Cultural Heritage Month Officially Launches in Edinburgh with Celebration at Gyle Centre

Cultural Heritage Month was officially launched in Edinburgh on 11 May 2026 with a vibrant evening of culture, music, dance and fashion at Gyle Centre.

The event marked the beginning of the inaugural Cultural Heritage Month, a new UK-wide celebration of heritage, identity and community that brings people together through fashion, arts, music, food, storytelling and cultural experiences. Designed to encourage greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, the initiative creates opportunities for communities to share their traditions while inviting others to learn, connect and celebrate alongside them.

Hosted by the charismatic Bev Lions, Cultural Heritage Live: Gyle Centre brought together performers, community groups and guests from across Edinburgh for an evening celebrating Scottish heritage alongside the rich diversity that calls the city home.

Throughout the evening, audiences enjoyed an exciting programme of performances showcasing both traditional and contemporary cultural expression.

The event opened with a performance from Andrew of the Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band, followed by dancers from the Mhairi Hogg School of Dancing who delighted audiences with traditional Scottish dance performances and a lively cultural parade.

The programme continued with performances and presentations from a range of cultural organisations and artists.

Passion 4 Fusion brought energy and creativity to the stage through spoken word and dance, while Indonesian Cultural Style Week Ambassador Nova Marseline shared the beauty of Balinese dance and cultural traditions.

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Edinburgh Branch) presented their moving "Flowers of Ukraine" performance, celebrating Ukrainian culture through traditional dress and dance.

Audiences were also treated to stunning performances from the Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association, who showcased traditional Chinese dance and cultural attire.

A special presentation was delivered by Jennifer Laurent Smart, Cultural Style Week Ambassador for Dominica, who explored the significance of Madras fabric and its connection to cultural identity, heritage and storytelling.

Speaking after the event, Candy-Ellie Graham (on right) said:

"Cultural Heritage Month is about creating opportunities for people to celebrate who they are, share their stories and connect with others through culture. We want communities to feel seen, valued and celebrated while encouraging people to learn about cultures beyond their own. Seeing that happen here in Edinburgh was incredibly special."

The launch event reflects the wider ambition of Cultural Heritage Month, which is taking place across the UK from 11 May to 10 June 2026. Through a growing programme of events and activities, the initiative aims to strengthen community connections, promote cultural understanding and celebrate the diverse identities that make up modern Britain.

Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC would like to thank Gyle Centre, host Bev, all performers, community groups, participants, volunteers and supporters who contributed to making the launch event such a memorable success.

For more information about Cultural Heritage Month and upcoming activities, visit CulturalHeritageMonth.com.