Revealed: Epic free music programme in August with ‘busker’ programme and return of St James Quarter Sessions

• Over 80+ artists will perform during August at St James Quarter
•  From Friday 16th to Sunday 25th August St James Quarter Sessions will feature an impressive line-up including – Shambolics, NATI, Logan’s Close, Katie Gregson-Macleod, Fergus McCreadie and Hayley Zalassi plus many more
• The programme will celebrate live music and spotlight a diverse selection of artists across Indie Rock, Alt Pop, Scottish Folk, Electronic, R&B, Jazz, Jazz Fusion and Neo Soul together with a stunning line up of Scotland’s top DJ’s during Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Shambolics, NATI, Logan’s Close, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, K4CIE and Hayley Zalassi are amongst the wave of acts unveiled for the second outing of St James Quarter Sessions, Edinburgh City Centre’s newest free music festival. Returning for a second year, bigger and better than before, the full line-up will see live music performances and DJ sets across two main stages and six participating venues, along with pop-up acoustic ‘busker’ performances across the Galleria.

2024 also sees the addition of a rooftop stage on Level 6, Castle View, with jaw-dropping views across Edinburgh to the castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill.

Kicking off the Festival on Friday 16th August, the Opening Night will feature alt-pop artist Kathryn Aly, folk singer-songwriter Zoe Graham, indie-electronic act The Joshua Hotel and indie rock quintet Shambolics who will take over the Castle View stage on Level 6 of the Quarter. DJ Disco Tits will electrify guests at an after-party from 10pm at The Botanist.

On the first weekend, TikTok sensation Katie Gregson-MacLeod will open Saturday’s Sessions, followed by multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Leif Coffield who will bring a high-energy set with his explosive pop music vibe. Closing Saturday is indie group Logan’s Close, while DJ Rawzi and Miss World will also be soundtracking the day from Level 3’s Yellow Stage.

There’s a jazz takeover on the Yellow Stage on Sunday, with psychedelic jazz and hip-hop ensemble,  Kai Reesu, jazz soul from Mama Terra, and Fergus McCreadie, who closes the show with his unique blend of jazz and Scottish folk. Scottish sensation NATI and female duet The Laurettes will perform an indie folk fusion closer on the Castle View stage.

Throughout the week, performances will also take place across the Quarter’s dining and entertainment venues, including The Alchemist, Bonnie & Wild, The Botanist, Duck & Waffle, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Joao’s Place at the W Edinburgh Hotel. Acts include Kohla, a singer-songwriter, musician and producer with a classical background, singer Grayling, feisty songstress To The Wild (plus special guests), and an acoustic set from alt-rock band Picture The Scene.

The soulful and soothing sounds of singers Inge Thomson and Djana Gabrielle will grace the Yellow Stage, followed by DJ K4CIE who will turn it up on Thursday 22nd. Synth-pop trio Thundermoon and alternative pop band Moonlight Zoo will be live from Level 6 on Friday 23rd, along with the winner of the Forth 1 competition to find the best local talent.

Saturday brings international sounds to the Galleria, with performances from rising artist EYVE presenting her unique blend of hip-hop, trap, jazz and African influences to the Yellow Stage. The theme continues with afro-pop, dancehall and hip-hop from Sean Focus, while Majesty Palm winner of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2023 Best Newcomer will be mixing big synths, bass hooks and wavy guitars along with their catchy vocals to the Castle View stage on Level 6.

Finishing the week-long festival on Sunday 25th will be an afternoon of DJs curated by EHFM at Gordon Ramsay Street Burger with the Closing Party in the evening featuring some of the UK’s top DJs; Jolene Live, Danse Atmos, Domenic Cappello and Hayley Zalassi who will all be playing bespoke sets in Level B3 of the car park.

Finally, emerging Scottish artists have two opportunities to join the impressive line-up. St James Quarter and Forth 1’s Boogie in the Morning are running a competition to win not only the chance to play the Castle View stage but also time in the brand new W Edinburgh recording studio. Budding musicians can also apply for a paid performance slot within the Galleria, with a pop-up busking performance in partnership with SNACK magazine, kicking off on August 2nd.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director, said: “August will see St James Quarter support a wide range of musical talent from street performers to some of the most exciting new artists from Scotland and beyond. In a year which has seen many small and community festivals cancelled we are delighted to be able to provide a free platform during one of the busiest periods for the arts in Edinburgh. We know from research that live music is a primary request from our guests so to be able to invite them to such a diverse free festival with an abundance of food and drink choices and clean facilities with ‘no mud’ in sight will definitely capture their attention!”

Download the St James Quarter app for your free tickets, and stay updated with events happening throughout the Quarter for Sessions and beyond.