Date: 8 August 2026
Time: 7am – 8am
Venue: Santu Coffee Roastery, 23 Union Street (Venue 331)
Running time: 60 minutes
Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)
Reviewed by: Bella Pirintji
Fringe Run: 8 Aug, 22 Aug
Ticket Price: £11.50 (£10 + £1.50 booking fee)
Performers: Mollie Sellors (@mollysellors) and Charlotte Devlin (@charlottedevlinn)
Other notes: First show sold out.
Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/7am-oboe-rave
I’m not a morning person, and I prefer silence over socialisation before midday. When a musical friend told me about a 7am oboe rave, I was intrigued – I can’t recall a time I’ve heard those words used in the same sentence. But given the early wake-up (5.45am for me!) and the fact that I’d put my rave days behind me, I wasn’t sure about going. After some thought, I figured the Fringe is great for trying new things, and made sure to secure a ticket to the first of only two dates this festival.
Housed inside Santu Coffee Roastery (Fringe Venue 331), the prospect of a quality morning brew was a big draw. At the door, we were greeted with a smile and an LED glow stick, and encouraged to make our way to the coffee counter for an included cup of cold brew. People trickled in and sipped their liquid stimulants as the anticipation grew. The roastery’s warehouse-style building (rare for central Edinburgh) let the morning light in beautifully as we quietly socialised and took in the setting.
Once everyone was inside, the party began. Social media musician Mollie Sellors stood on stage among a collection of different oboes, next to producer Charlotte Devlin on the decks. For the next hour, we were treated to a series of tunes kicked off by Robert Miles’ 1995 classic, ‘Children’.
The crowd’s energy was simultaneously mellow and energetic. We were encouraged to dance and move; Mollie made her way through the crowd with her oboes while Charlotte brought up the energy on the mic. Everyone in the room was participating to some extent, and no one was ‘too cool’. Without spoiling too much: we boogied, received some oboe education, and willingly spelled out O-B-O-E with our arms, YMCA-style.
The crowd was diverse. Judging by their dance moves and overall aura, a few appeared to be experienced ravers. I was concerned the event would attract a few people mid start-of-Fringe bender, but the environment was surprisingly wholesome. There were children with parents, more senior citizens and even a dog.
Seasoned classical music fan and long-time patron of the arts, Adam, from Birmingham, says he was drawn to the show’s uniqueness.
“I adore Bach, and I also like stuff that’s new. I am excited to see shows by women composers.”
Compared to the booming speakers expected at a rave, the music and bass lines were relatively soft. That said, it let the oboe shine, and was probably appreciated by Santu’s baristas and neighbours given the early hour.
A love letter to the oboe, this show combines recognisable party tracks with haunting woodwind sounds in a unique industrial setting. Quirky, inclusive and family-friendly, I’m glad I got out of bed for this. I’ll be keeping an eye on future shows by Mollie and Charlotte, and hope to see them lead a symphony of EDM oboists at the next one!
