WHAT'S ON
A staple of the music festival calendar in Edinburgh since 2018 featuring acts such as Florence & the Machine, Tom Jones, The Courteeners and many more - Edinburgh Summer Sessions will take place in the city's Royal Highland Showgrounds from 2024.
EVENT INFORMATION
VENUE
Royal Highland Showgrounds offers a fantastic event space, and unbeatable public transport links located to the west of Edinburgh City Centre. Please note, this is an outdoor all-standing concert.
TIMINGS
Gates open – 5pm
Show ends – 10:30pm
VIP closes – 12 midnight
Please note, timings are approx. and subject to change.
Stage times will be released closer to the event.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
No persons under 14 permitted.
Persons aged between 14 -15 years old must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over (1 adult minimum per 4 persons aged between 14 - 15 years old).
If you are attending with someone aged 5 - 15 years old, we encourage you to register your contact details in advance via our guardianship procedure form here. Guardianship wristbands will be issued from the Welfare Area within the Arena. This will help us reunite you in the unlikely event you become separated.
ID
You must bring a valid and current ID with you. Valid IDs must be photographic.
The following types of ID are accepted:
UK or International Full or Provisional Driving Licence
UK or International Passport
National Proof of Age Standards Scheme card with the PASS hologram (e.g. Young Scot, CitizenCard, My ID Card)
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Must have a PASS hologram on it.
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The PASS hologram must not be faded, damaged or tampered with.
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If there is an issue with the PASS hologram on your ID, you should apply for a replacement card via the issuing authority as it will not be accepted.
This is line with the national Challenge 25 policy.
**Photocopies of ID does not count as valid ID. Must be original documents.
TICKET INFORMATION
OFFICIAL TICKET OUTLETS
The only official ticket outlet for this event is Ticketmaster.
No other agents are authorised to sell and any listing on unauthorised websites cannot be guaranteed to gain entry to the event.
SAFE TICKET BUYING
We strongly recommend that you only purchase tickets through our official ticket partner Ticketmaster. No other agents are authorised to sell and any listing on unauthorised site cannot be guaranteed to gain entry to the events.
We’ve seen lots of customers be scammed by purchasing tickets through sites such as Ebay, Gumtree, Stubhub, Viagogo etc. Unofficial sites do not give you the same rights and protections. Be aware and don’t fall for a scam. These tickets might not even exist and if you turn up with a fake ticket you’ll be turned away from the event so don’t chance it. We recommend you only purchase through our official ticket partners. Our official resale partner is Ticketmaster Fan to Fan Exchange.
TICKET DISPATCH
All tickets will be mobile tickets.
These will be available in your Ticketmaster app the week before the event.
TICKET RESALE
We only permit ticket resale at face value through Ticketmaster Fan to Fan Exchange. Please do not use ticket sites such as Ebay, Gumtree, Stubhub, Viagogo where tickets may be available at hugely inflated prices. Buying through these websites also run the risk of being sold tickets that may not actually exist.
TICKETS
You must keep your ticket with you at all times and show this upon request.
The majority of tickets are mobile tickets accessed through the Ticketmaster app so please ensure you have your phone charged and the Ticketmaster app open before joining the entrance queue.
If you’ve been issued with a physical ticket please note tickets cannot be replaced so please ensure you keep them with you at all times.
MOBILE TICKETS
This event will be using Ticketmaster's SafeTix technology to provide powerful fraud and counterfeit protection. Your barcode will constantly change and screenshots of barcodes will not work. You must show the barcode in the Ticketmaster app. More info on SafeTix can be found here.
Please make sure you check your tickets within the latest version of the Ticketmaster app, and are logged into the app before you arrive at the venue as mobile data reception can be limited - doing this in advance through the app will ensure that you’ll be able to access them at the venue without connectivity.
Information on how mobile tickets work can be found here. If you’re having issues with downloading your tickets help can be found here. If you will be arriving at different times to the rest of your party remember you can transfer their tickets from your Ticketmaster account to theirs. A guide on how to do this can be found here.
