SO MANY fantastic events going on in Edinburgh mean you'll never be bored.
Here are 40 you won't want to miss - all happening in the next few months!
There is a huge variety of entertainment including all sorts of festivals, music gigs, theatre shows, fairs, influential talks, and adventure and sport activities.
Others listed range from cinema releases, to gin cruises, and adult only zoo nights!
April
Wednesday, April 26 – Sunday, May 7
FESTIVAL TradFest
THE TAGLINE for this year’s folk arts extravaganza is:
‘Rooted in the Past, Resonating in the Present’.
TradFest is in its fifth year and continues to explore the
rich heritage of Scottish music with pub sessions, folk gigs and piping
displays in venues around Edinburgh.
A highlight of the 10 day festival includes the show Transatlantic Crossings at the
Summerhall (Tuesday, April 27) by the duo Dean Owens and Amy Geddes (pictured).
Also keep an eye out for the piping concert ‘Bagpipes Gu Leor’ and
the American roots duo, The Lowest Pair - who will make their UK debut at
TradFest.
 |
| Redwood Mountain features acclaimed singer-songwriter Dean Owens and traditional fiddle player Amy Geddes. Photo courtesy of Morag Neil, Scary Biscuits Promotions. |
Friday, April 28
FILM Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 cinema release
THE ADVENTURE continues in Marvel’s action-packed American
superhero sequel.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has already received very
good reviews and achieved a score of 8.3/10 on the online film review database
IMDB, whilst the Empire film magazine has awarded it 4 out of 5 stars.
In the film the team: Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt),
Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Baby
Groot (Vin Diesel), run for their lives from an alien race called The Sovereign.
Another film that is released on the same date is the drama Lady
Macbeth which also comes highly rated by critics.
 |
| Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. |
Friday, April 28 – Thursday, May 11
FILM Folk Film Gathering at the Filmhouse
THE FOLK Cinema Gathering’s programme showcases Scottish and
International films with the themes of Song and Labour.
The organisers have looked at recent world events and chosen
films that highlight places where people are experiencing vulnerability.
For example at 6pm on Sunday, April 30, they are showing Charles
Burnett’s Killer of Sheep – which was deemed a remarkable testament to the
working class black experience in 70’s Los Angeles, with themes of poverty and hard
labour that are still relevant there today.
The film depicts the pressures on the urban black community through
its central character, Stan, who works long hours at a slaughterhouse. Its score
uses Afro-American music from the bass singer Paul Robeson (1898-1976) who was
involved in the Civil Rights Movement to end discrimination. This particular
screening is preceded by a live performance from Scottish-based singer Brina
who brings songs from her Jamaican culture and roots.
 |
| Henry G. Sanders as Stan in Killer of Sheep. One of a selection of films showing at the Edinburgh Filmhouse's Folk Cinema Gathering as part of TradFest. |
Saturday, April 29
MARKET Leith Market Celebration
A CELEBRATION of all things Leith takes place at Leith
Market this Saturday.
The event, from 10am – 5pm on Dock Place, boasts market
stalls, street food, and musical entertainment.
There will also be an open day at Custom House and lane with
local exhibits, art and community stalls, as well as children’s games and space
hopper races.
 |
| A photograph of Leith Market taken at the beginning of April. |
DRINK Juniper’s Gin Cruise
ALL ABOARD the Lochrin Belle for a three hour gin tasting
cruise on the Union Canal.
The cruise sets sail at 7pm from the Union Basin at Fountainbridge
and on-board a selection of five premium gins is served.
It stops at the viaduct bridge where a delicious gin
cocktail helps to wash down a three-course selection of tasty bites by the
Edinburgh based company known as the ‘Inside Out Chef’.
The cost is £35, and if you miss it another two Gin Cruises
take place in May.
 |
| Juniper's Gin Cruise at Union Canal. |
STORYTELLING The Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer
COMEDIC storytellers Daniel Serridge and James Spence
present a powerful Scottish story with personal anecdotes as they interpret it
from two standpoints.
The pair return to TradFest with the thought-provoking tale ‘The
Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer’, following their popularity at the festival
last year.
