from the Italic Peninsula across Europe into the British Isles. Historically observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, Beltane is one of four main Celtic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh.

The festival’s roots date back approximately 6,000 years, to when hunter-gatherers across Northern Europe transitioned to agricultural lifestyles. This ancient agrarian calendar predates the arrival of the Celts by millennia. Originally, Beltane was celebrated midway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, falling astronomically around May 5 or 6. Eventually, calendar codification fixed the celebration on May 1, aligning it with other European spring festivals like Floralia and Walpurgisnacht.

Traditional Beltane Celebrations Across Scotland

Communities gathered on hilltops where cattle pastured, cutting a round trench and leaving a central turf platform for the bonfire. The night before, villagers extinguished all hearth fires in their homes. On Beltane morning, priests or community leaders kindled the sacred “need-fire” using ritual methods, with traditional fires sparked from flint or friction.

Cattle were driven between two bonfires or made to leap over flames for purification and fertility blessings before being put to summer pastures. People themselves walked around or between the fires, jumping over flames for good luck, protection, and fertility. Following these rituals, the community relit their household fires from the Beltane bonfire, connecting everyone through the sacred flame.

The Meaning Behind the Sacred Fires

Fire served as purification, cleansing, and protection from supernatural harm, disease, and witchcraft. The flames symbolised the sun’s power, meant to ensure sunshine for people, animals, and plants while burning away harmful influences. These protective qualities extended to milk production, crops, and overall community well-being for the coming year.

Beltane’s Connection to Summer and Fertility

Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season, celebrated as “first of summer” when livestock moved to fresh pastures. The festival honoured the sacred union of masculine and feminine energies through figures like the May Queen and May King. Like Samhain, Beltane represented a liminal time when the veil between worlds grew thin, making it one of the two most sacred Celtic festivals.

The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival: How It All Began

The 1988 Revival on Calton Hill

On April 30, 1988, a small group of enthusiasts brought Beltane back to Edinburgh after centuries of dormancy. Angus Farquhar of the musical collective Test Dept led the revival alongside choreographer Lindsay John, dancers from Laban, and Gaelic ethnologist Margaret Bennett. The School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh provided academic support.

The revival emerged from political resistance during the Thatcher era. Farquhar sought something beyond the “black/white narrative” of political battles, researching Beltane to create a public ritual that flew in the face of the idea that “there is no such thing as society” (Margaret Thatcher). That first event faced harsh conditions with a £500 budget, pouring rain, and gale-force winds, yet roughly 30-40 volunteers created a procession around the hill that culminated in communal firelighting.

From Arthur’s Seat to Calton Hill

Arthur’s Seat historically hosted Edinburgh’s Beltane celebrations. Organisers originally intended the revival to take place there, but practical considerations prompted a location change. Calton Hill offered better accessibility and centrality while maintaining a connection with nature.

The choice carried symbolic weight. In the 1980s, Calton Hill had a reputation for sex, drugs, and served as a no-go area connected to queer counterculture. Organizers aimed to reclaim that space for the community through celebration.

The Beltane Fire Society and Community Involvement

The Beltane Fire Society was formed in 1988 for the second festival as a registered charity run by democratically elected volunteers. All performers volunteer, joining through word of mouth or advertised open meetings. Senior performers lead workshops covering event production, prop construction, character performance, percussion, and health and safety.

How the Festival Has Grown Over the Years

From a core of a dozen performers and a few hundred audience members, the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival grew to several hundred performers and over 10,000 spectators by 1999. The event now involves over 300 voluntary collaborators. Originally free and lightly stewarded, capacity constraints and funding requirements led to ticketing in recent years.

Key Characters, Rituals, and Performances

The May Queen: Mother Goddess of Summer

The May Queen embodies the maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess, presiding over the transition from spring to summer. The role passes to a performer for several years, with each May Queen crafting her own costume annually to reflect the festival’s theme. This goddess figure entices the Green Man during the ritual, uniting with him to rule over summer together.

The Green Man: Death and Rebirth

The Green Man represents life growing on earth, an archetypal figure appearing in folklore across Britain. During the ritual, he exposes his winter side to the May Queen in her maiden form, realising he must change to be with her. He surrenders his life, and the May Queen gives him life energy, bringing him back in his new summer form. This death and rebirth mirrors ancient fertility myths where spirits must die to ensure renewal.

The White Women and the Blues

The Blues serve as elder volunteers who hold knowledge and are respected within the community. They provide space for storytelling about the May Queen and Green Man’s narrative, acting as bridges between past and present traditions. The White Women protect the May Queen, representing order and discipline.