BOX OFFICE
There are 2 box offices at Royal Highland Showgrounds – 1 located at each entrance.
West Entrance –
Hallyards Road
North Entrance –
Hallyards Road (North side beside Holiday Inn Express)
Customers can attend either box office and enter the site through either entrance. VIP customers will be directed through dedicated VIP lanes.
BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS
Box office will open 1 hour before gates.
BUYING TICKETS ON THE DAY
We recommend that you purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Should there be tickets left for sale these can be purchased on the day at either Box Office.
You’ll also be able to purchase through Ticketmaster subject to availability. With mobile tickets you can have these delivered to your Ticketmaster app on your phone straight away saving you having to collect these at the box office.
Please note that our box offices will only be accepting card payments – cash will not be permitted.
ACCESSIBLE PLATFORM/ FACILITIES WRISTBAND
The process for collecting your accessible wristband will be confirmed closer to the event.
VIP WRISTBANDS
The process for collecting your VIP wristband will be confirmed closer to the event.
PASS OUTS
Your ticket can only be scanned once for each day it’s valid. There is no re-entry once you’re in the festival site.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
Buses:
The city centre event shuttle (Lothian Bus Service No.98) runs from Edinburgh city centre straight to the entrance of concert, with a service that will get you to and from the site in no time. The service runs via the east end of George Street, facing towards St Andrew Square with additional pick-ups at Shandwick Place and Haymarket and along the A8 with an approx. journey time of 30 minutes.
The Airlink 100, Skylink 200 & 300, First Bus services 20 & 63 and Stagecoach’s Jet 747 service all run regularly and drop off close to the Royal Highland Centre.
Citylink operates services from across the country that drop off on the nearby on the A8 nearby the Royal Highland Showgrounds.
Mega Bus run services from across the country, dropping off in Edinburgh Bus Station where you can onward travel via the City Centre Shuttle Bus service.
Train:
Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket are the closest stations to the Royal Highland Showgrounds that provide excellent links to the rest of the UK.
From there, pick up the City Centre Shuttle Bus (Lothian Service 98) or the Tram, and jump on our free shuttle service from the Tram station.
Tram:
This low-emission option takes you to Ingliston Park & Ride, which is only around a 25-minute walk to the entrance to the event. There will also be a free shuttle bus service to/from Ingliston Park & Ride throughout the event.
The Tram service will be extended in order to provide convenient transport back into the City Centre.
Taxis/Pick Up/Drop Off:
If you are being picked up/dropped off by private car or taxi, please head for the Royal Highland Showgrounds and follow the signage to the dedicated pick up/drop off point.
Parking: Parking will be available to book in advance (£15 plus bf per car)
Accessible Parking: Accessible parking will be available, details can be found in access info
Air:
The Royal Highland Showgrounds are situated adjacent to Edinburgh Airport.
Over 180 flights connect Edinburgh to the rest of the UK and Europe each day and the Royal Highland Centre is just a 15-minute walk from the airport and neighbouring airport hotels.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
ACCESSIBILITY
We want Edinburgh Summer Sessions to be an event that is accessible for all.
We have a dedicated Access Team working to constantly improve the experience for accessible customers so, we welcome and encourage feedback from our attendees on our accessible facilities.
Accessible facilities are not for the use of people with temporary impairments or circumstances such as broken bones, healing wounds or pregnancy. Customers concerned with any of these points can contact the Access Team.
Please remember to check general event information in addition to the specific accessible information provided in the accessible information section.
CONTACT OUR ACCESS TEAM
We want our customers to enjoy their visit. We appreciate that this may not cover everything you need or wish to know about the event. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Access Team through the following channels.
Email: accessed@smmrsessions.com
Post: 272 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RL
Phone: 0141 674 9444
Office opening times are: 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note we aim to respond to all email enquiries within five working days, however this may take longer during busy times.
