From the 8th to the 17th of May, Edinburgh hosted its fifth annual Ghost Fest. The first regular happening of its kind, there are now other similar festivals all round the country, but Edinburgh is still by far the biggest. So, what was on offer this year for those brave enough to attend?


36 separate events were taking place throughout Edinburgh; some were repeated and a number were on at the same time as each other, leading to the inevitable clashes and problems of prioritisation. After poring over the programme (with its useful glossary for beginners and indications as to the suggested level of experience of attendees for each event) and the online version thereof, I was able to put forward a plan of action which would allow me to see as wide a range of events as possible.


The first event I attended was new for 2009 – an overnight ghost hunt from 9pm to 3am at the Malmaison Hotel, Leith, organised by North West Spirit Seekers.