1 Hatch Fest
Edinburgh Zoo, Friday to Sunday
Just months after the must-have Hatchimals toy sold out across the nation, Edinburgh Zoo is now inviting families to head along to the world’s first-ever festival dedicated entirely to the furry critters. The event will give visitors the chance to discover the eggs of a huge range of animals including penguins, flamingos, insects, owls and snakes.
There will also be a special trail around the zoo. Young animal-lovers are encouraged to take part in a Hatch Fest picnic on the main lawn each day, with a Hatchimals photo opportunity and seasonal treats on offer too. All visitors will get the chance to enter a giveaway to win exclusive Hatchimals prizes as well.
Entry is included with zoo admission. Visit edinburghzoo.org.uk for more information.
2 Alex the Magician: Easter Eggstravaganza Show
Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow, Sunday
The perfect way to round off a busy Easter weekend for the whole family, the centre is presenting Alex the magician whois guaranteed to have both adults and little ones laughing and smiling. He’s sure to conjure up some Easter egg treats, and all with the help of his trusted and magical wand. Alex will be sure to stick around after the show to take part in free balloon-modelling for young fans, alongside puppet and mask-making for a small cost, with some good homebaking thrown in for good measure. Tickets cost £5.95.
Visit maskandpuppet.co.uk for more information. Families can find a regular programme of weekend events at the centre. To know more, and to find out about the upcoming Magipup Festival, visit the site.
3 All Or Nothing
Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Friday and Saturday
It’s been just over 50 years since the mod phenomenon exploded on to the dingy streets of Britain. It was the essence of all that was cool, with mods being famed for rebelling against our class-ridden society. and its dull redundant culture. They were working-class free spirits – and that’s where The Small Faces came in. The 60s rock group encapsulated all that was mod. With a unique blend of taste and testosterone, they were neat, clothes-obsessed and
street-wise.
Above all, these cult sophisticates shared another passion: their dedication to Rhythm ‘n’ Blues. All Or Nothing is a trans-generational musical experience featuring more than 20 of their greatest hits. Above all, it celebrates the sound of a band who went on to become one of the biggest musical influences on the Britpop movement of the 90s. Tickets cost between £15 and £36. Visit atgtickets.com for more information.
4 That’s Fife! Comedy Festival: Alan Davies
Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Friday
As part of the third annual side-splitting festival that is, again, packed with national and international stars, Alan Davies takes to the stage for a unique set for the over-16 crowd. As a regular on BBC2’s QI, and having played the title role in the BBC mystery drama series Jonathan Creek since 1997, Alan’s extensive time on our screens needs no introduction. “I see myself as a comic, but the acting helps sell tickets for gigs,” he once famously told a magazine. Prepare to see Alan in his comedy element for a night to remember in a set which may contain some strong language. Tickets cost £17 and concessions are available. Visit onfife.com for more information.
5 Sister Act
Edinburgh Playhouse, Saturday
A feelgood musical-comedy based on the smash-hit 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, and Dame Maggie Smith, this stage version tells the amusing story of lively lounge singer Deloris (Alexandra Burke) , Van Cartier whose life takes a turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior,
Deloris not only helps her fellow sisters find their voices, but she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the film starring 2008 The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. Tickets are priced between £26.40 and £62.40. Visit atgtickets.com to book or for more information.
6 North Hop
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Friday and Saturday
Following on from the success of last year, North Hop is expecting to see fans of good food and drink flock to the event once more. Originally created to celebrate and raise awareness of craft
beer, the festival has since expanded to include gin and spirit bars which serve up creative cocktails, street food vendors with flavour-packed dishes, lots of market traders, to take shoppers’ fancy, and plenty of great music and fun to keep visitors entertained for the entire Easter weekend. The event is for over-18s only. Tickets cost £19.80, including booking fee. Visit northhop.co.uk for more information.
7 Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
The Bridge Inn, Linlithgow, Friday
Born in Brisbane in 1997 as a loving tribute to the BBC’s
best-loved sitcom, audiences are welcomed to become diners in the “Faulty Towers”restaurant, which means anything can happen – and it will, because the majority of the show is improvised. The fun all starts as guests wait to be seated.
It then hurtles along in a tour de force of gags and shambolic service as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve a 70s-style meal, together with a side dish of mayhem. Audiences should be prepared to expect the unexpected. The experience includes a three-course dinner and two-hour interactive show with pre-drinks taking place. Tickets cost £60 per person. For more information or to book, call 01506 842 777.
8 Scotland’s Daffodil Festival
Backhouse, Rossie Estate, Fife, Saturday and Sunday
The very first festival of its kind in the country, Beechgrove Garden presenter George Anderson MBE will open the Easter weekend event and also guest judge a contest. Families can enjoy a woodland daffodil walk, an egg hunt with quiz and chocolate treats, nine-hole putting, a secret grotto, café, artisan stalls, talks, demon-strations and much more.
A “bring and show” competition encourages attendees to show off daffodils from their own garden for their chance to win a prize. A separate children’s class will hold its own contest. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children. Visit backhouserossie.co.uk for more information.
9 Red Bus Bistro
Stance ZF, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, ongoing
All aboard for an unforgettable afternoon tea or gourmet burger tour on a vintage 1966 Routemaster bus. Take in the stunning sights and historic culture of Scotland’s capital, all while tucking into a selection of fresh sandwiches, pastries, cakes, tea and coffee, or opt for a gourmet burger instead. Departing from Waterloo Place, the tour covers the most popular landmarks, including the historic Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Old Town to name just a few.
There is also an alternative afternoon gin tour for those feeling more adventurous. The bus originally started its service in 1966 and serviced the Aldenham Route.
Decommissioned in 2005, it was eventually taken over by the Red Bus Bistro Company where it will continue to undertake tours. Prices start from £34.50 per person. Terms and conditions apply. Visit redbusbistro.co.uk for more information.
10 Dallahan
Roseangle Cafe Arts, Dundee, Sunday
Fusing classical, jazz, funk and Celtic influences, Dallahan have quickly become one of the most thrilling forces on the international folk music scene. Heavily rooted in traditional Irish music, but with hugely diverse backgrounds, the four-piece band calls on its mixed Irish, Scottish and Hungarian heritage to create a unique and seamless musical montage.
Support will be provided by Iain Gordon Macfarlane, an emerging young singer and guitarist from Inverness. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £8 for children. Visit dallahanmusic.com for more information.
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