On show days accessed@smmrsessions.com won’t be monitored as we’ll be working operationally on-site. Once you arrive at the event please approach a steward, supervisor, or a member of the Customer Access Team for assistance and they’ll do their best to help.
ACCESS DOWNLOADS
You can download the accessible information here
BOOKABLE ACCESS FACILITIES
PA/Companion Ticket
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If a fan is unable to attend Edinburgh Summer Sessions without the support from a PA/Companion, we will provide a ticket for them at no extra cost.
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Each access customer will be allowed one free PA/Companion ticket unless pre-agreed with the access manager due to their requirements. If you need more than one PA/Companion, please contact us on accessed@smmrsessions.com.
Accessible Platform
The Accessible Platform is built to a specific capacity. After capacity is reached, you won’t be guaranteed a spot, and you will be added to a waitlist.
As spaces fill up quickly, we recommend that you complete your application as soon as possible once you have purchased your tickets to avoid disappointment. Details on how to apply are below.
Accessible Toilets
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Use of accessible toilets all around the site.
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Use of the accessible toilets is controlled by wristbands.
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There will be a steward at each location to ensure that only access customers can use these.
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The main accessible toilet block will be at the accessible platform. If you require more information about the type of toilets, please reach out to the access team.
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‘Just Can’t Wait’ cards and other medical IDs are also accepted.
ADDITIONAL ACCESS FACILITIES AND INFORMATION
Performance Interpreting Services
BSL Performance Interpreters, Audio Description and Live Captioning are available on request. Please send advance requests to accessed@smmrsessions.com. At least 60-days’ notice is advised.
Assistance Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs at Edinburgh Summer Sessions. If you require a dog spending area on site, please email your request within a reasonable time frame to accessed@smmrsessions.com.
Large Print
Large print Accessible Information Guides, programmes or running times are available if requested in advance.
Medical and Welfare
Medical, Welfare and our Wellbeing area are available to all customers at Edinburgh Summer Sessions. The locations of these areas will be highlighted on the cartoon map when it's made available closer to the time.
Stage Effects
Please note, flicker, laser, strobe, and other lighting effects may be used during the performances at all stages. Anyone affected by these should bear this in mind.
Accessible Information Guide
A downloadable Accessible Information Guide will be sent out via email prior to the event to all confirmed applicants which will include arrival information, access maps, distances, information on accessible facilities and more.
APPLYING FOR ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES AND PA/COMPANION TICKET
To provide the best possible experience, follow our access application guidance below.
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Buy a ticket here for yourself. You do not need to buy a ticket for your Personal Assistant/Companion.
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Once you have bought your ticket, complete the Accessible Application form here to apply for your free PA/Companion ticket and/or access to the accessible facilities you require.
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Include a piece of supporting documentation when you are filling out the application form or email it to us on accessed@smmrsessions.com. We must receive supporting documentation within 14 days of filling out the form. If we do not receive this, the application will not be processed.
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We will process applications within 4 weeks.
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You will receive confirmation by email.
If you have a question about eligibility, send us an email and we can help.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
You can attach your supporting documentation to your Accessible Application Form. Alternatively, you can email it to accessed@smmrsessions.com or post to 272 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RL.
If this is your first time applying for access or you have not applied within the last 3 years, you are required to send supporting documentation with you application.
If you have applied within the last 3 years and have ‘opted in’ to register on our database*, you will not need to send your documents unless you have had a change of circumstances. You will still need to let us know you are attending.
Supporting Documentation Examples:
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Front page of DLA / PIP.
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Front page of ADP or CDP letter.
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Front page of Attendance Allowance letter.
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Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind).
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Evidence that registered D/deaf.
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Recognised Assistance Dog ID card.
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Blue Badge (Front & Back).
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Access Card.
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War Disablement Pension Letter.
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Armed Forces Independence Payment Letter.
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A personal letter from a doctor, community nurse, social worker, or occupational therapist.
We understand that not everyone has the above evidence. We will review this on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about accessibility at the show, please contact our Access Team.
*Registering on our database is an optional service. Your information will be stored securely on our encrypted server and supporting documentation is destroyed once received and recorded on our system. All files are password-protected documents with limited access by a small number of personnel for operational reasons only. Please find the link to our Privacy Policy here.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The Royal Highland centre is an outdoor venue in Ingliston. The ground in the arena consists of a combination of gravel, grass, and some hard-standing paths, tarmac pathways and temporary trackway. Poor weather conditions can have a detrimental effect on the terrain making some areas inaccessible to wheelchair users or customers with mobility issues.
ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
The Royal Highland Centre is accessible via public transport (bus and trams). There will also be provisions for Accessible Parking and Accessible Drop-off/Pick-up. A breakdown of all accessible travel options for the event will be available in the Accessible Information Guide.
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
We understand that hidden disabilities are not immediately apparent. If you would like support or advice inside the event our Access Manager will be the main point of contact and is based at the Accessible Platform. You can also contact us in advance with your questions via accessed@smmrsessions.com.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
WHAT CAN I BRING
Picnic Blankets, non-professional cameras, portable phone charger, ID, ear plugs, hand sanitiser, hats, lip balm, make up, sunscreen, sunglasses, an empty bottle no bigger than 500ml (not a fancy reusable one though as glass/metal/hard plastic bottles aren't permitted), biodegradable wipes and more.
The event is cashless and all purchases made at the event will be via card or mobile payment.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do not bring single-use disposable vapes. They pollute the environment and incorrect disposal of these can be hazardous at waste centres.
Bags and rucksacks bigger than A3 paper size, glass (including perfumes), metal or hard plastic water bottles, food or drink/liquids even if unopened, drugs, flares (you will be charged by the Police), smoke canisters (you will be charged by the Police), flags, chairs, professional cameras, selfie sticks, umbrellas, weapons, frisbees/boomerangs and hi-vis tabards or jackets.
You may be refused entry, ejected or worse still, arrested if you bring a prohibited item so familiarise yourself with what we won’t allow into the event. See a full list of what you can and can't bring here.
Please be prepared for delays on entry for bag searches and ticket checks.
WELFARE AND WELLBEING
Your safety is our priority. Strict security measures will be in place and searches carried out at entry.
If you require any assistance throughout the show, please speak to the nearest member of security who can assist you and direct you to our welfare or first aid points if required.
Look after yourself and others round about you. If you need help at any time, please speak to the nearest member of security.
Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Edinburgh so please do not bring alcohol to the event. If you plan on drinking alcohol, take it easy and don’t end up too intoxicated. Security is obliged to refuse admission or eject you from the site if you have had too much to drink so, don’t spoil your night.
It is an offence to supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. ID spot checks will be taking place, and anyone caught supplying alcohol to anyone underage will be removed from the event and reported to Police Scotland.
Our supportive welfare team from TLC Welfare are onsite to provide confidential and non-judgemental help in a whole variety of situations. Welfare is a safe space to get support with intoxication, lost friends, you need sanitary products, you need a quiet space to desensitise or you just need someone to talk to.
Be prepared for all weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for a change in the weather as the evening goes on. Umbrellas are not permitted in the event.
GOING DOWN THE FRONT
Planning on watching the show from down the front? The fact you will be in a big crowd may feel uncomfortable and going down the front is a very different experience than being further back in the crowd.
If you are planning to watch the show from the front of the stage, there are some things to be mindful of, including the importance of not starting circle pits:
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Don’t start or participate in circle pits – they are dangerous and can cause harm across the full crowd.
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Crowd movement happens at all shows and it’s important to help everyone around you if you find yourself in a difficult position.
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The event control centre is always monitoring the crowd via CCTV.
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Security and ‘spotters’ are on and around the stage watching for anyone who is in need for assistance at all times.
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Take time to chill – there are plenty of areas around the event site where you can take a moment.