Music, movies and calling all dancing queens! November at the Brunton
This November, The Brunton has an exceptional line-up of programming to get you in the festive spirit. From film to dance and music, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
In Musselburgh this November, join Amy Karensa and Catriona MacKenzie as they perform a song and piano recital for The Brunton’s Bite-Sized Concert Series. Take a break from life’s hustle and bustle and listen to a programme that traces a path from Romantic to twentieth century song, exploring women’s experiences of love and life through the ages.
Includes works by Robert Schumann, Carl Loewe, and Madeline Dring.
Bite-Sized Concert: Women in Love and Life | Tue 10 Nov at 1:30PM | Northesk Parish Church, Musselburgh
The Brunton’s Midweek Movies continues in Haddington. Pay what you can for your ticket from £3-£10 and enjoy a great night at the movies!
In plague-ravaged 14th century England, a peasant triggers a rebellion against King Richard II and unintentionally becomes a legend of resistance. Starring Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell and Stephen Dillane.
The Uprising (15) | Wed 11 Nov at 7PM | Corn Exchange, Haddington
The smash-hit Irish music show One Night in Dublin is coming to the Corn Exchange in Haddington! Join whiskey-loving fisherman Danny and his straight-talking wife Rosie for a night of laughter, music and mischief in this brand-new production. Featuring songs from The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Fureys and so many more!
One Night in Dublin | Thu 12 Nov at 7:30PM | Corn Exchange, Haddington
Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say "Thank You for the Music"! This international extravaganza tribute show brings all of ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The party of the year that you do not want to miss.
Thank You For The Music | Fri 13 Nov at 7:30PM | Corn Exchange, Haddington
Find the full programme online and book your tickets now: https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/
What's on in museums: November
All our museums are FREE to visit. We have some fantastic exhibitions and annual events to look forward to.
VISIT
John Muir's Birthplace
"Inspiring, interactive and deeply moving, John Muir’s Birthplace connects visitors of all ages with the life, legacy and environmental vision of one of Scotland’s most influential figures."
Visitors say the museum is:
- family-friendly and engaging for all ages
- informative, interactive, and inspiring
- beautifully curated with high-quality displays
- a moving celebration of John Muir’s life and legacy
- a place that inspires care for nature and the environment
- worth returning to and recommending to others
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Free admission.
John Gray Centre
“Welcoming, engaging and full of discovery, the John Gray Centre brings East Lothian’s history to life through fascinating artefacts, inspiring exhibitions and stories that connect past and present.”
Visitors say the centre is:
- welcoming, friendly and accessible
- filled with fascinating artefacts and local stories
- beautifully presented and thoughtfully curated
- engaging for both adults and children
- an excellent place to learn about East Lothian’s history
- full of surprises, with much more to discover than expected
- a rewarding and memorable visitor experience
Open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Free admission.
John Gray Centre – Museum 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
EXHIBITIONS
NEW EXHIBITION: John Muir Country Park 50th Anniversary
Exhibition of photography and reflections by staff, volunteers and junior rangers.
October to December.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Free admission.
Cinematic East Lothian
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of East Lothian Libraries’ Local History Centre, this exhibition showcases a brief history of the old picture houses of East Lothian, popular film locations in the county, nostalgic items in the Museum collection as well as items in the private collection of local residents and groups, and screenings of short films with a local history theme. This exhibition aims to evoke treasured memories of Saturday matinees, crowded foyers and nights spent lost in the visual pleasures of the silver screen.
Friday 2 October 2026 to Thursday 8 April 2027
Open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Free admission.
John Gray Centre – Museum 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
NEW DISPLAY: Working Lives at Dunbar Town House
Dunbar’s Town House or Tolbooth is more than 400 years old and touched the lives of many people. Through the Town Council, Police Station, Library, Registrars, Tourist Information, Housing Office, MP & MSP Office, Museum and many more!
Do you know someone who worked here? Have you been to a wedding here? We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.
Step back in time as we help you discover the hidden past of this iconic building.
October to March
Open Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar & District History Society.
Free admission.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.
Place-names of East Lothian: A journey through time
East Linton. This settlement was recorded as Lintun in 1127, which means 'farm by the torrent', from Old English tūn 'substantial farm' and hlynn 'torrent'. The hlynn is the waterfall which tumbles over what are now called the Linn Rocks. By about 1840 the village had become known as East Linton, to distinguish it from Linton in Peeblesshire, now known as West Linton.
Dunbar? Lamer Street? Friarscroft?
What does it mean?
Where did the name come from?
Dunbar and District History Society’s latest exhibition is based on the online publication, Place-names of East Lothian: A journey through time, researched by History Society member Liz Curtis. The exhibition presents a selection of names and their meaning from North Berwick to Dunglass and is supported by artefacts and historical images.
As Liz explains: "Over thousands of years, a succession of different peoples arrived in East Lothian, mostly seeking the excellent agricultural land. They spoke different languages – Brittonic, Old English, Old Norse (Scandinavian), Gaelic, and Norman French. Then Scots developed locally, based on Old English. Each group named the land in their own way. They adopted the place-names of their predecessors or adapted them or created new names. As a result, East Lothian has a wonderfully varied collection of place-names, which illuminate our history."
The full version of the online publication can be found on the Scottish Place-Name Society’s website: https://spns.org.uk
Courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society
Open Saturday 2pm to 4pm.
Free admission.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER.
Events and activities
Family drop in activities
Our museums all have free admission and have drop-in craft activities for families.
Autumn and Winter museum opportunities
- explore historic records and online exhibitions at johngraycentre.org or pop in for a visit to discover the history of East Lothian in 1000 objects in this innovative, interactive museum at John Gray Centre in Haddington. Uncover how ordinary and extraordinary people earned their living and spent their time from the Stone Age to the present day. Temporary exhibition about local D Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and great dancer Charlie Horn!
- visit John Muir’s Birthplace and discover how a boy born in Dunbar became one of the driving forces behind the global conservation movement. His life and work continue to inspire people all over the world. Today his legacy helps connect with wellbeing, sustainability and communities. jmbt.org.uk
- explore the woods and grounds of Prestongrange Museums using the mobile phone tour as a guide through 400 years of local industry. The harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks have all left their marks on the landscape including winding gear, a vast brick kiln and a Cornish beam engine. eastlothian.gov.uk/prestongrange
- take a tour of Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery with Dunbar & District History Society. The Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century and is home to a local history display and the temporary exhibition about shopfronts. eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house. Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER
Our museums
John Gray Centre (Museum)
15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
Thursday & Friday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm.
www.johngraycentre.org
John Muir's Birthplace
126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
www.jmbt.org.uk
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Saturday 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar & District History Society.
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/dunbar-town-house
Prestongrange Museum
Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
Visitor Centre closed until April 2027.
Site still open for outdoor visits using mobile phone tour.
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/prestongrange
Coastal Communities Museum
School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.
Closed until April 2027.
www.coastalmuseum.org
Musselburgh Museum
65 High St, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ.
Closed until April 2027.
www.coastalmuseum.org