The evening is filled with mystical folk and autobiographical
tales from the heart of the Borders, and features music and ballads.
It takes place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the
Royal Mile from 8pm for 2 hours. Full price tickets
are £8 and the event, which contains adult themes, is for those age 16+.
 |
| Daniel Serridge and James Spence present The Two Truths of Thomas Rhymer. |
Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30
FAIR The Greater Grassmarket’s Vintage Weekend
THE VINTAGE fair in the heart of the city has stalls, cat
walk shows, performances and live music.
A range of classic cars can be admired, and their market
sells pre-loved treasures such as vinyl records, books and accessories.
Renowned local boutiques; Armstrongs and Godiva will be
trading, as well as collaborating in the fashion show that begins at 2pm each
day.
There will be a range of 30-minute long vintage variety
shows, beginning at noon, 1pm and then 3pm, with performances including a
cabaret sword swallower and French can-can dancers.
The event is free, and lasts from noon to 5pm.
 |
| The Greater Grassmarket's Vintage Weekend models and performers. |
Sunday, April 30
FESTIVAL Beltane Fire Festival
TO MARK the changing seasons the Beltane Fire Society
perform using dance, drums, acrobatics, puppetry and fire.
This year is the Festival’s 30th reimagining of
the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane, and they invite everyone to join and
revel in the first joys of summer.
At the end of the show amidst the spectacular setting of
Calton Hill they light their traditional Beltane bonfire.
Tickets cost £8 in advance, or £10 cash at the entrance at
Waterloo Place. Organisers advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment. The
event lasts from 8pm – 1.30am.
 |
| Performers from the Beltane Fire Society during a previous fire festival. |
May
Saturday, May 6
FAIR The Grange Fair
A VARIETY of stalls, refreshments and musical entertainment
has been organised as part of Newington Library’s community event.
Stalls at The Grange Fair will sell items such as jewellery, books and
glassware. Children’s activities include a bouncy castle and face painting.
It will take place from 1 – 4.30pm at Newington Library and
along Fountainhall Road.
 |
| The Grange Fair in Newington. Photo courtesy of www.edinburghplayingout.wordpress.com. |
Sunday, May 7
TALK Professor Brian Cox Live
PHYSICIST and ex rock star Brian Cox discusses astronomy and
physics in this hotly anticipated talk.
The scientist, and ex-keyboard player for the Northern Irish
rock band D:Ream, is said to be highly entertaining in this tour where he tests
the limits of people’s knowledge.
Brian Cox has presented various science related TV shows and
has developed a knack for making highly complex ideas accessible to all.
If you ever question your existence, the meaning of life and
what lies beyond Earth – then this could be one for you.
'Professor Brian Cox Live' begins at 8pm at the Edinburgh Playhouse, and ticket
prices start at £34.
 |
| Tell us Brian Cox :What is the meaning of life? Is it to have floppy hair and smile a lot? |
Thursday, May 11 – Saturday, May 13
FESTIVAL FestivALE4! Beer, Spirits and Street Food Festival
BEER available from multiple brewers will be showcased at
the festival’s venue Summerhall.
Some of the suppliers at ‘FestivALE4!’ are Williams Bros Brewery
based in Alloa, Aberdeen’s Fierce Beer Co, and Barney’s of Edinburgh.
There will also be new concoctions of cocktails on offer,
limited edition beers, and Pickering’s will showcase their hand-made gin.
Expect to see live science experiments and enjoy street food
from a selection of vendors over the three-day event.
Acoustic musician Jim Harbourne will provide music followed
by DJ Joe Malik.
Entry is from 6pm to late, and costs £7 per session. Visitors
must be 18+.
 |
| Beer from Aberdeen's Fierce Beer Co will be available at FestivALE4! |
Friday, May 12
FILM Alien: Covenant cinema release
THE EIGHTH instalment of the Alien film series - Alien:
Covenant - is released in UK cinemas.
It is the third one to be directed by Ridley Scott, and is
the sequel to his 2012 film Prometheus.
