Conversations on Power and Freedom Festival of Peace and Spirituality In the “Holy War?” one-off panel discussion a theologian and a former Catholic priest, who converted to Islam, muse about nonviolence and faith. It was disappointing though that the talks were not prepared or substantiated as the questions were answered by the two older, white and male faith experts of the top of their heads. The event was split into half a panel discussion and the other half as an audience led Q&A. The discussion remained boringly generalising, superficial and avoided insights into the burning contemporary questions of the Iraq War, Terrorism and the Palestine/Israel conflict.

Dr. Sketchy’s Burlesque Art Salon Clockwork Unexpectedly this is one of the most cheeky and fun events. Guest models are changing daily in this life drawing session with a twist. New Burlesque is quite trendy now after appearing in popular television series such as America’s Next Top Model or America’s Got Talent as a glorified upper-class mimicking strip tease act in 1920er style with imaginative use of props. So it was surprising when suddenly the Marx Brothers from “Waiting for Groucho” appeared on stage and threw themselves into pose to be quickly sketched down with coal or pencil as superheroes or the seven world wonders.

The House of the Holy Afro Third World Bunfight and Assembly This is not a concert, but a big party. At least if the audience would react like the seven soulful harmony singers, poet Odidi Mfenyana and the madly hopping and waving DJ Dino Moran want to. The performers describe traditional and modern life in South Africa via singing, drumming, dancing and acting; but the underlying background music is just too loud and distracting to get into the rhythm. So therefore earplugs are advised to follow this colourful, expressive spectacle. It feels awkward to dance, but at the same time weird not to.

Rebus – Body Politic Rebustours with Colin Brown This two hours walk to stand and falls with the weather and the friendly personality of tour guide and local community historian Colin Brown. It includes five readings from Ian Rankin’s works; from an early biographic excerpt to a world premiere reading from the next, yet unnamed and last ever Rebus book to be published in September. Along the way, the small group is also treated to amusing general anecdotes whilst numerous explanations about other general tourist sightseeing points apart from the city mortuary, Dumbiedykes housing estate and Fleshmarket Close are provided. Disappointingly, there is a lack of exclusive information on the main topic, substituted by general literary information.

Whisky with …Chocolate The Scotch Malt Whisky Society with Plaisir du Chocolat   This tasting session reaches out to a diverse audience giving everybody the chance to experience and appreciate Scotch Whisky and also excellent handmade chocolate. French expert chocolatier Bertrand Espouy is proudly bursting away as much knowledge as possible, treating us to eight different, beautifully presented samples topped with extraordinary, specifically designed art inspired by the flavour mint, vanilla, orange peel or green tea soft filling called “ganache”. These worked really well with the 11 years old Glenmorangie Whisky we got first served to observe, smell, dilute and taste.