Stately home on outskirts of Edinburgh lined up for drive-in festival

The grounds of a 17th century stately home on the outskirts of Edinburgh have been lined up for a summer drive-in festival offering raves, film screenings, live music and stand-up comedy.

Release time : 2020-05-29 15:50:47

source : Edinburgh News

events will be permitted until the Scottish Government’s plan to come out of lockdown, but we are looking at dates in July at Hopetoun House for the first event before taking the concept on tour.

“Hopetoun House and the council are really keen on it and the police have been very positive about it so far.

“It obviously can’t go ahead at the moment.

“They don’t want a mass rush of people going back to pubs. They want to promote entertainment via safe means.

“I think this is the kind of thing they will get behind.

“We think there is potential to do a lot more in Edinburgh this summer.

“We’re also speaking to the council about maybe trying to use a number of quiet roads where we could build a stage and then have a drive-in Fringe.”

Stefan Chellan, co-promoter of Drive In Events, said: “Our aim is to bring back a sense of normality in a climate of uncertainty.

“It’s been difficult for not only the music industry itself but the average person, who has lost their sense of weekend release, be that from events, live shows or just socialising with your friends. We are trying to build a safe bridge back to this.”

A spokeswoman for Drive In Events added: “As we begin the easing of lockdown it has become clear that social distancing will still exist for many months into the future - leaving both those who enjoy culture and events and those who work in it without part of the fabric of their lives.

The prospect of the summer without theatres, music festivals, cinemas, stand-up comedy and nightclubs has led to both artists and promoters needing to reinvent themselves with many moving online to the world of virtual streams.

“There are a great number of safety precautions that each show will have to meet but from initial discussions with venues, police, and relevant local councils, the team believe that this will be a valuable solution to boost everyone’s