Fire Performances and Drumming

Performers, including acrobats, drummers, dancers, musicians, and puppeteers, create the striking display. The Processional drummers lay down beats that drive the march forward behind the May Queen, their rhythms carrying across Calton Hill. Torch Bearers dress head to foot in black with covered faces, trusted to carry purifying flames.

The Procession and Sacred Rituals

The May Queen leads the procession to the hilltop, with drummers alerting witnesses to their approach. The core narrative remains largely consistent, though additional elements emerge as new performers bring their own influences.

The Bonfire and Dawn Celebration

Fire plays the central role in the ritual, with torch bearers carrying flames and fire arches representing gateways between earthly and spirit worlds. The bonfire marks summer’s arrival, with celebrations continuing until dawn.

Attending the Festival

The festival occurs annually on April 30th on Calton Hill. The show begins at sundown and runs until late. Wear warm layers and sensible shoes or go in a full bright costume, but be careful to keep away from the flames. Be aware that the event features semi-nudity and uninhibited behaviour, body-painted characters, and fire.

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The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival connects us to 6,000 years of Celtic heritage while creating something entirely new each year. Equally important, over 300 volunteers transform ancient rituals into a living celebration that draws thousands to Calton Hill.

Whether you’re drawn to the mythological drama, the fire performances, or the communal energy, this festival offers an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets early, dress warmly, and prepare yourself for a night where ancient tradition meets modern spectacle under the Edinburgh sky.

The Library

We have lots of resources if you want to learn more about Beltain or Edinburgh. Check out Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk. You can read more about other Celtic festivals here on the blog too. Check out our post on lughnasa 

By Juliet Kinsey

Sources:.

International Jazz Day image of black woman with saxophone. bright colours

International Jazz Day

30/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Jazz Day

For the past fifteen years, the 30th of April has marked International Jazz Day, a day dedicated to promoting jazz music worldwide and the role jazz music has had in shaping culture and bringing together communities.
Officially started by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) after being proposed by legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, whose non-profit educational institute leads the programming and coordination of International Jazz Day celebrations. Over two hundred countries participate in International Jazz Day every year, with musicians and fans around the world coming together to put on events celebrating their nation’s history with jazz music. These celebrations can take the form of concerts, conferences, educational workshops and jam sessions, all of which serve to promote local and national jazz acts and raise awareness of the local jazz scene.

History of Jazz

Jazz is an interesting musical genre as it is very community-oriented, drawing on elements of local culture and adapting to the taste of the community. Jazz itself has its roots in the music culture of late 19th and early 20th century New Orleans, drawing influence from blues and ragtime music that was popular at the time and infusing it with the musical stylings and instruments of local marching bands.

From there, jazz would spread out from New Orleans in the 1910s, and different cities would become cultural hubs for emerging styles of jazz. First in Chicago, where the arriving jazz musicians from New Orleans began to develop a faster and more improvisational style, emphasising musical solos and swapping out their banjos and standing basses for guitars and tubas. This style of Chicago Jazz would eventually come to embody jazz in much of the popular consciousness, but it wouldn’t stop there.

By the 1940s in New York, a new generation of jazz musicians began to develop a style known as Bebop, a faster and more complex style of jazz that emphasised the rhythm section and was typically performed with a smaller number of musicians than earlier jazz ensembles. Bebop musicians wanted to push the boundaries of jazz away from its dance-oriented roots and towards a more “musician’s music” that required the audience to listen closely to appreciate what was happening.

Outside of the United States, one of the most popular jazz styles is Latin Jazz, beginning in the 1940s with Afro-Cuban musicians performing using more traditional instruments such as bongos or claves for percussion over the drum kit used in more traditional jazz. Additionally, in Brazil, the fusion of samba music with jazz stylings would help give rise to the genre of Bossa Nova.

Scottish Jazz

Now, with all this in mind, you might not know that here in Scotland we have our own history with jazz. In his essay “Swinging Scots: An Outline of Jazz in Scotland” Roger Craik recounts that Scotland actually encountered jazz quite early into the genre’s existence, with 1919 seeing American jazz bands start to travel the Atlantic to perform in Glasgow and Edinburgh. By the 1930s, Scotland was producing its own jazz artists, although many of these were required to travel south for work, and many of the most popular pre-war British jazz acts had Scottish performers.

Craik theorises that many of these may be due to the popularity of Scottish pipe bands and country bands during this period, as well as the brass bands that were common in Scottish mining towns. These bands would serve as a sort of training ground for Scottish musicians, who would become accustomed to playing percussion and brass before moving on to performing in jazz bands. This generation of Scottish musicians was also of an age to be called up to military service in the Second World War, where they would perform in military bands, performing at marches or entertaining the troops. In fact, a key figure in the history of Scottish jazz was Tommy Sampson, whose post-war orchestra would bring together many Scottish jazz musicians. Tommy himself spent much of the Second World War in a prisoner of war camp, where he led a band consisting of other captured soldiers.

