What's On
Come and show your support at the Macmillan Coffee Morning on 29 September
Fiona Currie, Committees Officer, is organising a Macmillan Coffee Morning with the help of colleagues in the Committees team.
There will be tea, coffee and cakes (of course) as well as a selection of second hand books for sale.
- Monday 29 September
- 10.00am to 11.30am
- Saltire Rooms, John Muir House, Haddington
Fiona said: “Most of us will have been touched by cancer in some shape or form, whether through personal experience or supporting and caring for a loved one or friend. I lost my mum to cancer several years ago, and in 2022 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. In both cases, Macmillan were there for me and my family providing care, support and advice, not to mention laughter, hugs and a shoulder to cry on. By hosting this coffee morning and book sale, I hope to help Macmillan provide that same, incredible support to other families.
"I’d love it if you could join me and my colleagues for cake and a chat on 29 September. Or, if you can’t make it in person, please consider providing a donation through the JustGiving page or helping out with a donation of books for the accompanying book sale.
"Thank you.”
To donate books please contact Fiona Currie.
September at The Brunton
Join The Brunton in welcoming a brand-new season. September promises an exciting programme full of joy, with something for everyone to enjoy!
In Musselburgh this September take a trip down memory lane or get your glad rags on and boogie to the nostalgic sounds of The Counterfeit Seventies. Featuring the music of Slade, Sweet, T-Rex, The Bay City Rollers and many more! The Counterfeit Seventies Show will be playing at Loretto Theatre on Friday 5 September at 7pm.
The Counterfeit Seventies Show, Friday 5 September at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
The whole family can enjoy Ray Bubbles, international Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, as he embarks on a mission to master the art of bubble making and create the ultimate square bubble! Full of excitement and surprises, Ray will be coming to Loretto Theatre in Musselburgh on Saturday 6 September at 1pm.
The Ultimate Bubble Show, Saturday 6 September at 1pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Midweek Movies at Loretto Theatre returns with Four Letters of Love on Wednesday 10 September at 7pm. Nicholas and Isabel were made for each other but how will they ever know it? As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull them together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart. Starring Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter.
Four Letters of Love (12A), Wednesday 10 September at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
Also on the big screen, watch Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike as Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie. Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife, and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family tight? This National Theatre Live Screening will be coming to Loretto Theatre on Wednesday 24 September at 7pm.
National Theatre Live: Inter Alia, Wednesday 24 September at 7pm, Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh
In Haddington, the Corn Exchange has a full programme of incredible shows for September. To start the month, get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement. Celebrate the biggest hits from the hottest artists of the moment, with this ultimate pop tribute concert! Don’t forget your friendship bracelets as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter create unforgettable memories for the whole family on Friday 5 September at 6pm.
Flowers and Friendship Bracelets, Friday 5 September at 6pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Country fans rejoice! Join The Brunton for a night of country music featuring your favourite country classics. With a band made up of some of the UK’s finest musicians, Made in Tennessee takes you through the decades of the nation’s fastest growing music genre. Dust off those cowboy boots and head to the Corn Exchange on Thursday 11 September at 7:30pm.
Made in Tennessee, Thursday 11 September at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Get ready to spend the night laughing in Haddington on Thursday 18 September with Ed Byrne and Friends. Watch Ed Byrne, one of the UK’s top comedians, as he headlines an unforgettable comedy show featuring three more top-tier comics.
Ed Byrne and Friends, Thursday 18 September at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Come together, right now – it’s time to shake it up in Haddington with the sensational The Magic of the Beatles. Experience the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands. Enjoy all the famous hits with a cast that not only sound and look like the members but also recreate that famed incredible excitement. They will be playing at the Corn Exchange on Friday 19 September at 7:30pm.
The Magic of The Beatles, Friday 19 September at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Also, at the Corn Exchange this September, celebrate 33 years of Rock ‘n’ Rolling the World with Buddy Holly and The Cricketers. All Holly’s hits and classics from his rock ‘n’ roll pals are played live on stage by five amazing young actor-musicians. So, whether you’re young in years or young at heart, this night with Buddy and the boys really is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles. Buddy Holly & The Cricketers will be rocking their way to Haddington on Thursday 25 September at 7:30pm.
