Join EAF, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Partnership, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, and David McLean of Bona Varda for an intimate screening, panel, and procession of remembrance and reflection — and a chance to see the quilt itself.

The event is in collaboration with, and inspired by, remarkable activist and Leith resident Ally van Tillo, founder of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt and a key figure in Edinburgh’s early response to the AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s.

The night will begin with two film screenings. First, a recent interview with Ally van Tillo revisiting the origins of his activism and reflecting on how he brought the Quilt to the UK. The second is There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, 1995, a previously unseen documentary about the 1994 display of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt in Hyde Park Corner, London.

The screening will be followed by a panel of local activists and researchers in discussion around Edinburgh’s queer history and the quilt’s legacy: Dom Miller-Graham of OurStory Scotland, Christopher Ward of Scotland’s leading HIV and Hepatitis C charity, Waverley Care; Bob Orr of Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive and Raymond Rose of its queer bookshop forerunner, West and Wilde; and chaired by Lecturer in Fine Art Critical Studies at Glasgow School of Art, Dr Cole Collins.

After the panel, the group will lead a torchlight procession through Newhaven, culminating in a glowing symbol of remembrance and hope at Newhaven Harbour — to the sound of a community choir, led by Caspian Alexander-Reid of Edinburgh Trans Choir.

Thanks to the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Partnership, a section of the Quilt, originally worked on by van Tillo, will be on display at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop during the event. A panel of the Quilt will also remain on display at EAF’s French Institute office throughout the winter, bringing this irreplaceable piece of social history to the streets of Edinburgh.

All funds from ticket sales will benefit Waverley Care.

Access

→ This event will take place at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, which has step-free access.

→ The screening and panel will be fully seated. If you require a specific type or placement of seat, please note this in “Access Needs” when booking your ticket.

→ The films will have English subtitles.

→ The vigil procession route will travel from Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop to Newhaven Harbour. While the route is step-free, the cobbled ground is uneven in places, and the vigil will be after sunset.

→ This event will be photographed. If you do not wish to be included in photography, “No Photo” stickers will be available on the door.

Torchlight Procession

→ Wind-proof, long-burning wax torches will be provided by EAF, and glow sticks for young people (under 16). 

→ Processors will need to stay on designated paths and be aware of torches carried by those around them.

→ Members of staff will be on hand to assist with lighting and extinguishing torches. There will be water buckets to extinguish the torches at Newhaven Harbour.

→ Due to wind, torches can sometimes transfer wax onto clothing. While this can be easily removed, please dress accordingly.