The decades following the war would see the emergence of many other Scottish jazz bands, such as the Clyde Valley Stompers, who once played alongside legendary jazz musician Louie Armstrong at Kelvin Hall in 1956.
You can read Roger Craik’s history of Scottish jazz, along with several other in-depth essays at the Scottish Jazz Archives.

The Edinburgh Jazz Festival

This tradition of Scottish jazz will continue this summer with the 45th annual Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival being held in July. This will see performances of local and international jazz acts being held throughout the city, ranging from classical jazz acts to more experimental performances. These include paid and free performances, so you can pop along to something even if you just want a taste of the genre. I can promise you’ll hear something memorable.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about the Edinburgh Festival here

library study skills

The Library for New Staff

20/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

The Library for New Staff

Hello and welcome to all of our new (and long-standing) staff members here at Edinburgh Napier University! We would like to introduce you to as well as familiarise you with the facilities, resources and services which our three campus libraries have to offer you, and how we can help and benefit you as well. Our libraries are not just for students of Edinburgh Napier University! All members of staff also have access to our books, a majority of our library spaces and PCs. Let us walk you through what we have to offer…

Physical and Online Resources…

We have a vast range of physical resources and online material which students and staff can borrow and access: books, DVDs, articles, journals and newspapers, to name a few. You can borrow physical books and resources from us using your staff card – they will then automatically renew for up to four months unless they are recalled to fulfil another patron request. You will be notified via email if this is the case and have seven days to return your item or items from when this email is sent. Good news is that when you do need to return a book to us, you can drop it off at any campus which is nearest or most convenient for you, regardless of which campus you got the book from. You can drop it off in our return boxes and scan it through as a return by using our self-service kiosks. Do not worry if, for any reason, you forget to do this, though – our library staff process every book found in our return bins, so your item will be fully registered as a return regardless!

Edinburgh Napier University libraries have institutional subscriptions to a variety of academic databases, journal articles and webpages offering a range of credible research articles and papers. You can access these by signing into LibrarySearch via your staff account. If the book or article you are looking for is available online, this will come up in the item record when you search for it – when you go into this record, it will then show you an individual or range of links to databases or webpages from which you can access the desired resource, often in full text.

Inter-Library Loans Service…

It may be the case sometimes that we do not have access to the specific book or article you are looking for – not to worry! Staff are also able to use our Inter Library Loan service to request a book or article if it is the case that we do not have access to the desired item or have it in our library stock. The form for requesting a book or article as an Inter-Library Loan can be found in LibrarySearch and once, we have processed the form you have completed, we aim to have it ready for you to access or borrow through us within 3-15 working days. However, delivery cannot always be guaranteed within a specific time frame. Journal articles, which are often digital, are emailed to you.

Training and Events Calendar…

Our Training and Events Calendar is another resource we have which is not just available for students! In this calendar, we have a range of advertised and often bookable training events and workshops which staff and students can enrol in. Most of these advertised events are usually library-related – these include and are not limited to our Getting Started with the Library Sessions, library help sessions for specific schools and referencing workshops covering referencing styles such as APA 7th as well as software such as EndNote and Mendeley. Some advertised sessions also cover other aspects of academia, research and technologies within Edinburgh Napier University. These sessions are often run by our subject librarians but are sometimes run by staff in other disciplines and departments such as our academic skills team or IT teams.

Our Library and IT Helpdesks…

Got a question about our library resources, services or databases? Or something IT-related? Edinburgh Napier University staff can come by our helpdesks in each campus library if you need help with any of these specific kinds of queries. Our Opening Hours can be found in our My Napier webpages. You can also contact us via email by emailing library@napier.ac.uk or by phoning 01314553500.

By Rachel Downie

World Art Day in Scotland post image of The Shepherd Boy (1891), Phoebe Anna Traquair, oil on canvas

World Art Day in Scotland

14/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Art Day in Scotland

Art does more than decorate walls. It influences how we feel. It inspires us and makes us rethink our views on the world. Art is magic, it is politics, it is hope in the darkness. We have made it since the beginning of time, and we continue to create it no matter what happens in our world.

Edinburgh Galleries

To celebrate World Art Day in Scotland, why not visit some of Edinburgh’s incredible galleries?

The Scottish National Gallery sits right in the city centre. It offers calm, light-filled rooms and world-class collections. You can move from European masters to Scottish favourites in one visit. Clear layouts make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Then, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery shifts the focus. Here, art tells stories through people. The building itself feels dramatic, with high ceilings and rich detail. Meanwhile, exhibitions connect past and present through powerful portraits.