The American suspense film stars Michael Fassbender,
Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, and Demián Bichir - who play
characters on a spaceship that lands on an uncharted planet when they make a
terrifying discovery.
 |
| Alien: Covenant film. |
FILM Jawbone cinema release
THE BRITISH drama Jawbone by Thomas Napper (director of the
2012 drama Anna Karenina) is released.
Screenwriter and actor Johnny Harris plays a former youth
boxing champion, called Jimmy McCabe, who returns to his childhood boxing gym after
his life hits rock bottom.
 |
| John Harris as Jimmy McCabe in Jawbone. |
Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13
SPORT European Rugby Challenge Final
BT MURRAYFIELD will stage the European Professional Club
Rugby’s competition - the Challenge Cup and the next day the Champions Cup
finals.
It is the first time since the Heineken Cup Final in 2009
that either event has been held in Scotland.
Friday, May 12 – Sunday, May 14
FOOD Scottish Street Food Awards
THE FIRST ever Scottish Street Food Awards will take place
at the Pitt Street Food Market to honour the work of traders.
The event will host the best food traders in the country,
and local buskers will provide a soundtrack for the weekend.
Guests can vote on their favourite vendor and dish, and the
winners will compete in the British Street Food Awards at the end of September.
Previous Scottish winners of the British Awards have
included The Crema Caravan who scooped ‘Best Dessert’ in 2015, for their ‘Burnt
To Order Crème Brûlée’, which they serve from their vintage Renault van.
 |
| The Crema Caravan will be at the Scottish Street Awards in Edinburgh. Picture courtesy of www.lostinfood.com from the North Hop 2016 street food event in Aberdeen. |
Friday, May 19
FILM Snatched cinema release
THE COMEDY stars comedian Amy Schumer as Emily, and Goldie
Hawn - in her first film for 15 years - as her mum Linda.
Emily is dumped just before an exotic holiday and persuades
her mum to go with her and a jungle adventure ensues. The film is directed by
Johnathan Levine who directed the comedy 50/50 in 2012 which received
favourable reviews.
 |
| Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn in the film Snatched. |
Friday, May 19 – Sunday, May 21
FESTIVAL Festival of Museums
EVENTS for everyone has been organised as part of Scotland’s
Festival of Museums.
The programme, coordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland,
has included a range of events in Edinburgh from talks and exhibitions to a
free ceilidh.
There are also exciting children’s activities. One of which
is a free cartoon drawing session called ‘Your teddy takes a walk around
Edinburgh’ at the City Art Centre between 10.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 4pm on
the Saturday. Children can bring their favourite toy in and get a special toy
portrait drawn against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic buildings by illustrator, Stephen White, who has worked on comics including the Broons and Oor Wullie.
 |
| An Oor Wullie cartoon. |
ADVENTURE Foxlake Outdoor Festival
AN OPPORTUNITY for all to try some outdoor adventure activities
is on offer.
The Foxlake Outdoor Festival, in Dunbar, gives children and
adults a chance to try their Foxfall low ropes course over water, wakeboarding,
Segway sessions and SUP (stand up paddle boarding), as well as other activities
in their still ‘to be announced’ Activity Zone.
The event - run by Foxlake Adventures in partnership with
East Lothian Council - will also provide live music on their Decades Music
Stage featuring tribute bands and local singers, as well as a large line-up of
comedy acts.
Their newest addition is an Adrenaline Arena with Parkour
and BMX Stunt Shows.
Tickets are free for children under 16, and £17 per day for
adults or £30 for both days.
 |
| Cable wakeboarding is one of the adventure activities at Foxlake Adventures. Photo courtesy of www.foxlake.co.uk/. |
Sunday, May 21
ENTERTAINMENT The Edinburgh Street Ceilidh
A CEILIDH is open to members of the public as part of this
year’s Festival of Museums.
The dances will be led by the Edinburgh-based Jacobites
Ceilidh Band who organise events across the UK.
The free event will take place from 11am – 2pm at the City
Art Centre in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
 |
| Members of The Jacobites Ceilidh Band. Photo courtesy of www.fixthemusic.com/. |
Friday, May 26
EVENT Zoo Nights
ZOO Nights allow after-hours access for adults to see the
animals and includes exclusive talks with the keepers.
