A SUNDAY market, open-air concerts and film nights are being planned for the Grassmarket once the long-awaited revamp is complete.

Unique Events, the company behind the city's Hogmanay celebrations, has proposed a series of events starting in November.

Scottish Enterprise is drawing up the programme, which will be discussed with local residents and traders. It hopes to turn the street into a major venue during the Festival, and to host high quality, "family friendly" events all year round.

These are set to include classical and folk concerts, and street theatre. A temporary stage could be put up near Victoria Street, with a screen to show films.

The programme would build on the success of existing events such as the Mardi Gras celebration which takes place in July as part of the Jazz and Blues Festival.

There are also plans for an arts and crafts market every Sunday during the summer.

The £6 million redevelopment is expected to be completed by October. The project is designed to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, with wider pavements with room for tables and chairs.

Fiona Michie, of Scottish Enterprise, said they were producing a "pilot programme" for the first 14 months. This will kick off with a community celebration on November 29, when the redevelopment will be officially opened. Ms Michie said: "Part of the thinking is we want to change the visitor mix. We want to make it a more family friendly, safer and high quality environment.

"We want to encourage the Grassmarket traders and residents to take ownership of the space.

"The space in the middle will be used for markets. There are already areas designed for tables and chairs. We're trying to create much more of a feel of a European cafe culture.

"We could put a small stage for classical and folk music. There would be a great atmosphere, with the castle as a backdrop. During the Festival we could have pitches for street theatre.

"We're not looking at raucous rock bands. We're very keen to see what does happen is of the best quality.

"It's about changing people's perception of the area. We need to make sure we involve the community in all the discussions."

The report by Unique Events was presented at a recent meeting of the Grassmarket Forum, which is made up of local councillors, traders and residents.

Bill Cowan, of the Grassmarket Traders' Association, said he welcomed the ideas. He said: "This probably allays people's worst fears. It's never going to be a big money spinner, but it will enrich the area.

"The Grassmarket is a residential area, so it makes sense to have fewer, high quality events."

Canongate's feeling festive too

A STREET party is among the events being planned for a six-week research project to document Edinburgh's Old Town.

The Canongate Project is aimed at capturing the area's history but also what people who live and work there just now feel about the place.

The project includes art exhibitions, workshops, films and talks.

The scheme has been made possible through a grant from the Scottish Communities Action Research Fund (SCARF) and will culminate in a street party in East Market Street on June 28.

Arts impresario Richard Demarco will begin the programme with his talk, A Portrait of Edinburgh as a World Heritage Site, on May 5th.

Save Our Old Town campaigner Sally Richardson said: "We are proud to be presenting a packed programme of events and activities as part of the Canongate Project."

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