Just a short walk away, the City Art Centre offers something different. It focuses on Scottish art across time. Rotating exhibitions mean there is always something new. It feels accessible and welcoming, especially for first-time visitors.

Next, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art opens things up. Two separate buildings sit in wide green grounds. Inside, you will find bold, contemporary work. Outside, sculptures invite you to slow down and wander.

Just outside Edinburgh, spaces like Jupiter Artland take art beyond walls. Here, installations live in the landscape. You walk between them. You experience them physically, not just visually.

Together, these galleries offer variety, space, and accessibility. So, whether you want quiet reflection or fresh ideas, Edinburgh has a place for you.

Some important Scottish artists of Edinburgh

Phoebe Anna Traquair

Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852–1936) was a leading figure in Scotland’s Arts and Crafts movement. She was born in Ireland and later settled in Edinburgh, where she created some of the city’s most remarkable artworks. She worked across many forms. These included murals, embroidery, and illuminated manuscripts. Her style drew on medieval art, rich colour, and symbolic detail. Her best-known work can be seen at the Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh. There, her murals transform the space into an immersive, peaceful environment. Today, she is celebrated as one of Scotland’s most important artists. She also stands out as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated art world.

Eduardo Paolozzi

Probably one of Edinburgh’s most well-known artists. His work is everywhere. Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005) was a Scottish artist and sculptor, widely seen as a pioneer of pop art. He was born in Edinburgh to Italian parents and studied at art schools in Edinburgh and London. He became known for bold collages and sculptures that mixed popular culture, technology, and mass media. His early work helped shape the visual language of modern pop art. Later, he created large public sculptures and mosaics, including works for London Underground stations. Today, Paolozzi is recognised as one of Scotland’s most influential modern artists, with a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Sekai Machache

Sekai Machache is a contemporary visual artist based in Scotland. She was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Scotland.

Her work focuses on identity, belonging, and representation. She often uses photography and performance, especially self-portraiture.

Her images challenge how Black women are seen in art. They create space for visibility and self-definition.

Machache has exhibited across Scotland, including in Edinburgh. Today, she is part of a new generation of artists shaping a more diverse Scottish art scene.

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Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools' Day

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools’ Day

01/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day, known for its playful pranks and practical jokes, has a long and intriguing history that stretches back centuries. So let’s delve into the origins of April Fools’ Day, explore ancient pranks and traditions, discover how it is celebrated around the world, and examine famous pranks from history. We will also discuss the role of media in April Fools’ Day pranks, explore modern-day traditions, and even delve into the psychology behind this mischievous holiday. So, buckle up and prepare to uncover the fascinating history of April Fools’ Day!

Introduction to April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day, also known as All Fools’ Day, is celebrated on the 1st of April each year. It is a time when people play pranks and practical jokes on one another, often to trick unsuspecting victims. But where did this tradition originate? The exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain shrouded in mystery, but several theories attempt to explain its origins.

The Origins of April Fools’ Day

One theory suggests that April Fools’ Day dates back to the late 16th century when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Under the Julian calendar, New Year’s Day fell around the end of March or early April. However, with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day was moved to January 1st. Some people resisted this change and continued to celebrate the New Year on the old date. These individuals became the target of jokes and pranks, earning them the label of “April fools.”

Ancient Pranks and Traditions

Another theory links the origins of April Fools’ Day to ancient Roman festivals, such as Hilaria and Meditrinalia, which were celebrated around the end of March. During these festivities, people would engage in playful activities and wear disguises, much like the pranks played on April Fools’ Day today. This tradition of playful deception has persisted throughout history, and April Fools’ Day has become the perfect occasion for such mischief.

In medieval Europe, there was a tradition called the “Feast of Fools” that took place around Christmastime. During this feast, normal social hierarchies were temporarily inverted, and commoners would playfully mock and imitate those in positions of power. This topsy-turvy celebration shares similarities with the pranks and role reversals of April Fools’ Day.

April Fools’ Day around the World

April Fools’ Day is not only celebrated in Western countries but also has variations and equivalents in different cultures around the world. In India, for example, there is a festival called Holi, which often falls around the same time as April Fools’ Day. During Holi, people play pranks and throw coloured powders at one another, creating a joyful and mischievous atmosphere.

In Scotland, there is a tradition called “Hunting the Gowk” where people send unsuspecting victims on a wild goose chase. The person being pranked is sent on errands to fetch items that do not exist, such as a “long weight” or a “left-handed screwdriver.” This Scottish tradition shares similarities with the pranks played on April Fools’ Day.

Famous April Fools’ Day Pranks in History

Throughout history, April Fools’ Day has seen its fair share of memorable pranks. One of the most famous examples occurred in 1957 when the BBC aired a documentary about the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest. The program showed footage of people harvesting spaghetti from trees, leading many viewers to call in and ask how they could grow their own spaghetti tree.