Buddy Holly and The Cricketers, Thursday 25 September at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Wishbone Ash return to the UK with a show featuring much-loved classics from all their best multi-million selling albums. Experience the legendary musicians live at the Corn Exchange in Haddington on Friday 26 September at 7:30pm! You don’t want to miss this!
Wishbone Ash, Friday 26 September at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Fresh off a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, see this award-winning play in Haddington this September as it explores bigotry and ethnic identity through the lens of two adversaries locked in a prison cell together. What happens when you lock up a Celtic fan with a Rangers fan on the day of the big match? Find out on Saturday 27 September at 7:30pm.
Singin’ I’m No A Billy, He’s A Tim, Saturday 27 September at 7:30pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Finally, to end the month, immerse yourself in an intimate performance from Scottish Dance Theatre. Performed in the round, Ray is Meytal Blanaru’s mesmerising creation that ventures on a quest for a deep, collective, shared physical experience. Create bonds you’ll never forget at the Corn Exchange on Sunday 28 September at 6pm.
Scottish Dance Theatre: Ray, Sunday 28 September at 6pm, Corn Exchange, Haddington
Archaeology and heritage fortnight - mini skills festival
Saturday 6 September 10.30am to 4pm
Join us at the Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery for walks, talks and all-day demonstrations of traditional skills. The programme will include:
Unboxed cardboard construction: workshops with a shop theme
10.30am to 12.30pm drop-in
1.30pm to 3.30pm booking required
Unboxed cardboard construction is a simple idea inspired by the play value of cardboard boxes. Children’s imagination, creativity and construction skills are put to use with an abundance of cardboard resources and simple making tools. The activity is delivered by Choose Play, a local children’s play organisation and will have a shop theme.
For more information check out the East Lothian Heritage Fortnight online or email regeneration@eastlothian.gov.uk
Metalworking repair demonstrations (Forge and Equip)
All day / drop-in
Free, no booking required.
Join local social enterprise, Forge and Equip to see a live demonstration of repairs to the town’s High Street.
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to have a go at sanding, repairing and learning a bit about restoring metal. No need to book but be aware that, at busy times, you may have to wait a little for your turn to get involved. Forge and Equip teach welding and fabrication in East Lothian and offer hobby classes.
Project Pearl
All day / drop-in
Free, no booking required
Come and find out more about this community boat project, and to see the skills used to restore this historic vessel. The Dunbar Harbour Trust have saved the traditionally built wooden sailing boat called “Pearl of Dunbar” and the project aims to get the community involved through each stage of Pearl’s journey back to the sea. Once restored, The Pearl of Dunbar will offer everyone a chance to get out on the water, learn to sail and maintain her, and to enjoy being part of a seafaring community.
Live signwriting demonstration
All day / drop-in
Free, no booking required
Thomas of Thomas Paints will be demonstrating signwriting, showcasing his equipment and tools of the trade. Come and watch Thomas sign-write the traditional way and feel free to ask as many questions as you like.
DIY Building Check Workshop
1pm to 2.30pm
Free, booking required
Learn how to look for issues with your building. Using Under One Roof’s DIY building check, we’ll talk through some of the issues you might find in your pre-1919 building and do a practice survey of a tenement on the High Street.
Meet outside the Town House and be ready for some walking.
If coming as a couple, please only book one ticket. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dunbar-diy-building-check-workshop-tickets-1458936090119
Dunbar Room, first floor - Dunbar Town House and Museum and Gallery:
Fresco Painting Course
(Fully booked, but please feel free to drop in and watch)
10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Step into the timeless world of fresco painting in this hands-on course designed for artists and beginners alike. Learn traditional techniques used since ancient Roman times mixing pigments, preparing plaster and painting on wet surfaces to create lasting works of art. Participants will complete their own fresco panels while gaining a deep appreciation for historical craftsmanship, colour theory and the discipline of working quickly and deliberately. Leave with a finished piece, new skills, and a richer connection to art history.
What's on in our museums
Exhibitions
Shore lines and tide marks
This year we’re making coastal connections – the latest project from North Light Arts and Sustaining Dunbar will support the process of reconnecting with, respecting and restoring our environments. The programme of walks, talks and workshops from July onwards will contribute elements to this exhibition in August and September.
