We’re pleased to announce today a new collaboration with Creative Edinburgh and the National Centre for Music, bringing a dedicated Creative Edinburgh Stage to this year’s Hidden Door Festival launch party on Wednesday 11 June 2025.

The partnership brings together three organisations committed to nurturing Scotland’s creative future. The stage will spotlight emerging musicians from across Edinburgh, offering a platform for new voices to share their work with a wide and diverse audience.

Ten solo artists and duos are being selected to perform at the event, supported by the National Centre for Music.

The acts are:

Alec Cooper (with Andy Cooke) 19:00 – 19:15
SheBeat 19:30 – 19:45
Misty-Jo 20:00 – 20:15
Amy Leach & Alasdair Paul 20:30 – 20:45
Euan Stamper 20:55 – 21:05
Cici Chen (with Scot) 21:20 – 21:35
RamTajam 21:50 – 22:05
Pippa Kinneen 22:15 – 22:30
Mel Hocking 22:45 – 23:00

Ola Wojtkiewicz, Executive Director at Creative Edinburgh said: “Every artist needs a stepping stone on their path to the big stage – whether that’s a concert hall or an underground club. I’m thrilled that Creative Edinburgh can champion ten talented local musicians and be a part of their journey. We couldn’t ask for a more energising partnership, Hidden Door’s artistic vision is infectious, and we’re inspired by what the new National Centre of Music stands for.”

The National Centre for Music is an exciting new venue currently in development, as part of the major refurbishment of the former Royal High School building on Calton Hill in Edinburgh – home to Hidden Door 2022. Featuring performance spaces, practice rooms, a recording studio, meeting rooms, offices, and events and conference spaces, the spectacular heritage venue will bring music of all genres to a wide variety of audiences across not just the city but across the globe.

Jenny Jamison, Chief Executive and Creative Director for the National Centre for Music, said: “Hidden Door Festival has such a great reputation for creating bold experiences that allow audiences and communities to revel in their creative passions. Their festival at the old Royal High School in 2022 has left a lasting impression on a huge range of people, so we’re really delighted to be continuing a connection through this new partnership, alongside the brilliant Creative Edinburgh team. When we open, one of our key goals will be to nurture and inspire new talent through initiatives such as apprenticeships and artist residencies. Working with Hidden Door at such an early stage in our development is a brilliant opportunity for us to support musicians and build connections before we launch our own programmes.”

Hazel Johnson, Festival Director at Hidden Door, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Creative Edinburgh and the National Centre for Music on this exciting addition to our 2025 programme. Hidden Door has always been about showcasing new talent in unconventional spaces, and this collaboration allows us to amplify that mission by providing a fantastic platform for emerging musicians. It’s a true delight to be involved in a project that so perfectly aligns with our vision of fostering Scotland’s vibrant creative talent.”

The Hidden Door Opening Party is ticketed, with exclusive discounts for Creative Edinburgh members.

Photos: Fiyin and Grace & The Flat Boys taken at the Creative Edinburgh Summer Party 2023.