In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in several major newspapers announcing that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell.” This prank caused a stir, with many people believing it to be true and expressing outrage.

The Role of Media in April Fools’ Day Pranks

In the modern era, the media has played a significant role in April Fools’ Day pranks. News outlets, websites, and social media platforms often join in on the fun, publishing fake news stories or creating elaborate hoaxes to fool their audiences. These pranks can range from amusing and harmless to controversial and even politically charged.

One notable example is the 2013 prank by Google, where they announced the launch of Google Nose, a feature that claimed to allow users to smell scents through their computers or smartphones. While clearly a joke, this prank showcases how influential and creative April Fools’ Day pranks can be in the digital age.

Modern-Day April Fools’ Day Traditions

In recent years, April Fools’ Day has evolved into a day of lighthearted pranks, humorous hoaxes, and playful deception. People take pleasure in pulling pranks on friends, family, and coworkers, often with the intent of eliciting laughter and creating memorable moments. These pranks can range from simple tricks to elaborate schemes, with some individuals spending weeks planning their April Fools’ Day surprises.

Popular modern-day pranks include filling someone’s office with balloons, switching the sugar with salt, or placing a whoopee cushion on someone’s chair. The internet has also given rise to digital pranks, such as fake news articles or viral videos that captivate and confuse viewers before revealing their true nature.

The Psychology Behind April Fools’ Day Pranks

Why do we find pranks and practical jokes so amusing? The psychology behind April Fools’ Day pranks lies in the element of surprise and the temporary disruption of our expectations. When someone falls victim to a prank, their brain experiences a brief moment of confusion before realising that they have been fooled. This sudden change in perception often elicits laughter and a sense of joy.

Additionally, participating in April Fools’ Day pranks can foster a sense of bonding and social connection. By sharing in the laughter and merriment of a successful prank, we create moments of shared experience and playfulness, strengthening our relationships and creating positive memories.

Have fun!

April Fools’ Day may have humble origins rooted in ancient traditions and historical events, but it has evolved into a global celebration of humour and mischief. From ancient Rome to modern-day pranks, this mischievous holiday has captured the imagination of people around the world. Whether it’s a playful joke between friends or an elaborate hoax by a media outlet, April Fools’ Day reminds us of the joy that can be found in lighthearted deception and laughter. So, embrace the spirit of April Fools’ Day, but remember to keep it light-hearted and fun for everyone involved.

Let us know what pranks you have planned, or share some of your most memorable pranks below.

The library

Sadly, we must behave ourselves at the Library, so we will be keeping our pranks for home. If you are interested in finding out more, you can look up some great research on our library catalogue Librarysearch

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about traditions on the blog here: Scottish New year Traditions

World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day

27/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Theatre Day

Established by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1962, World Theatre Day is a global celebration of the power of theatre in bringing people together.

Held in a different country every year, the ITI work with the major theatre association of the host country to stage a festival celebrating the traditional national theatre practices of the host country. This year’s celebrations will be held in Luxembourg from the 25th to the 27th of March, in collaboration with the Theatre Federatioun.

The ITI

As well as moving the celebrations between different countries, the ITI works with a different theatre professional every year to release a short recorded message wherein the professional gives their thoughts on the role theatre can play in society. Past spokespersons have included major figures from the theatre world such as actors Dame Judi Dench and Lawrence Olivier, and playwrights Arthur Miller and Jean Coctaeu.

This year’s message was delivered by renowned actor Willem Dafoe, who many of you might know from his work in the Spider-Man films, or his recent work in films such as Nosferatu and Poor Things.  In this year’s message, Dafoe spoke about his belief in the power of theatre to be more than just a vehicle for entertainment, but believes that it can allow us to interrogate ideas about modern society. As he puts it, he believes in :

“Theatre as a total art form can make us see what was, what is, and what our world could be.”

You can watch Dafoe’s short message for yourself on the official ITI YouTube page.

Edinburgh and Theatre

Edinburgh has a long relationship with the theatre, most famously with the Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival. Held across the city every August since the 1940s.
However, live theatre is a year-round activity in Edinburgh, so let’s have a quick look at some of the theatres here in Edinburgh.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre

Let’s start with the Royal Lyceum Theatre on Grindlay Street, the oldest active theatre house in the city. The Lyceum was opened in 1883 and has seen only light refurbishment in the 143 years since, meaning that going inside really does feel like stepping back in time. Indeed, the Lyceum is so old that it’s even rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of past performers throughout its history.

