Leith Festival 2019 in Edinburgh

Leith festival takes place over 8 days in June showcasing the length and breadth of Leith's vibrant community. Expect a large array of colour, sound, culture and elaborate displays of talent.

Community is at the heart of Leith Festival. A charitable organisation run by locals, Leith Festival is as much a tradition as it is a festival. For over a century, on the second Saturday in June, there’s been a Pageant and a Gala day. This year Pageant and Gala day are on Saturday 8th June; and the entire festival runs from Saturday 8th to Sunday 16th June.

Each year the excitement builds up to Gala day, where Leithers can catch up with neighbours, friends and family. In this internet-obsessed age, it’s important to have human contact with people we live near. It’s about community.

Gala day will feature a few new surprises, Leith’s Official Dog Show (2.30pm, run by Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home in front of their marquee), LeithLate taking over the mainstage with a cutting edge selection of bands, football, a very special bouncy castle (it’s a secret), as well as local schoolchildren doing country dancing, singing and even Mr Boom (the man from the moon).

The 2019 Pageant theme is ‘Leith’s Maritime Heritage: Across the Seas’. Expect colourful costumes, pirates, sea creatures and Pulse of the Place samba band, comprised of local schoolchildren, at the front, with our Mock Lord Provost Sandy Campbell (who will be wearing the traditional Provost gown). The procession departs Pilrig Park at 12pm Saturday 8th June, coming along Balfour Street, down Leith Walk, Constitution Street, Queen Charlotte, and onto Leith Links. Roads will be closed only when the parade is passing.