6 August to 28 September
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm
Free admission
John Muir’s Birthplace, High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Scottish shopfronts and Dunbar shops exhibition
Come and view the fantastic exhibition on the development of Scottish Shopfronts by Lindsay Lennie. There will also be a history of Dunbar High Street shops theme, and we will be encouraging you to bring in stories and information about some of the old high street shops.
We will also run a series of walks and talks, and activities every Wednesday afternoon during the exhibition.
Check out the noticeboard in the Town House window for updates about what’s on.
1 August to 28 September.
Wednesday to Sunday 1.00pm to 5.00pm every week
Free admission
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER
Golden days: the life of Charlie Horne
Charlie Horne is a local D-Day veteran, fisherman, husband, father and a great dancer!
Using images and material from Charlies own extensive collection, Golden Days looks back over his life. Featuring audio recordings from Charlie, a diary he kept during D-Day, film footage, family letters and images telling the story of a fascinating life well lived.
30 August to December
John Gray Centre (Museum) 15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX
Free admission
www.johngraycentre.org
Events
Wee Weds
Wednesday mornings at Prestongrange Museum, 10 to 10.30, Bookbug for 0 to 5's and their parents/carers, no charge.
Followed by craft activity, £1 per child.
Prestongrange Museum Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
Woolly Craft Club
Come along to learn about East Lothian’s industrial history, try your hand at some knitting and crochet patterns (crocheted coal and knitted bricks!), and have a blether in our café.
Join us at the Visitor Centre Wednesday 10 September, 2 to 4pm.
Free entry
All materials will be supplied but you are welcome to bring your own materials and ideas.
Prestongrange Museum Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
East Lothian Walking Festival
Sketch and wander: in the footsteps of John Muir
Friday 5 September. 10.30am to 12.30pm.
In a wonderful collaboration, John Muir’s Birthplace and East Lothian artist Lynn Fraser (aka Fantoosh Sketching) join to offer this bespoke creative walkshop event in Dunbar.
Celebrating the landscape John Muir grew up in, learn some history and some journal techniques as we wander, record and create outside as he loved to do. We will walk on fairly flat ground and at a fairly easy pace to notice and engage with our environment.
Please bring a journal or sketchpad, a pencil/pen and a curious mind. No creative or art experience required.
Friday 5 September
10.30am to 12:30pm
John Muir's Birthplace
Limited numbers
No dogs on this walk please
Find Lynn on instagram & facebook: @fantoosh sketching
Find John Muir’s Birthplace on facebook @John Muir’s Birthplace & instagram @elc_museums
Historic potteries: Musselburgh to Prestongrange
Newbiggin, West Pans and Gordons
Join us for three talks on these potteries given by George Haggarty. George is a research associate at the National Museum of Scotland and has researched and written extensively on twelfth to nineteenth century ceramics.
There will be a display of pottery pieces found along the local shoreline; feel free to bring your own finds to show the experts. Younger visitors can construct their own pottery masterpieces from air-drying clay.
Saturday 6 September
11:00am to 4:00pm.
Free of charge. Clay modelling £1 per person
Drop-in throughout the day. Talks will run between 11.30am and 2pm approx.
Prestongrange Museum Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX
0131 653 2904
prestongrange@eastlothian.gov.uk
East Lothian Archaeology and Heritage Fortnight
Sketch and wander: in the footsteps of John Muir
Saturday 13 September
10.30am to 12.30pm
In a wonderful collaboration, John Muir’s Birthplace and East Lothian artist Lynn Fraser (aka Fantoosh Sketching) join to offer this bespoke event in Dunbar. Celebrating the landscape John Muir grew up in, learn some history and some journal techniques as we wander, record and create outside as he loved to do.
We will walk on fairly flat ground and at a fairly easy pace to notice and engage with our environment. No creative or art experience is required. Please bring a journal or sketchpad, a pencil/pen and a curious mind. All other extra materials supplied on the day.
This walk is suitable for all ages 8+ (anyone under 16 needs to book a place for the adult who will be accompanying them).
No dogs on this walk please
Find Lynn on instagram and facebook: @fantoosh sketching
Find John Muir’s Birthplace on facebook @John Muir’s Birthplace and instagram @elc_museums
Doors Open Days
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
Scotland's largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old.
