Previous Events

Leith Festival 2002

As can be seen from the photos, the theme for the Pageant was the ever popular
Harry Potter
To learn more visit Leith Festival's own site

In line with the more open stance of all the Leith Churches. North Leith Parish Church opened its doors to the Community of Leith, Visitors and Tourists alike. It wasn't all serious history as there were Games, Goodies for the young and the young at heart, Music and teas but above all great fun. Along with this there were contributions from all the North Leith Church organisations.

It was hoped that by throwing the doors open to one and all, it would demonstrate what the Church has to offer to the people, not only of North Leith, but to the rest of Leith and the wider Community as well. Not only this but everyone, from whatever part of the Leith Community they came, found a great reception and a warm welcome.

North Leith has a fine history going back several hundred years being founded in 1493 by Robert Ballantyne Abbot of Holyrood at St Ninian's. This building over time became ruinous but was rebuilt in 1595 and in 1606 become the Parish Church for North Leith. Although the building we now see in Quayside St today dates from 1675. Later in 1816 the Church moved from St Ninian's to the new North Leith Parish Church building in Maderia St. In that long period of time the ties that have linked it with the surrounding community has remained strong and through its many Organisations still serve the Community of North Leith to the present day. Not only this but North Leith is also an active member of the Leith Churches Forum and the Leith Council of Churches and serves not only Leith but the wider World wide Christian community through its connection with other Christian Organisations.

Of course the weather could have been better! But what would the Leith Festival be without a bit of rain!

Pilrig Street, Leith Walkwas lined with crowds of people waiting to see the procession of floats and bands and people waving banners and streamers.

Despite the dull weather and the occasional drop of rain, the warmth and joy of the message to Leith was " SMILE JESUS LOVES YOU"

An amazing amount of work had been done behind the scenes. Materials bought, donated and borrowed, artistic skills used to perfection; heavy articles carried by hand and secured in place as the float took impressive shape.

The colourful balloons and the sign of the cross proclaimed the joy and power of God's love and the message- " SMILE JESUS LOVES YOU" - reached out to everyone.

To the rhythm of " Shine Jesus shine", "We want to see Jesus" and many others the folk from the Leith Churches together danced and sang.

It was great to walk down Leith Walk, seeing people we knew and having a chance to wave to other folk up in their tenements looking down. As children and their family waved back, as old folk unable to come down waved back, there was a sense of real community and sharing in the joy of the occasion and in the joy of Jesus.

It was good to see the Church at the heart of the life of our community in Leith.