Corstorphine Fair

15/08/2026

WE REALLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SIGNED THE PETITION SO FAR

Volunteer-run community fairs and gala days are under growing pressure.
At Corstorphine Fair this year we faced late licensing decisions, confusion over Market Operator requirements, and key documents arriving just hours before the event opened. The Fair went ahead thanks to the huge efforts of volunteers, but the last-minute stress was unnecessary.
Similar problems are being reported by organisers of gala days and community events across Edinburgh and beyond.
A Scottish Parliament petition is now live calling for a review of these burdens:
PE2228 – Protect Scotland’s volunteer-run community fairs and gala days
If you haven’t signed yet, please do so here:
👉 https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2228
Every signature helps. Thank you for your support.

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the increasing licensing, regulatory and financial burdens placed on volunteer-run community fairs and gala days across Scotland.

06/08/2026

Excellent Fringe Show at the Edinburgh's Barnton Bunker

If you're looking for something truly memorable at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, I'd highly recommend Tiny Apocalypses at Edinburgh's Barnton Bunker, the former Nuclear Bunker on Clermiston Road. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the bunker.

The unique setting of the former nuclear bunker is the perfect backdrop for this beautifully crafted and deeply moving production. Through the journey of Jean Paul, the show explores grief, love, spirituality, and the universal questions we all ask about life and what comes after "the end." His experiences—from a heartfelt bond with his beloved cat to a pilgrimage through Japan that ultimately leads him to Edinburgh—create a story that is both deeply personal and surprisingly relatable.

Blending theatre, spoken word, puppetry, live music, projections, and stunning hand-painted artwork, this is an imaginative and emotionally resonant Fringe experience that will stay with you long after you've left.

If you're in Edinburgh during the Fringe, don't miss Tiny Apocalypses at the Barnton Bunker. It's one of the most original and thought-provoking shows I've seen.

An experimental meditation on living despite grief, facing one's inner demons, and learning to say goodbye. Tiny Apocalypses plays out in the very location at the heart of it's story – a once-abandoned nuclear bunker in Edinburgh. Combining theatre, spoken-word storytelling, puppetry, live music, ...

16/07/2026

Important Message from Corstorphine Fair Committee
Dear Corstorphine and Edinburgh community,
After a successful but challenging Corstorphine Fair 2026, we have submitted a detailed report highlighting serious issues with licensing, administration, and support for volunteer-run community events.
We are not alone — many other galas across Edinburgh and Scotland face the same growing pressures. That is why we have joined forces with other organisers to launch a petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to protect our volunteer-run fairs and gala days.
We need your support.
🔗 Sign the petition here: https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2228
Every signature helps show decision-makers that these much-loved community events matter and must be properly supported, not burdened with last-minute bureaucracy and unrealistic demands on volunteers.
If you enjoyed the Fair, attended as a stallholder or participant, or simply value strong local communities, please take 30 seconds to sign and share this petition widely.
Together we can protect these vital traditions for future generations.
Thank you, Ewan Irvine & The Corstorphine Fair Committee

