Events

The Events and Protocol Office manages a wide range of University events, including ceremonial events, public lecture series, and events involving high-profile guests.

Find out more about some of the events we manage below, including details of how to book tickets for public events.

Upcoming Events

Event date
Oct 30 2025 -

John P Mackintosh Memorial Lecture 2025: Sir Malcolm Rifkind

The annual John P Mackintosh Memorial Lecture is open to staff, students and members of the public. This year's lecture will be delivered by Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG KC.

Further information
Nov 09 2025 -

Remembrance Sunday Service

All are welcome at the Remembrance Sunday Service, held at the University of Edinburgh, jointly with Heriot-Watt, Napier and Queen Margaret universities.

Further information
Nov 11 2025 -

Montague Burton Lecture 2025: Dr Corinna Hawkes

Join us with speaker Dr Corinna Hawkes to discuss: Transforming global food systems: an opportunity for a better world. Registration is required for this event.

Further information
Nov 18 2025 -

Christmas Tree Lighting

All are welcome at the Christmas Tree Lighting.

Further information
Nov 30 2025 -

St Andrew's Day Concert

Join us to celebrate St Andrew's Day in music and song at the University of Edinburgh's annual concert.

Further information
Dec 07 2025 -

Carol Service

Join us at the University of Edinburgh's annual Carol Service. Date still to be confirmed.

Further information

Past Events

Explore our archive of recordings of ceremonial events and public lectures.

International Women's Day 2025, delivered by Naeema Yaqoob Sajid - 7th March 2025 (YouTube)

In her lecture for International Women's Day 2025 titled “Only a day, a theme and an initiative?”, EDI campaigner, founder of Diversity+ and co-founder of the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association, Naeema Yaqoob Sajid explored purpose of International Women’s Day, the relevance of the themes, and why now more than ever, we must keep pushing for change.

 

Welcome Ceremony - 8th September 2025

Click above to view the recording of this year's afternoon ceremony.


Principal’s Welcome Ceremony (morning) – 9th September 2024 (Mediahopper)

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, welcomed all new students to the University at the Principal's Welcome Ceremony on 9th September 2024.

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A recording is also available of the afternoon ceremony: Principal’s Welcome Ceremony (afternoon) – 9th September 2024 (Mediahopper)

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Race, Slavery, and the University of Edinburgh – 12th June 2024 (Mediahopper)

In this session, we hear from Professor Tommy J. Curry about the University’s approach to the Race Review and learn first-hand about some of the emerging research from our researchers, Dr Simon Buck and Dr Ian Stewart. 

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Iceland the Brave: The Power and Pitfalls of Patriotism in a Globalised World – 16th April 2024 (Mediahopper)

The University of Edinburgh was delighted to welcome His Excellency Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland, to deliver a lecture in the Playfair Library.

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Mountbatten Lecture, delivered by Quentin Sommerville – 22nd March 2024 (Mediahopper)

The 2024 Mountbatten Lecture was delivered by Senior BBC Correspondent Quentin Sommerville on the topic “Not close enough: The reality of war, eyewitness reporting, and the effort to keep journalists out”.

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International Women's Day Lecture, delivered by Amina Shah – 8th March 2024 (Mediahopper)

The International Women's Day Lecture, titled “50 Ways”, was delivered by Amina Shah FRSE, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland.


Christmas Carol Service – 10th December 2023

The annual Christmas Carol Service led by University of Edinburgh Chaplain Rev. Dr Harriet Harris was held at McEwan Hall.

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Principal’s Welcome Ceremony – 11th September 2023

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, welcomed all new students to the University at the Principal's Welcome Ceremony on 11th September 2023.

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Rector's Installation 2023 – 21st June 2023 [MediaHopper]

Human rights lawyer Debora Kayembe was officially installed as University Rector at the Playfair Library, Old College on 21st June 2023.


Principal's Welcome Ceremony – 12th September 2022 (Mediahopper)

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, officially welcomed all new students to the University at the Principal's Welcome Ceremony on 12th September 2022.

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Principal's Welcome Ceremony – 6th September 2021 (Mediahopper)

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, officially welcomed all new students to the University at the Principal's Welcome Ceremony on 6th September 2021. 

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Remembrance Sunday Service – 8th November 2020 (YouTube)

This short film, including songs, readings, the piper's lament and the laying of wreaths, was produced for Remembrance Sunday in 2020, in lieu of the annual service in Old College, cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. 

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Christmas Tree Lighting 2020 (Mediahopper)

The University Christmas tree lights in the Old College Quadrangle were switched on to celebrate the start of the 2020 festive period. The Principal delivered a short message for all students and staff, with festive cheer provided by A Cappella group Fourtissimo. 

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Dr Andrew Abercrombie: Surviving and Thriving in Extreme Environments – 22nd September 2020 (YouTube)

Dr Andrew Abercromby, University of Edinburgh Mechanical Engineering alum, delivered a talk on Tuesday 22nd September 2020. Dr Abercromby speaks about his life and career, from growing up in a small fishing village in Fife to taking a lead role in space exploration with NASA. The talk is preceded by short talks from Engineering student societies, Asteria and Endeavour whose activities encompasses satellite and rocketry technology.

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Christmas Carol Service – 3rd December 2017 (Mediahopper)

The 2017 Christmas Carol Service was held at St Giles' Cathedral on 3rd December, supported by the Edinburgh University Singers and Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers.

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Christmas Carol Service – 4th December 2016 (Mediahopper)

The 2016 Christmas Carol Service was held at St Giles' Cathedral on 4th December, supported by the Edinburgh University Singers and Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers.

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Christmas Carol Service – 7th December 2014 (Mediahopper)

The 2014 Christmas Carol Service was held at McEwan Hall on 7th December, supported by the Edinburgh University Singers and Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers.


Additional Information

The Events and Protocol Office organise the annual Long Service Awards for staff of the University. More information about these awards is available on the Long Service Awards website:

The Long Service Awards

In conjuction with the John P Mackintosh Joint Memorial Committee, the Events and Protocol Office supports the organisation of the annual John P Mackintosh Memorial Lecture. Details about the lecture series, including details of upcoming lectures and transcripts of previous lectures, are available on the John P Mackintosh Lecture Series website:

John P Mackintosh Lecture Series

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