Leith Festival in Edinburgh

02 June 2023|Read time 3 mins

Edinburgh's Leith Festival is over one hundred years old, making it older than its more famous rival, Edinburgh International Festival.

The Leith Festival occurs earlier in the summer, usually in June, so ensuring no competition with the rest of the city's festival season.

Celebrate Leith Festival

So, what can you expect when you attend Leith Festival? 

Read on for our guide to the Leith Festival and the area of Leith itself.

Leith Background

The docklands of Leith were traditionally one of Edinburgh's most deprived areas, a stark contrast to the wealth of central Edinburgh and its Georgian New Town.

The area acquired a certain reputation and was made somewhat infamous from Irvine Welsh's novel, 'Trainspotting', a graphic depiction of the effect of poverty and deprivation on the people of Leith.

Some "gentrification" of the area has taken place in recent years.

Old warehouses which used to store whisky and other spirits have been turned into flats.

But the area retains a certain roughness. Arguably more so than, say, the London Docklands. 

One of the best gems in Leith today has to be Ocean Terminal, a modern shopping mall offering everything from technology to clothes and books.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as a soft play area for children to enjoy.

The highlight of Ocean Terminal is the Royal Yacht Britannia, which visitors can climb aboard.

With the help of an audioguide, learn all about the history of this former royal yacht, which was used by the royal family from 1954 to 1997.

Gala Day at Leith Festival

The version of Leith we know is full of warmth, fun and creativity and is a great area of Edinburgh to visit throughout the year.

To get a true sense of the Leith community, we suggest that anyone finding themselves in Edinburgh in early June should visit the Leith Festival.

In previous years there has been a range of events at more than 50 venues, all within a one-mile radius of Leith.

High-profile performers have included Irvine Welsh (himself a local boy from Leith).

Broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and musician Dick Gaughan are also among those who have played at the festival.

The Gala Day that takes place as part of the Leith Festival is a particular example of the area's community spirit.

It usually takes place on Leith Links, a public park in the heart of Leith, and begins with a pageant down Leith Walk.

In previous years the Gala Day has featured live bands, massive picnics, stalls selling food, antiques, and bric a brac and you shouldn't expect anything less this year.

Following the Gala Day, events take place for a week with various performances around the area, featuring music, theatre and exhibitions.

Why we love Leith

Living alongside so much adversity has given the place a strong sense of community.

People take pride in being "Leithers".

As a new mother a few years ago, I admired another mother's baby blanket. She explained it is an old Leith tradition to crochet blankets for new babies, "To show the world they're Leithers".

So, join the fun of the Leith Festival and experience the strong community spirit of this great area of Edinburgh!

Other Edinburgh festivals

Edinburgh's festival season continues throughout the summer, with highlights such as the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

The main events are however the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival when performers from across the world descend on the city to provide world-class performances.

Summer in Edinburgh is not to be missed!

Book with Reserve Apartments

If this article has inspired you to discover more of Leith and its fantastic festival, browse our portfolio and book one of our many Edinburgh self-catering lets.

We look forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh for the next Leith Festival!