Now in its third year, Edinburgh’s Summer Sessions has returned - against the backdrop of the castle.
Bringing some of the biggest names in music to the capital, at a time when the city is teaming with visitors, the Summer Sessions provide open-air concerts held at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens. After being cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, the events have returned with some big name acts.
We’ve got everything you need to know about who’s performing, how to get tickets, timings and more.
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Dates
August 8
Audiences enjoyed BBC’s Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka for a soulful evening on opening night. Joined by opening act Brooke Combe, the two got the capital’s Summer Sessions off to a flying start.
August 9
Simply Red will take to the stage - joined by opening act Nati Dreddd. Led by vocalist Mick Hucknall, Simply Red became one of the UK’s best selling groups during the 80s. Their soul music has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, and topped the UK charts five times.
August 10 and 11
Sir Tom Jones takes to the stage midweek. The Welsh singer will be joined by The Shires, a country duo composed of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes.
Their debut album Brave, released in 2015, became the first UK country act to enter the UK Albums Chart Top 10.
August 12 and 13
Later in the week, Simple Minds will perform at Princes Street Gardens. On Friday, they’ll be joined by Walt Disco - a six-man music goth glam band.
On Saturday, Edinburgh born singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk will be opening for Simple Minds.
August 14
The final day of Edinburgh’s Summer Sessions will see Travis take to the stage. Formed in Glasgow in 1990, the band gained recognition with their second album The Man Who - released in 1999.
They’ll be joined by Fatherson, an alternative rock band formed in Kilmarnock who have toured with the likes of Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Panic at the Disco and Twin Atlantic.
Tickets
Tickets for all of this week's events can be found on their website.
Timings
Each event is set with the same timings - doors opening at 6pm every night. The events will finish at 10.45pm.
If you wish to buy tickets on the night, the box office will be open from 5pm onwards on event nights only.
Age policy
Tom Jones, Simple Minds and Travis have ruled that no under 5s are allowed into the event. Any under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Simply Red state to under 12s are allowed in, again with under 16s accompanied by an adult.
What can I bring?
Bags larger than the size of an A3 sheet of paper will not be allowed - neither will chairs, flares, glass or metal, selfie sticks, flags, umbrellas or hard plastic bottles. The full list of prohibited items is available here.
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