The Lyceum is perhaps most known for hosting productions of various theatrical dramas, as well as staging some of the first Scottish productions of many renowned operas such as Madam Butterfly. To this day, you can see a huge variety of productions at the Lyceum, from Scottish classics such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, new productions such as an adaption of 1984 that will run this autumn, as well as stand-up comedy acts (I’m personally very excited to see Glasgow comedian Christopher Macarthur-Boyd perform his show Howling at the Moon at the Lyceum this November)
Along with this, the Lyceum also host a youth theatre for young people under the age of 25 who are interested in getting involved with the theatre.

Festival Theatre

Another grand old theatre of Edinburgh is the Festival Theatre, famous for hosting large-scale dance and musical theatre acts. Like the Lyceum, the Festival Theatre dates back to the Victorian era, although it’s seen much renovation over the years, especially following a catastrophic fire in 1911, which resulted in several deaths of cast and crew members.  Originally built as an opera and ballet house, the Festival Theatre has changed over time to meet the changing tastes of audiences and the emergence of new forms of popular entertainment. Today, in addition to ballet and opera, you can also see productions of musical theatre, one-person shows, and musical tribute acts.

However, if you’re interested in more off-beat theatre in Edinburgh, you can check out the Bedlam Theatre, a student run theatre based out of an old church in the Old Town. The Bedlam host a variety of shows throughout the year, performed by students at Edinburgh University, with many shows even being original productions put on by the students themselves. The Bedlam can be a great venue if you want to see something unexpected and support student-run art.

Get Involved

If you’re curious about getting involved in live theatre yourself, then student-led theatre companies like the one at the Bedlam can be a great way for you to take your first steps in the theatre world. If you’re a student at Napier, then you should see about joining one of the performing arts societies we have here at the university, such as the Edinburgh Napier Drama Society or the Musical Theatre Society.

As Willem Dafoe talked about in his message this year, theatre can be a great way for us to make sense of the world around us, and it’s never too late to get involved.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more on The Edinburgh Festival here.

 

World Poetry Day blog post image of pens resting on a book

World Poetry Day 2026

21/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Poetry Day 2026

World Poetry Day takes place annually on the 21st of March and was first established and adopted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in the year 1999. This was finalised during the 30th General Conference, which they held in Paris during that year, with the fundamental goal being to promote and bring about a fresh awareness, appreciation for and love of poetry and poetic works globally. It also promotes linguistic diversity fostered in many different forms of poetry, which helps to bring together various cultures and traditions. Poetry takes a range of different forms, some of which include:

  • Sonnets: Poems consisting of 14 lines of text with a set rhyme scheme in place.
  • Free Verse: Poetry without a specific or strict rhyme scheme, allowing the poet more freedom in terms of poetic rhythm and expression.
  • Ballad: A narrative piece of work which is often musical and highly expressive. This type of poetry is usually made up of four-line stanzas.
  • Villanelle: This type of poem usually consists of 19 lines of text with a very particular, repetitive refrain.

The History of Poetry

Poetry as a form of literature, art and expression goes back as far as the prehistoric age, with some of the earliest poetry being thought to have emerged from the “Epic of Gilgamesh” which dates back as far as 2000 BC and consists of five individual Sumerian poems dedicated to the King of Urk (c. 2100 BC) as well as focusing on themes such as friendship and mortality. In fact, poetry is very likely to have existed well before this historical era. Poetry from both this prehistoric age up until the present day has also addressed similar themes as well as many others, such as love, passion, ambition, hope, wonder and family, to give a few examples. Poetry also often addresses, expresses and explores more negative themes such as grief, loss, sadness, disappointment and anger (to give a few examples here too)! Many different forms and varieties of poetry and poetic works exist as well, such as sonnets and rap lyrics, but the primary objective of poetic literature is often the same, and that is to explore human emotions, experiences, as well as invoke similar emotions through words and expression.

How to celebrate World Poetry Day

If you are a poetry lover or curious about the world of poetic literature, there are several ways in which you can engage with and celebrate this national day…

  • Write a poem of your own: Why not give it a go! Use this international day as an opportunity and let it inspire you to write your very own poem and share it with others if you wish to.
  • Support poets by sharing and purchasing their work: Take this opportunity to share a favourite poem (or set of poems if you feel you can’t just pick one!) with family and friends, as well as on social media platforms to promote and encourage engagement with the works of various poets, and poetry in general. Purchasing poetic works and even donating to poetry organisations is also a great way of supporting poets and poetry communities.
  • Open-mic nights, poetry events and readings: Attend local events and readings nearby – whether you are just going to listen to others share their work and even read out some of your own!
  • Visit the Poetry Library in Edinburgh: Located on Crichton’s Road, the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh is a central hub and national resource hosting a range of poetic works as well as promoting poetry as an art form. Their current opening hours are 10am-3pm Monday to Thursday, and they host a range of poetic works and books from all over the globe, with a specific focus on their Scottish collection. There are many ways to support the Scottish Poetry Library: you can become a donor, friend of the library or register as a borrower, which is free of charge!

