Ghostly goings-on

Fascinated by things that go bump in the night? Who you gonna call? Mary King’s Ghost Fest!

The Fest returns to Edinburgh for its fourth year and looks set to bring a shiver to the spine of the most hardened of sceptics, with a programme of events including films, investigations and tours.

For the first time ever, the Playhouse Theatre will see a team of paranormal investigation experts try to record evidence of a ghost known as Albert, thought to be a doorman who died on the premises more than 50 years ago.

If you’re easily spooked then you can always take the kids along to the Junior Ghost Busters Tour. Or, for older kids, there’s the Horrible Histories Bus Tour complete with sound effects. For those who reckon they’re not so simply scared, there’s the opportunity to spend the night in the underground vaults at Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile.

If the thought of seeing a ghost leaves you apprehensive then you may prefer to stick to more mainstream entertainment - movie The Last Witch documents the story of Helen Duncan, who was sent to prison for nine months during World War II after being convicted under Britain’s ancient Witchcraft Act, and there are plenty of clairvoyants and mediums, including a one-night only appearance by TV’s Colin Fry.

Richard Felix, Historian from Most Haunted will be leading an investigation at the Real Mary King’s Close. You can visit the network of hidden closes dating from the sixteenth century which remain intact under the City Chambers. Mary King lived in one of the closes off the Royal Mile until her death in 1644; take a trip back in time to discover what life was like then for the city’s residents.

Mary King’s Ghost Fest takes place at various locations in Edinburgh from 9 to 18 May, for more details visit www.marykingsghostfest.com.