Cultural Heritage Month set to launch at The Gyle, Edinburgh

A vibrant celebration of culture, identity and community is set to take place at The Gyle Shopping Centre on Monday 11 May 2026, as Cultural Heritage Live: Gyle Centre opens Cultural Heritage Month 2026.

This free evening event will bring together Scottish heritage and the diverse communities across Edinburgh through a dynamic programme of performance, fashion and storytelling, creating a shared space for connection and celebration.

Bev Lyons

Hosted by Scottish broadcaster and performer Bev Lyons, alongside Candy Ellie Graham, Founder and Creative Director of Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC, the event marks the beginning of a new UK-wide initiative designed to celebrate heritage in all its forms.

Celebrating culture in Edinburgh

The programme will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary cultural expression, including Scottish bagpipes and Highland dance alongside multicultural performances and presentations from communities across the city.

Contributions include performances from:

Mhairi Hogg School of Dancing. Edinburgh-based dance school specialising in Highland, Tap and Modern dance. Featuring Andrew, young bagpiper from Balerno and District Schools Pipe Band.

Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB). The UK’s largest representative body for Ukrainians, promoting culture, community and heritage. Featuring Flowers of Ukraine, a dance group formed by members who arrived in Scotland in 2022.

Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association (ECCA). Promoting Chinese arts and culture in Scotland through performance, education and community engagement.

Passion4Fusion. Community arts organisation bringing cultures together through vibrant dance, music and youth performance.

Special guest Jennifer Laurent-Smart. Cultural Style Week Ambassador for Dominica and Caribbean Cultural Lead, sharing the story and significance of Madras fabric.

Special guest Nova Marseline. Cultural Style Week brand ambassador for Indonesia and founder of Netherlands based Balinese dance academy DwiBhumi.

A highlight of the evening will be the community runway, where participants from across Edinburgh will showcase cultural attire, celebrating identity, heritage and personal style.

Launching Cultural Heritage Month

Cultural Heritage Live: Gyle Centre marks the official start of Cultural Heritage Month, a new UK-wide celebration running from 11 May to 10 June 2026.

The initiative creates space for communities to come together and share their heritage through fashion, food, art, music and storytelling, encouraging greater understanding and connection across cultures.

Speaking ahead of the event, Candy Ellie Graham said:"Cultural Heritage Month is about bringing people together to celebrate culture side by side. The communities in Edinburgh have been so welcoming, and it’s incredibly special to launch this UK-wide initiative here in Scotland."

Event details

Cultural Heritage Live: Gyle Centre

The Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh

Monday 11 May 2026

6.30PM

Free entry (registration required) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cultural-heritage-live-gyle-shopping-centre-tickets-1985366156619