Street food and drinks, a silent disco, a carnival and magic
shows are also on offer at the event.
It’s held at Edinburgh Zoo, costs £20, and lasts from 6pm to
10pm. Another three zoo nights take place in June.
 |
| Edinburgh Zoo Nights promotional poster. |
FILM Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge cinema
release
A FIFTH outing for Johnn Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow.
The Captain is pursued by an old nemesis, Armando Salazar,
and his Spanish Navy ghost crew who have escaped from Devil's Triangle.
Outside of the UK the film is known as ‘Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’.
Friday, May 26 – Sunday, May 28
FESTIVAL Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival
INTERNATIONALLY renowned craft beer producers will attend
Scotland’s first ever global gathering of this kind.
Some of the 30 brewers include Lervig from Norway, Firestone
Walker (California) and Pohjala (Estonia), as well as the Yeastie Boys’ company
from New Zealand.
It will take place at the Biscuit Factory, Leith, and
advertises an abundance of food from The Pitt’s vendors, as well as high-profile
DJ sets.
Notably, on Saturday during the day, Bombay Bicycle Club
offer entertainment, and on Sunday Idlewild will perform.
Friday, May 26 – Sunday, June 4
FESTIVAL Hidden Door
THE OLD Leith Theatre has been refurbished and reopened after
it was left derelict for 30 years.
Across 10 days and nights music and entertainment will be
brought to the resurrected venue as part of the Hidden Door multi-arts
festival.
Live music includes Scottish Album of the Year winners Anna
Meredith and Kathryn Joseph, Scottish Indie legends Idlewild, rapper Soweto
Kinch, and multi-instrumental bands: Hidden Orchestra and Bossy Love.
There will also be visual art, film, theatre, spoken word
and poetry.
 |
| A photograph from previous a Hidden Door Festival event. |
Saturday, May 27
DRINK Juniper’s Gin Cruise
ALL ABOARD the Lochrin Belle for a three hour gin tasting
cruise on the Union Canal.
The Gin Cruise sets sail from the Union Basin at
Fountainbridge and on-board five premium gins will be served.
Before returning there is a stop at the viaduct bridge where
a delicious gin cocktail helps to wash down a three-course selection of tasty
bites from the Edinburgh based company known as the ‘Inside Out Chef’.
The cost is £35, and guests can begin the Gin Cruise at 1pm,
or hop on their later voyage at 4pm.
 |
| The Inside Out Chef is run by the passionate home cook Wendy Paterson - who provides nibbles for cruises on the Lochrin Belle. Chris Mackenzie Photography. |
FITNESS Edinburgh Marathon Festival
A RUNNING festival for all ages with seven races to choose from including the marathon, half marathon, team relay, 10k, 5k and short junior races.
The marathon, which takes place on the Sunday, follows a
flat course and was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by the Runner’s World
magazine. It costs £50 to enter and sells out every year.
DRINK The Whisky Stramash
 |
| The Edinburgh Marathon Festival features a variety of races. |
DRINK The Whisky Stramash
SAMPLE more than 200 whiskies from Scotland and abroad at Surgeon’s Hall on Nicolson Street.
Follow The Whisky Stramash on their Facebook to find out updates of the
companies they have confirmed for the two day event so far.
Tickets are available from £28.
 |
| The Whisky Stramash promotional photograph. Characters from the Whisky Stramash tale: the devil, monk, the barbour surgeons, exciseman and angels. |
Wednesday, May 31
FILM Ed Film Festival Memories Project and Edinburgh International
Film Festival’s programme launch
A COLLECTION of more than 100 archived images of Edinburgh’s
International Film Festival will be published along with the 2017 film festival
programme.
The ‘Ed Film Festival Memories Project’ will mark the
festival’s 70th anniversary this year and includes pictures of various
famous movie stars taken over many years.
