In August 2022 over 80 choir members travelled to Edinburgh to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. On the hottest weekend of the year, we were glad to be heading north!
The coach left Harrogate on Friday 12th August and the singing commenced; one sunny coach stop later we were in Edinburgh, eagerly awaiting our opportunity to perform. Friday evening some chose to spend the first evening together over delicious food (when it arrived) and wine, close to the Edinburgh University halls which were our home for the weekend.
Saturday morning was free time and brought sunny walks around Edinburgh with flyers for shows being flung in front of us at every turn, some of even spotted our own Poster outside St Giles Cathedral as we explored the City in smaller groups.
By lunchtime we were ready to escape the heat and start rehearsing in St Giles Cathedral where people gathered to listen to our rehearsal. There were a few awkward moments when the visitors did not realise it was a rehearsal, although by 2pm when we were billed to start the Cathedral was full. Even the church banners behind us, matched our Stray Notes turquoise uniform. We sang an eclectic mix of pop and rock including Adele, Bon Jovi, The Beatles and Snow Patrol and also included some more location appropriate numbers like Look at the World by John Rutter.
The highlight of the trip has to be Saturday afternoon when The Stray Notes danced around Edinburgh with headphones at a silent disco. Unable to stop singing loudly and dancing in the street our timing was perfect. The sun was out and the afternoon festival merriment could be seen in the smiles from the streets and bars as festival goers recognised what we were singing and joined in. Saturday evening was free time, and many choir tourists took in a show or two or had dinner together.
After an easy Sunday morning, our second concert was at Canongate Kirk where audience members were heard to comment that they had been recommended to hear us.
Sunday evening brought our choir meal at Gusto where The Stray Notes took up the top floor and entertained what was left of the clientele and staff after our meal with a few songs… which continued at the halls bar later.
After such an exhausting weekend, Monday brought more free time to explore the City and the Festival before heading home with some very happy memories.