An independent information centre for visitors to Edinburgh during the G8 summit is being organised by Edinburgh University People and Planet. Open to all groups and individuals, it is intended to carry information from groups organising events around the G8 and to act as a reception centre where visitors to the city can find out what is happening.

The space, located in the Mandela Centre, Potterrow is available to any group that wishes to have a stall. The space is intended to provide essential information to visitors, and facilitate an enjoyable time in Edinburgh for all those coming for the G8.

In addition to a reception space, the venue will be used for music, fair trade food and drink and a range of discussions and presentations. The Saturday night will see bands, including Ballboy playing in the Potterrow venue.

Rich Shore, President, Edinburgh People and Planet said: "The G8 week is a great opportunity for Edinburgh. We have an excellent chance to persuade world leaders that it is important to Make Poverty History and act on climate change. We want to make sure Edinburgh is as welcoming as possible to all those who plan to attend giving them the information they need about what's going on in the city together with a chance to eat and drink, while enjoying student venues."

Mark Ballard (Green MSP) said: "It's great that students have seized the opportunity to provide this essential service to Edinburgh's visitors."

The venue is The Mandela Centre, Potterrow, 5/1 Bristo Square, Edinburgh. Multimap:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&search_result=&db=pc&cidr_client=none〈=&pc=EH89AL&advanced=&client=public&addr2=&quicksearch=eh8+9al&addr3=&addr1=