Recommendations

You can find a range of poems and poetic works in our LibrarySearch catalogue. We also have an institutional subscription to the Literature Online database, where you can find and access a huge variety of full-text poetry, prose and plays.

Photo credit goes to Ghinzo at Pixabay

By Rachel Downie

Read more on Poetry on our blog with this article on Robert Burns

dog in st patricks day hat for blog post St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day

17/03/2026 / / 2 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish students and staff.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but there are parades and parties worldwide due to the large numbers of people with Irish heritage spread across the world.

Source

History of St.Patrick’s Day

Although there are no exact dates of his birth, it is believed that Patrick was born in the Roman-occupied north of England. and that he died on 17th March. His autobiographical work “Confessio” claims that when he was around 16, Patrick was taken from his home in Britain by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland as a slave. There he looked after animals for around six years and converted to Christianity. He fled captivity after hearing a voice telling him he would soon go home. He found passage on a ship and after several days walking he returned home. Following his return, Patrick studied Christianity in Europe-mostly in Auxerre, France and was ordained into the priesthood there. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, and by the 7th century was already revered as the patron saint of Ireland.

The Irish Potato Famine

There are many people throughout the world with Irish ancestors due to the large numbers who emigrated because of the Irish Potato Famine. It started in 1845 when a fungus ruined around 75% of the annual potato crop, which most of the population relied on for food. Around one million Irish died before the end of the famine in 1852. Another million emigrated to countries such as Great Britain or the United States, and therefore you will find St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in many countries worldwide.

Celebrations

Today descendants of the immigrants celebrate their Irish heritage by dressing up in colourful clothing in green and gold (the colours of the Irish flag), joining parades of pipe bands, cheerleaders, and floats. One of the biggest parades outside Ireland is in New York which held its first parade in 1762. This was a time when the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride but was banned in Ireland. The parade gave participants the freedom to speak Irish, wear green, sing Irish songs and play the pipes to Irish tunes that were meaningful to the Irish immigrants of that time.

Aside from parades, many pubs and restaurants host events with live music and singing, and you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find one in Edinburgh!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on world festivals and traditions with our articles:

Chinese New Year

Scottish Traditions: Burn’s Night

The Ethiopia Timkat Festival,

New Year Traditions from Around the World

Also, don’t forget you can find out more about everything mentioned in this article at Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

 

 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 logo of colourful brain

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026

16/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 takes place from 16th to 20th March 2026. This global initiative continues its mission to challenge stereotypes and transform how society views neurological differences.

Founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon, the week now reaches thousands of schools, universities, organisations, and communities across the world. Its purpose remains clear. It encourages everyone to recognise the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals and to build cultures where different minds thrive.

This year introduces two major changes. The first is an invitation for community‑led webinars. Neurodivergent people can now share their lived experiences, research, or ideas directly with a global audience. The second change shifts the conversation toward action. Organisations are encouraged to go beyond awareness and take steps that build sustainable, inclusive environments.

Celebrating Different Minds

Neurodiversity encompasses many ways of thinking and learning. It includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. The week highlights the value of these different thinking styles. It also offers resources to help workplaces and schools become more inclusive.

Across sectors, organisations are recognising the importance of psychological safety, flexible communication, and equitable systems. These principles help neurodivergent people contribute their best skills. And they also benefit everyone. Diversity of thought leads to stronger teams, more creative problem‑solving, and healthier working cultures.

Events That Inspire Action

The central theme for 2026 is “From Awareness to Action.” The official schedule includes daily sessions aimed at practical organisational change. These events focus on leadership, equity, universal design, and embedding neuroinclusion throughout the employee journey.

On 16 March, the week begins with a session on building the case for equity. It explores legal, economic, and human‑centred arguments for meaningful inclusion. On 17 March, another session looks at universal design and how flexible environments reduce barriers. The events on 18 and 19 March highlight leadership and practical tools for managers and HR teams. The final event on 20 March explores the future of neuroinclusion, including technology and data‑driven approaches.

These sessions are open to organisations everywhere. They offer a simple way to learn from experts and adopt strategies that make a real difference.

Beyond the official programme, communities are also hosting local celebrations. For example, the University of York will mark the week from 16 to 22 March. Their events include panel discussions and information stands designed to support staff and students. These activities encourage people to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with one another.

Global Community, Local Voices

Around the world, people celebrate Neurodiversity Week in different ways. Cornell University plans a full week of sensory‑friendly events, storytelling, and community activities. Their programme invites volunteers, researchers, and students to participate. It highlights the joy, creativity, and curiosity that neurodivergent people bring to their communities.

