In June 2025, Lyra presents their sixth edition of Bright & Wild – a festival with children and teens at its heart.
Join Lyra’s Young Artists as they bravely step ‘into the night’ exploring possibilities for adventure after the lights go out… Traditionally a time when all good children are safely tucked up in bed, the after-hours offer a rich playground for artistic enquiry.
This year’s festival will showcase four new productions, commissioned and performed by Lyra’s Young Artists (aged 8-18). They’ve been working with the Lead Artists they selected since October 2024 and can’t wait to share their work with you. Expect pillow fights, torchlight, monsters and much more…
The festival is produced and hosted by Lyra’s teenage Culture Crew.
All performances are FREE to attend, but booking is essential. Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. This year, for the first time, you can come and experience all four festival shows in one day. When you book you can choose individual events or select ‘FESTIVAL PASS’ which allows you to book the full programme in one go.
This year’s performances will all be presented at Lyra’s venue Artspace which is at 11 Harewood Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4NT.
The venue is accessible by wheelchair and they have two wheelchair spaces available per performance. There is a ramp at the entrance to Artspace, the studio is on the ground floor and the theatre is on the first floor. The theatre is accessible by lift.
If you require any support to engage with the Bright & Wild programme or if you have any questions, please get in touch with us: anna@lyra.co.uk
Fri 6 June 2025
4pm – 4.15pm: Festival Welcome
4.15pm – 5pm: Don’t Go to the Woods by Jo Sharp and The Outline
5pm – 5.30pm: Brighter & Wilder: You Snooze You Loose (panel discussion) // Dream Maze by Jennifer Steele and Wednesday Performing Arts
5.30pm – 6pm: Dream Maze by Jennifer Steele and Wednesday Performing Arts
6pm – 6.45pm: Way Past My Bedtime by Sally Charlton and Thursday Performing Arts
6.45pm – 7.15pm: Dream Maze by Jennifer Steele and Wednesday Performing Arts
7.30pm – 8pm: Frankie and Max’s Nighttime Adventure by Mischa Stevens and Youth Music
8pm – 8.30pm: Brighter & Wilder: Night Night, Sleep Tight (performance)
Sat 7 June 2025
4pm – 4.30pm: Frankie and Max’s Nighttime Adventure by Mischa Stevens and Youth Music
4.30pm – 5pm: Brighter & Wilder: Pillow Talk (talk) // Dream Maze by Jennifer Steele and Wednesday Performing Arts
5pm – 5.30pm: Dream Maze by Jennifer Steele and Wednesday Performing Arts
5.30pm – 6.15pm: Don’t Go to the Woods by Jo Sharp and The Outline
6.15pm – 6.45pm: Dream Maze by Jennifer Steele and Wednesday Performing Arts
7pm – 7.45pm: Way Past My Bedtime by Sally Charlton and Thursday Performing Arts
7.45pm – 8pm: Festival Thank Yous
8pm – 8.30pm: Brighter & Wilder: Night Night, Sleep Tight (performance)
PLUS…
BRIGHTER & WILDER
This year the festival will be even brighter and wilder as they introduce a new wrap-around programme for audiences to enjoy alongside the festival shows. Join Lyra for talks, panel discussions, interactive experiences as well as a range of activities and food in the festival village.
YOU SNOOZE YOU LOSE • Fri 6 June, 5pm
Join us for a lively event about arts for young people! Lyra’s Young Artists will be quizzing grown-ups about the after-dark arts experiences they loved when they were children and what they dream of for children in future.
PILLOW TALK • Sat 7 June, 4.30pm
Are you a night owl? Then this one’s for you! Come and hear some fun facts about what happens when the sun goes down. It’s a talk all about the exciting world after dark…
SLEEPWALK TO THE ARTPARK • Fri 6 June & Sat 7 June (between 5pm – 7pm)
Take an evening stroll with A Place in Childhood to explore the new Artpark next to Castlebrae High School football pitches. A new outdoor space created with ideas from local children and teens.
NIGHT NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT
Fri 6 June, 8pm and Sat 7 June, 8pm
Get ready for bed after a long day at the festival with a gentle bedtime story… not forgetting a wee midnight snack. Zzz…
