THE CAVES
SATURDAY 5th MAY, SUNDAY 6th May
Fashioned from the vaults and catacombs situated deep beneath Edinburgh's historic South Bridge, The Caves is a truly unique venue truly in keeping with the alternative nature of the Dark City festival.
Centuries old, these chambers have lain dormant for over 100 years, only having recently been discovered and renovated. Now fully retrofitted, this striking complex has been brought right into the 21st century whilst retaining all of the splendor and atmosphere of these incredible historic structures.
We are thrilled that The Caves is hosting the main days of this year's event, promising festival goers and artists alike a truly unique and memorable live music experience.
LOCATION
8-12 Niddry Street South,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1NS
The Caves are accessed via Niddry Street South, which is a small lane just off Cowgate beneath South Bridge. The entrance is approximately half way up on your right.
For those not familiar with Edinburgh, please note that Cowgate is a lower level road that runs underneath South Bridge. This is not obvious from the map! To reach it from the South Bridge / Royal Mile area, you will need to make your way down via adajcent side streets e.g. Niddry Street.
STUDIO 24
FRIDAY 4th May
Studio 24 is one of Edinburgh's longest established and best known alternative music venues. Independently run, the venue has recently been fully refurbished with new sound system and lighting rigs together with radically improved bar area and decor.
Please note that this venue has a strict curfew of 11.00PM.
Special thanks to Gill at Studio 24 for her goodwill and flexibility in accomodating us at such a late stage.
NICOL EDWARDS
FRIDAY 4th May - AFTERSHOW UNTIL 3.00AM
Boasting the title 'Edinburgh's Most Haunted Pub', Nicol Edwards is an atmospheric traditional style bar complex a short walk from Calton Studios (directions will be provided on the night). We have secured the 'Vaults Bar and Banqueting Hall' for the exclusive use of Dark City patrons wanting to make a night of it following the headline band. It consists of a traditional bar seating area and a series of additional rooms fashioned from similar caverns to those featured just along the road at the weekend's main venue, The Caves.
Note that you should enter this part of Nicol Edwards via a dedicated entrance, which will be clearly marked with Dark City signs.
TRANSPORT
Edinburgh has excellent road, air and rail links to both the rest of UK and mainland Europe. Luckily, the city is relatively compact and most locations are a comfortable walking distance from the City Centre. For destinations further afield, the city has an extensive bus network which runs 24 hours a day (provided by Lothian Buses and FirstBus) and a fleet of black-cab taxis. Private hire cabs are also available should you desire.
By Air
Edinburgh Airport is located a few miles out of town to the East of the City. A frequent bus service provided by Airlink connects the Airport with the City Centre. Taxis are also readily available outside the terminal building.
The following websites offer flights to Edinburgh:
British Airways
EasyJet
Ryanair
FlyBe
German Wings
By Train
The main train station, Edinburgh Waverley, is situated right in the City Centre. The main intercity routes are operated by GNER and Virgin with local routes operated by First Scotrail. Waverley has a large taxi rank and bus stops are only a few minutes walk away.
GNER
Virgin Trains
FirstScotrail
By Coach
Edinburgh's bus station has recently undergone major redevelopment and is now open for coaches again. The bus station itself is located right in the City Centre and is within easy reach of taxi ranks and bus stops.
National
Express
Scottish CityLink
ACCOMODATION
As a key tourist destination, Edinburgh boasts a wide variety of hotels, hostels and guesthouses to suit all budgets. These are too numerous to list here but a routine web search should quickly yield a variety of suitable options.