Meanwhile, grassroots organisations continue to share tools and resources. The 2026 Social Media Pack offers banners, graphics, and sample messages. These help individuals and organisations spread positive stories and raise awareness throughout the week.

This combination of local and global engagement shows the strength of the movement. It is no longer just a week of awareness. It is a growing network of people who believe in fairness, opportunity, and inclusion.

A Call to Reflect and Act

Neurodiversity Celebration Week reminds us that inclusion is not a single action. It is a continuous mindset. It requires openness, empathy, and a willingness to change systems that limit people.

Short conversations can spark reflection. Small adjustments can reshape workplaces. Listening can shift perspectives.

Everyone has a role to play.

Teachers can create supportive classrooms. Managers can encourage flexible working styles. Parents can advocate for their children. Communities can celebrate the strengths of every mind.

Why This Week Matters

When we understand neurodiversity, we open doors for people to contribute fully. When we value different ways of thinking, we create spaces where everyone feels safe to be themselves. And when we act with intention, we help build a future where neurodivergent people thrive.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 gives us a chance to do all of this.

And above all, it reminds us that the world needs all kinds of minds.

Edinburgh Napier Support

If you’re a neurodiverse student or member of staff, you can contact our Wellbeing and Inclusion Team to see how the university can support you during your studies. Information about how to contact the Wellbeing and Inclusion Team can be found on MyNapier.

Read more on Neurodiversity here on the blog by visiting our Neurodiversity Bookshelf

By Juliet Kinsey

University mental health Day

University Mental Health Day

13/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health DayThe twelfth of March 2026 marked the 18th annual University Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising visibility of mental health issues among student communities, and to combat stigma associated with discussions of mental health.

Originally started by members of the University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN). University Mental Health Day has been held every March since 2008 and has grown to cover campuses across the UK, with mental health activist group Student Minds officially becoming involved since 2012.

So, to mark this year’s University Mental Health Day, we’re going to talk a little about this year’s UMHD theme and tell you about all the ways that Edinburgh Napier can support your mental health during your time studying with us.

This Year’s Theme

Every year, a new theme is selected to focus that year’s University Mental Health Day events. For example, 2024 was centred around the theme of anxiety, with an emphasis on the scenarios students encounter that can cause them to feel anxious, and discussing the techniques students can learn to manage their anxiety.

This year’s theme is human connection, focusing on the issue of university students reporting increased feelings of isolation, and the role of student communities in combatting these feelings of isolation. Despite how large the student population is, government reporting indicates that many students have experienced increased feelings of loneliness over the past few years, along with a fear that they would be judged by others if they express these feelings. This is despite the same government studies indicating that the vast majority of students wouldn’t want to judge others for feeling lonely, highlighting how important it is to reassure students of the support they can get in their own community.

University Mental Health Day at Edinburgh Napier

SMHA

Here at Napier, we have our Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA) created in collaboration between our Counselling and Wellbeing staff and the members of the Edinburgh Napier Student Association (ENSA) to lay out the goals and activities for both teams and to guarantee the mental health services the university provides to the student population.

You can learn about the SMHA (and read it for yourself!) on the NapierStudents website.

The current edition of the SMHA has been in place since 2024, ensuring that the university offers a range of services through our Counselling & Wellbeing team to support students during their studies. These include counselling services, single session therapy services where students can discuss a specific issue they are having, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aimed at helping you tackle unhelpful thought patterns.

You can learn all about these services on the MyNapier Wellbeing, Support & Inclusion page, where you’ll also find contact details for our Wellbeing support teams and links to pages that will explain our wellbeing resources in greater depth.

Togetherall

Also, as part of the SMHA, the university provides all our students with access to Togetherall. A 24/7 online community where you’ll have access to free online support, allowing you to talk with others and receive advice in a safe and anonymous environment.

Fittingly for this year’s theme, one of the main goals of the 2024-2026 SMHA is to help nurture a sense of community and belonging in the student population through increasing participation in student-run events and student clubs/societies.

Clubs & Societies

Speaking from experience, becoming involved in a university club or society can be a great way to connect with students who have similar hobbies and interests to you. Some of the greatest friendships I have come from my own participation in different university clubs during my undergraduate studies. I’ve no doubt that many of you who aren’t currently involved in any clubs would benefit from doing so.

You can see what clubs and societies are on offer at Napier at the ENSA website. I’d also recommend the ENSA Events Calendar to see if there are any upcoming student events that might catch your interest.

The Library

Additionally, we have our Wellbeing Collection at each of our campus libraries, with books advising you on how to look after your mental, emotional, and physical health. Furthermore, several members of our library team are trained mental health first aiders, prepared to offer you support whenever you need it.

So please, if you’re ever feeling lonely during your time at Napier, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about wellbeing on the blog with our article: Wellbeing in the library

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