Tinderbox Collective is hosting the PlayAway for a Day conference and exhibition in Edinburgh to examine the crossover between creative technology, game design, and community arts. Taking place at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith on Saturday, 24 October 2026, the one-day gathering brings together technologists, artists, educators, and youth workers to question who gets to shape the digital tools entering schools and cultural spaces.
The programme runs from 10:00 until 16:45, with tickets available for Β£10 or on a pay-what-you-can basis. Attendees do not need technical expertise to participate, as the event focuses on honest conversations, practical demonstrations, and collaborative networking rather than exclusive industry jargon.
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Immersive musical experiences and interactive exhibits
The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, located just off Leith Walk on Dalmeny Street, offers a spacious, historic setting for the day’s events on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The venue’s community-focused atmosphere aligns directly with PlayAway’s accessible ethos and provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on democratising digital spaces.
Throughout the Saturday event, panellists and organisations including Drake Music Scotland, Youth Link Scotland, Datakirk, and Biome Collective will discuss topics such as artificial intelligence in community work and creating musical experiences for children in hospitals. Alongside the ticketed conference, a free exhibition will showcase digital works. Installations include Alastair Low’s pop-up game book, Lowtek Lightbook, and Lucy Middleton’s Phone Call from the Edge of the Universe, a narrative game operated through a physical phone booth. The day concludes with an informal networking session at the nearby Leith Victoria Bar.
Things to do in Leith
Leith is a busy neighbourhood packed with independent cafes, pubs, and shops, making it an excellent base for a weekend visit. The Out of the Blue Drill Hall itself hosts a popular cafe, but the surrounding streets offer plenty of independent hospitality options.
If you are travelling into Edinburgh for the conference, booking train tickets to Waverley Station via Trainline UK is a reliable option, and the tram network will take you directly from the city centre down Leith Walk. For those needing a place to stay, Booking.com provides a range of rented holiday accommodation and hotel options near the Shore. Visitors extending their trip might consider hiring a vehicle through Rental Cars to explore the Lothians, though picking up AllClear Travel Insurance is always a prudent step before you travel. If you prefer a quiet night in after a busy day of networking, Deliveroo UK operates extensively across Leith and will deliver local independent food straight to your accommodation.
For your Radar
PlayAway for a Day takes place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 10:00 to 16:45 at Out of the Blue, Edinburgh. The event offers a rare chance to bridge the gap between complex digital tools and grassroots community applications. View the full schedule and secure your attendance on the official Tinderbox Collective website.
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