Members of the public are also invited to submit their own
photographs, but where the images will be available to view is undisclosed.
 |
| The Crazies screened at EIFF in 1973 and staff dressed up in decontamination suits to distribute promotional materials to bewildered passers-by on Princes Street. |
June
Thursday, June 1
PICK-UP The List Edinburgh and Glasgow Events Guide
EVENTS magazine ‘The List’ publishes their new what’s on
guide covering all of the events and festivals coming up around Scotland.
Copies of the Pleasance, Underbelly, Assembly and Gilded
Balloon’s Fringe Festival brochures are available in their next issue!
Friday’s, June 2, 9 and 23
 |
| Then little-known Jennifer Lawrence attended EIFF in 2010 with director Debra Granik for the premiere of Winter's Bone, kicking off her very high heels during a Q&A at Filmhouse |
Friday’s, June 2, 9 and 23
ENTERTAINMENT Zoo Nights
ZOO Nights allow after-hours access for adults to see the
animals and include exclusive talks with keepers.
They also provide street food and drinks, a silent disco, a carnival
and magic shows.
The events, at Edinburgh Zoo, cost £20 and last from 6pm to
10pm.
 |
| A romantic proposal during an adult Zoo Night. www.facebook.com/EdinburghZooNights |
Saturday, June 3 & Sunday, June 4
MUSIC Meadows Festival
LOCAL bands and performance groups gather at The Meadows Park.
There are also family-friendly activities and workshops,
dance shows and even a dog show.
Two main music stages feature both local and national bands that
overall cater for every music taste.
Refreshments can be bought from the cafes, market stalls and
beer tents.
The Meadows Festival is free to attend, and runs from 10am to 6pm on both
days.
 |
| The Meadows Festival at the Meadows park. |
Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 11
ART Edinburgh College of Art’s Degree Show
A PUBLIC showcase of artwork from graduating art and design students is featured at the college.
The Edinburgh College of Art’s Degree Show is a free
exhibition that is presented from Saturday 3 – Sunday 11, from 11am to 5pm.
There are late night openings until 8pm on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8.
The Degree Show will take place across several sites
including their main building, on Lauriston Place.
 |
| One of the exhibitions at the degree show in 2015. Nik Karavellas work Clap if You Think You are Going to Heaven. Photograph credit: Jeff J Mitchell. |
Monday, June 12 – Saturday, June 17
THEATRE Dirty Dancing
‘THIS STAGE version is a phenomenon’ described the Sunday Mirror.
Dirty Dancing tells the classic story of two youngsters,
Baby and Johnny, who come together one summer through dance.
It features 35 hit songs including ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey
Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and ‘The Time Of My Life’.
Dirty Dancing will be at The Edinburgh Playhouse for six
days only, and tickets are on sale now from £18.
 |
| Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage. |
Saturday June 10 – Tuesday, July 18
FESTIVAL Leith Festival
A FUN-packed programme of events including exhibitions,
concerts, walks, talks and films take place in the vibrant community of Leith.
The Leith Festival’s Gala Day is on Saturday June 10, and
the Leith Festival Tattoo takes place on Sunday June 18.
Their full programme of events will be published in May.
Thursday, June 15 – Sunday, June 18
FESTIVAL LeithLate17
MUSICIANS, poets and filmmakers perform at various venues
across Leith for the three-day festival.
Activities take place in and around the event’s hub for this
year, the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Dalmeny Street.
Their full programme of venues and collaborators - as well
as listings for their art installations, live music gigs, mural tours and
parties - will be announced in May.
 |
| The Mural Project is one of LeithLate’s ongoing public art initiatives which operates throughout the year and involves the installation of new street artworks in and around the Leith area. Portrait of Eduardo Paolozzi by Russell Ian Dempster. |
Wednesday, June 21 – Sunday, July 2
FILM Edinburgh International Film Festival
ARE you passionate about cinema? World premieres and old
favourites will be screened at the film festival across various venues.
The Edinburgh International Film Festival, established in
1947, is world renowned for discovering and promoting the best in international
cinema and for putting the spotlight on the most exciting new film talent.
Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2
FESTIVAL RebusFest
SCOTTISH novelist Ian Rankin’s crime fiction detective has a
whole festival dedicated to him.
