EYG BIG BAND (EDINBURGH YOUTH GAITHERIN)
We’re delighted that Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin will be returning to Edinburgh Tradfest this year with an amazing music workshop opportunity for young people.
The EYG Big Band is a three-day programme for ages 13–18. It will be led by some of Scotland’s finest musicians, who will support participants to learn traditional music together and create their own arrangements as a group. Our band tutors this year are Kate Young, Tom Oakes and Dave Milligan, supported by Jonathan Foster and Hailey Beavis.
The workshops will take place at Deaf Action (49 Albany Street, Edinburgh) on 26 April, 3 and 4 May, then move to Traverse Theatre on 5 May.
New for 2025: there will be an Intro Day in advance of the EYG weekend, where young people can try out some music-making together and get to know each other and the tutors. We'd particularly encourage participants to attend all four days (Intro Day plus Big Band) if they can. All levels will be catered for by our experienced team of band and support tutors. Please get in touch if you have further questions about this.
This event is for young people who want to develop their skills on their instrument, play with other young musicians, sing, write their own songs and learn tunes. There will also be an exclusive performance and Q&A session from an artist appearing at Edinburgh Tradfest. EYG Big Band is all about creativity, making friends through music and having fun.
We are looking for young people who are at roughly intermediate level on their instrument (around 2+ years' experience) who would like to learn about and play some folk music. Singers are welcome and encouraged, too! There will be also be the opportunity to write your own songs. Don’t worry if you’re new to traditional music: Big Band is for young people who are already comfortable playing their instrument but their experience can be from any style of music. Participants must have their own instrument and be able to bring it along every day.
EYG Big Band will be based at Deaf Action from 10am–4pm on 26 April, 3 and 4 May. On 5 May we will move to Traverse Theatre for rehearsal, ahead of a relaxed afternoon sharing performance which family and friends are welcome to attend. The programme will finish with an informal jam session in the cafe bar.
Participants should bring along their own lunch each day.
This year we have a number of ticket options to enable young people to attend EYG Big Band:
Free places
Pay What You Can – whatever is available to you at this time. This ticket option also works as a Donation, if you would like to contribute towards another young person's place. William Grant Foundation are lending us their generous support this year to subsidise more places. Without this, a place at EYG Big Band would be around £350 per person.
Partially-subsidised £60 + booking fee
General ticket £150 + booking fee
If you have any questions about the event or would like more information, please contact Sarah Hayes at eyg@handsupfortrad.co.uk. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any additional support measures for your young person attending EYG 2025.