From critically-acclaimed art exhibitions and mind-blowing theatre performances to once-in-a-lifetime music shows and festivals, Edinburgh is amongst the leading cultural places in the world. Trams connect both the airport and Newhaven with the city centre, and with services running from every seven minutes throughout the day, they offer quick and convenient travel to get to and from the venues. Here are the highlights of July as well as the nearest tram stops.
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
July 7; July 21
West End tram stop
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of live, multi-sensory musical experiences to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Edinburgh. Taking to the stage at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, which is part of the Old Town and New Town, these shows are set to delight music lovers for about 60 minutes.
Usher Hall
July 9
West End tram stop
Belle & Sebastian is a seven-person indie pop band originally founded in Scotland back in the 90s. Led by Stuart Murdoch, they have provided the soundtrack for love-struck teens and yearning adults for over 25 years. Creating beautiful, sensitive work that harnesses the power of 60s-nodding pop melodies and whimsical charm, the band’s back catalogue has a song for every mood.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
Various venues
14-23 July
City centre tram stops
The 45th Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival will take place from 14-23 July 2023, featuring top Scottish bands, international stars, and festival favourites. For 10 days, the city will light up the sounds of jazz and blues from New Orleans to Oslo and beyond as they present some of the world’s finest artists. St Bride’s Centre in Dalry will become a festival hub, presenting over 30 concerts.
Grassmarket
15 July
West End and Princes Street tram stops
Music fans will have a chance to taste a bit of New Orleans in the heart of Edinburgh this month. Non-stop entertainment and part atmosphere as a host of bands perform on multiple stages, bringing Dixieland, funk, soul, and brass band music for all likings. This year’s lineup includes Dixie Fried, Pitchblenders, Glamour & The Baybes, and many more.
The Mount
16 July
West End and Princes Street tram stops
Princes Street is transformed with a kaleidoscope of colour, sound, and movement, as the Carnival brings together local and international artists for an awe-inspiring display of costumes, dance, and music. Over 800 performers will join this eagerly-awaited event, with groups from across Edinburgh, the Netherlands, the Burntisland & District Pipe Band, and many more.
The Bonnington, Leith
16 July
Balfour Street tram stop
If top-quality, groove-based jazz guitar is your thing and you haven’t caught one of Malcolm’s sessions down at The Bonnington the get yourself down for an afternoon of Sanborn/Scofield/Metheny-influenced tunes delivered with style and panache by one of our country’s very finest jazz musicians.
Royal Highland Centre
28 – 30 July
Ingliston Park & Ride tram stop
Celebrating the staycation, Love Touring Festival will showcase the latest campervans, caravans, motorhomes, camping equipment, accessories, and holiday homes, along with great food, drink, and music. Whether a seasoned caravanner, new to the experience or just looking for a day out, there’s loads to see and do – an accessory superstore, tips on places to go, and their Pop-up Food & Drink Festival with Live Entertainment. All this and more with children’s entry completely free.
Edinburgh Trams offers a variety of money-saving ticket deals for customers travelling together across the city, including its popular ‘Day Tripper Ticket’, and further details about ticket products can be found here.