13/06/2026

Response to Comments Issued by the City of Edinburgh Council
The Corstorphine Fair Committee welcomes the Council's recognition of the important role that community events play across Edinburgh. However, there are a number of points within the Council's response which require clarification.
Firstly, the Council has referred to Corstorphine Fair as an annual event. In reality, Corstorphine Fair has operated as a biennial event for over 40 years, a fact well known to the Council through previous applications, engagement with officers and the historical operation of the Fair.
Secondly, the suggestion that applications were submitted late is incorrect. The Marches and Parades notification, Public Spaces application and Public Entertainment Licence application for the main Fair were all submitted on 14 February 2026, almost four months before the event took place and well within the Council's desired timescales. The Market Operator Licence application was submitted on 8 May 2026, in the same manner and broadly within the same timeframe as previous Corstorphine Fairs.
As has been the case in previous years, it is not possible to provide a definitive list of every stallholder months in advance of the event. Community events evolve in the lead-up to delivery, with local groups confirming participation at different stages. For this reason, organisers have traditionally provided the Council with the previous event layout and site plans, which, in the case of Corstorphine Fair, are substantially similar from one Fair to the next.
The Committee also remains concerned regarding the interpretation and application of Market Operator Licensing requirements. Throughout this process, organisers became aware that different community events across Edinburgh appeared to receive differing advice regarding the treatment of community and commercial stalls. Other gala organisers have since reported experiencing similar difficulties and uncertainty.
In addition, Corstorphine Fair is not alone in having received important licensing documentation at the last minute. Organisers of other community events have advised that licences are frequently issued the day before an event, and in some cases on the day itself. Against that backdrop, suggestions that organisers should simply have resolved all outstanding matters earlier fail to recognise the realities experienced by many volunteer-led events.
The Committee has consistently acknowledged the efforts of individual officers who sought to assist throughout the process. Our concern has never been directed towards those individuals. Rather, it relates to whether existing systems provide sufficient clarity, consistency and support for the volunteers who dedicate countless hours to sustaining Edinburgh's community traditions.
Corstorphine Fair 2026 ultimately proceeded safely and successfully due to the extraordinary commitment of volunteers and the goodwill of the local community. The Committee hopes that the experiences of Corstorphine Fair, alongside those of other community events, will lead to constructive discussions regarding how Edinburgh can best support the volunteers who make these events possible.
In response to these shared concerns, organisers are now establishing the Edinburgh Community Events Federation (ECEF) – a new network bringing together gala days, fairs and other volunteer-led events from across the city. The Federation aims to provide a collective voice for community organisers, promote the sharing of knowledge and best practice, and work positively with decision-makers to achieve greater clarity, consistency and support for the events that play such an important role in community life.
More information can be found at www.ecef.org.uk.
This is not about avoiding regulation or reducing standards. It is about ensuring that guidance is clear, processes are proportionate and community organisers are treated consistently.
The traditions that communities have built over generations deserve nothing less.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-gala-organisers-call-for-council-to-review-licensing-and-support-for-community-events-8668601?fbclid=IwY2xjawSaOJtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBWbmxTbnQ1Wlh0ZEdENTNQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmToAAiQLq-K0om1r0Ehjeomdenq9USZoTouEH2dfIMhTqi-vvQw2daTLMYp_aem_YWdncwDHISxdZW3yGgu_wT_vbzrj&brid=YWdncwG3Oy6SvVXjEbEIyRVMSkuk

Last-minute difficulties fuel organisers’ concerns

10/06/2026

07/06/2026

💚 Thank You, Corstorphine! But one last thing!🎪

Thank you to everyone who came along to Corstorphine Fair yesterday. It was amazing to see so many people enjoying the day and helping us celebrate the 20th Fair.

After months of planning, hard work and a few challenges along the way… we did it! 🙌

Unfortunately, we did have one issue on the day. Our card donation machines at the gates were out of service for a significant period of time, meaning many people who wished to donate by card were unable to do so.

If this was you, or if you simply didn’t get the chance to donate on the day, we still need your support. Every donation helps us cover the costs of the fair and helps make Corstorphine Fair 2028 a reality rather than just a possibility.

If you’re able to help, please consider making a donation via our GoFundMe.

Thank you once again to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, exhibited, sponsored or supported the fair in any way. It really does mean the world to our small volunteer team. Look out for more posts on here over the next few days.

All being well, we’ll see you again in 2028 for another fantastic Corstorphine Fair! 💚

For 40 years, the Corstorphine Fair has brought our community t… Corstorphine Fair needs your support for 2026 Corstorphine Fair - Keeping the tradition alive

06/06/2026

🎪 And that’s it… thank you Corstorphine! ❤️

Corstorphine Fair 2026 is now over.

It’s 4pm and the fair has officially come to a close. All that’s left now is to begin packing everything down.

A huge thank you to everyone who came down and supported us at St Margaret’s Park — we really appreciate every single one of you who attended and made the day what it was 🙌

⚠️ Please note: dismantling will now begin in the park, and Corstorphine High Street will reopen to traffic shortly.

Thank you again, Corstorphine, we’ll see you next time ❤️

06/06/2026

🎪 Are you here at the fair today?

Are you here and enjoying the day? 👀🎉

We’re open until 4pm today at St Margaret’s Park!

There’s still plenty of time to come down if you’re sitting at home and looking for something to do 🙌

Let us know if you’re here! 👇

06/06/2026

🎪 TODAY – WE’RE OPEN! 🎉

Welcome to Corstorphine Fair 2026 ! 🙌

The gates are open and we’re good to go until 4pm, come down and join us at St Margaret’s Park!

💛 Please remember to donate at the gate on your way in, your support keeps the fair running.

What’s on:
🍔 Food stalls
🍺 Drinks
🚗 Car show
🎭 Entertainment throughout the day
And more!

🎤 Scotland Rocks take to the stage at 2pm, don’t miss it!

Come along, enjoy the day, and make the most of it!

06/06/2026

🎪 Are we ready, Corstorphine? 👀🎉

Today is fair day, just 2 hours to go until the gates open!

The team are still busy setting up at St Margaret’s Park, so please note:

⚠️ We are not open yet
⏰ Please wait until 11am before arriving

We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon! 🙌🎪