The award-winning Scottish music convention Wide Days ( "best networking event" of 2014) takes place this year on Friday and Saturday April 10 and 11 in Edinburgh.

The conference is at The Pleasance between 10am and 5.30pm with contributors including The Herald's Nicola Meighan, Alex Knight of Fat Car Records and John Vick and David Miller of pioneering electronic act Fini Tribe. A showcase at the Electric Circus follows on Friday night while Saturday begins with a coach tour of Edinburgh with Wide Days founder Olaf Furniss, followed by a programme of non-athletic sporting competitions and a barbeque.

This diverting occasion has been left short of a bob or two after a previous backer has not renewed its sponsorship, so a crowdfunding campaign has been launched to meet the shortfall. Among the packages on offer are private gigs from previously showcased acts Stanley Odd, Fatherson, and The Jellyman's Daughter, as well as a photoshoot by acclaimed photographer Jannica Honey.

widedays.com

Stand for Syria, an event held in St Andrews and Edinburgh, is looking to create stronger awareness in Scotland of the Syrian civil society's peaceful struggle amid the violence that has engulfed the country. Featuring music, film, graffiti art and panel discussions, it runs from April 7 to 11 and includes a free opening concert by Palestinian oud player Saied Silbak in St Andrews Lower College Hall on Tuesday, April 7 and dancing to the Jordan based electro-traditional collective 47Soul at Teviot Row, Edinburgh on Thursday, April 9.

stand4syriafestival.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk