Open House: Leith Custom House Festival

Leith Custom House is throwing open its doors in August with a programme of free events, from family-friendly art workshops to storytelling.

Leith Customs Play – 8^th – 10^th August

Citadel Arts Group are returning to Leith Custom House with their second site-specific play presented in this historic building. “Leith Customs” is based on memories of retired customs officials who worked in the building when it still functioned as a Custom House.

Artitude: Womens Art Collective Exhibition – 15^th – 18^th August

In the Custom House Gallery, Women’s Art Collective, Artitude will be showing works from Sheena Berry, Barbara Moyes, Lorna Nisbet, Deb Ball, Gloria Lyn Henderson and Susie Redman.

Leith Observed Exhibition – 22^nd August – 6^th September

Local artist John Finlay’s exhibition Leith Observed explores Leith identity and social history through thought-provoking paintings of day-to-day scenes.

Family-friendly art workshops – 31^st August & 7^th September

Take part in family-friendly art workshops to create a fantastical sea bird puppet from upcycled materials, or use the maritime flag alphabet to design a unique flag with a secret coded message.

Storytelling with Marion Kenny – 5^th September

As darkness descends gather together in the atmospheric surrounds of Custom House, for a relaxed evening weaving together words and music into spellbinding, magical and mysterious tales of the sea.

The Future of Leith Custom House: have your say

In addition to the programme of free events, there will be an opportunity to view and comment on the plans for the future of Leith Custom House. Since taking over management in 2015, SHBT has filled the building with artists and makers, creating a thriving creative community, as well as providing events and exhibition spaces on The Shore.

The next phase of the project will develop the proposals for the long-term future of the building, ambitiously regenerating one of Leith’s most important historic buildings into an accessible cultural space in the heart of its community.

The Gallery of Leith Custom House will be open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 4pm from 23^rd August to 6^th September for people to view the proposals for the building and chat to the SHBT team to find out more.