Architectural heritage: windows to the past, doors to the future
Take a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable members of staff and discover the history of Prestongrange museum – a story of monks, mining and industrial might spanning over 800 years. We will be allowing visitors access to parts of Prestongrange that aren’t always open to the public. This includes a look inside the Cornish beam engine, which is unique in Scotland, and the new Engine Shed.
Prestongrange Museum
11:00am - 4.30pm
Two free guided tours each day at 11:30am and 2pm
We will be holding guided tours of Dunbar Town House, allowing visitors access to parts of the building that aren’t always open to the public.
For over 400 years councillors and magistrates presided over the affairs of the burgh from our council chamber including the infamous East Lothian witch trials. Below the chamber is a grimly atmospheric jail with its original massive iron door which has become a popular ghost hunting venue. In the neighbouring debtor's cell the fireplace has been preserved - complete with prisoners' graffiti.
Drop-in and let staff know that you would like to go on a tour.
Tours leave from the ground floor of the building.
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
1pm to 4pm
East Lothian Council Museums
15 Lodge Street, Haddington, EH41 3DX.
Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ.
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1pm to 5pm
High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)
Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX.
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
(from Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 28 September)
School Road, North Berwick, EH39 4JU.
Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm
(from Wednesday 9 April to Saturday 25 October)
65 High St, Musselburgh, EH21 7BZ.
Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm
(from Thursday 3 April to Saturday 27 September)
Ciara's band to play at Dunbar Music Festival
Scarred Lip: Ciara (far right) with her bandmates
Ciara Webb, Criminal Justice Service Manager will be playing with her band Scarred Lip at Dunbar Music Festival 2025.
Ciara said: "We can promise big riffs, soaring vocals, and some craic along the way! There is a genuine appreciation in Dunbar for live music, the town really comes alive with music lovers and this results in a proper buzz about the place, making it really fun to play."
Scarred Lip are playing on Saturday 27 September, Dunbar Royal British Legion at 8:30pm
Dunbar Music Festival runs from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September and comprises over 50 live performances across 17 venues, with most of them free to attend.
Find out more about the festival and who's performing on their website.
Check out Scarred Lip on YouTube
Haddington Running Club: new couch to 5K course
Haddington Running Club are starting their next Couch to 5K group.
| Wednesday evenings |
Monday evenings |
| 17 September |
22 September |
| 24 September |
29 September |
| 1 October |
6 October |
| 8 October |
13 October |
| 15 October |
20 October |
| 22 October |
27 October |
| 29 October |
3 October |
| 5 November |
10 November |
| 12 November |
17 November |
Saturday 22 September - local park run.
6:45pm Aubigny Sports Centre, Haddington.
Scan the QR code to register.
A peek behind closed doors
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
Scotland's largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old.
Architectural heritage: windows to the past, doors to the future
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
Prestongrange Museum 11am to 4:30pm
Take a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable members of staff and discover the history of the site – a story of monks, mining and industrial might spanning over 800 years. We will be allowing visitors access to parts of Prestongrange that aren’t always open to the public. This includes a look inside the Cornish beam engine, which is unique in Scotland, and the new Engine Shed.
Two free guided tours each day at 11:30am and 2pm.
Saturday 27 September
Locomotive Demonstrations at Prestongrange Museum at 11am, 12:15pm and 2:45pm
Prestongrange Railway Society will be running the English Electric. Members will be on hand to talk about their work restoring and operating the locomotive collection stored in the Prestongrange Museum Engine Shed. The shed will be open between live demos.
Museum open as usual 11am to 4:30pm
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September
Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery 1 to 4pm
We will be holding guided tours of the building, allowing visitors access to parts of the Town House that aren’t always open to the public.
For over 400 years councillors and magistrates presided over the affairs of the burgh from our Council Chamber including the infamous East Lothian witch trials. Below the chamber is a grimly atmospheric jail with its original massive iron door which has become a popular ghost hunting venue. In the neighbouring debtor's cell the fireplace has been preserved - complete with prisoners' graffiti.
Drop in and let staff know that you would like to go on a tour. Tours leave from the ground floor of the building.