For the past ten years, Hidden Door has opened up new spaces for the arts. Volunteer-run, they champion the regenerative power of using urban spaces, not currently in use, as a mechanism for community activism and civic pride.

Their signature event, the Hidden Door Festival, has grown to become a cornerstone event in Edinburgh's cultural calendar, attracting a diverse programme of performers and audience members.

The 2023 festival, which took place at the former Scottish Widows headquarters, was their most creatively ambitious yet. Run and staffed by over 300 volunteers, the festival featured over 200 performances across five nights, from more than 350 visual artists, spoken word performers, dancers, musicians and live performers, attracting in excess of 8,000 visitors.

“While the scale, ambition, and renown of our festival has grown, we remain proudly volunteer run and led,” says Pete Lang. “Hidden Door operates with a core team of dedicated individuals overseeing the planning and execution of our events. Our volunteers and their dedication, professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm make what we do possible. Any money received goes straight back into the festival and paying our artists, performers and contributors.”

You can find out more via their website or follow them on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Vote for Hidden Door Festival to win the People's Choice Award

[Photo credit: Chris Scott]