RebusFest marks the thirtieth anniversary of the well-loved
creation John Rebus, of Edinburgh, and celebrates his legacy.
The festival, curated by Ian Rankin, will include
interactive events, live music, walking tours, screenings, and food and drink,
as well as talks on the historic and contemporary influences on Rebus.
Experts, artists and performers will join Ian across the
weekend to provide a unique insight into the character who first appeared in
the book Knots and Crosses in 1987.
Friday, June 30 – Saturday, July 8
 |
| A weekend celebration of crime fiction with Ian Rankin marks three decades of his Detective John Rebus. |
Friday, June 30 – Saturday, July 8
FESTIVAL MagicFest
THE ANNUAL arts festival, MagicFest, attracts more than
12,000 people at 80 venues across the city.
Edinburgh International Magic Festival host what’s classed
as the ‘UK’s largest magic event' in their aim to be the world leader for
programming innovative, cutting edge magic.
There will be workshops and mindboggling live shows, as well
as the festivals flagship event, the MagicFest Gala Show, at the Festival
Theatre on the final day.
July
Saturday, July 8
ENTERTAINMENT MagicFest Gala Show
ILLUSION and circus acts from around the world assemble at
the Magic Festival’s flagship show.
At the MagicFest Gala Show acts perform visually stunning
and breath-taking tricks.
Show information describes that ‘the rules of gravity are
bent and broken’ in this year’s event entitled ‘Levitation’
It takes place at The Festival Theatre at 2.30pm (matinee)
and 7.30pm. The event is suitable for ages 5+ and tickets cost £24 - £33.
Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 23
MUSIC Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
EARLY JAZZ to the avant-garde is featured at this exciting
10-day event.
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is Scotland’s biggest
jazz celebration - presenting concerts all over the capital at concert halls,
clubs, parks and churches.
 |
| The Italian group Rumba de Bodas will perform at the Jazz Festival on Friday, July 14, at the Spiegeltent in Assembly Gardens, George Square. Their high-octane, gypsy-swing travels from latina to swing, balcanica to reggae, and soul to folk. |
Sunday, July 30
FITNESS Edinburgh Dog Jog
ENJOY a 5k jog with your dog around Holyrood Park with other dog-lovers and their pets.
The Edinburgh Dog Jog organisers, who have 17 similar events
across the UK this year, promote a relaxed and fun atmosphere for their events.
Finishers receive a Doggy Bag of goodies, as well as a Dog Jog
Collar Keyring and medal.
The event begins at 8.30am, and entry is priced at £12.99.
August
Friday, August 4 – Sunday, August 6
FESTIVAL Foodies Festival
WATCH Michelin star chefs and MasterChef winners cook delicious meals at the event’s Chef’s Theatre.
Visitors of the Foodies Festival can also indulge their
sweet tooth in the Cakes and Desserts Theatre, and enjoy a glass of Pimm’s and alternative
refreshments at the Live Music Stage.
Shop for local produce at the artisan market, and check-out
their new Healthy Living Zone - where top chefs cook healthy recipes and guests
can try a yoga or mindfulness class.
Go to foodiesfestival.com
for tickets to the event at Inverleith Park.
Friday, August 4 – Monday, August 28
FESTIVAL Edinburgh Fringe
PERFORMERS from around the globe take to stages across Edinburgh for the World’s biggest celebration of arts and culture.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe provides a three-week programme
of events including theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, children’s shows,
musicals, opera, and exhibitions.
Last year there were 50, 266 performances of
3,269 shows across almost 300 venues.Below are a few photographs showing scenes of Edinburgh and street performances during previous festivals.
 |
| The streets of the capital is busy with visitors. Photo credit: www.funnywomen.com. |
 |
| Performers around the Greyfriars Bobby Memorial Statue. Photo courtesy of the Edinburgh Fringe Society. |
 |
| Street performers do acrobatics on the Royal Mile. |
 |
| A somersaulting performer.in front of the the Royal Scots Greys monument at Princes Street Gardens. Photo credit www.spotlight.com. |
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