Edinburgh Festival - Information on all 12 of Edinburghs Annual Festivals

Edinburgh’s Festivals

Scotland’s Capital City Edinburgh is the world’s number one festival city. The city sports no less than 12 major festivals that annually bring world-wide flair and top talent to its hundreds of venues. This cultural and diverse city is home to The Edinburgh International Festival, The Edinburgh International Film Festival, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Scottish International Story Telling Festival, Imaginate Festival, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s International Science Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Mela.

Edinburgh International Festival

04 Aug 2017 - 28 Aug 2017

Started way back in 1947, Edinburgh’s International festival was a way of pulling through what was a horrific time in British history. It was thought that by inviting stars and artists to perform here that it would lift spirits and breath fresh air into peoples dismal lives.
Nowadays the festival attracts performers from all over the world and the International Festival presents and showcases the best of Dance, Music, Opera, Theatre and many other arts in its 6 major venues, as well as a number of other venues dotted around the city.

The festival runs in conjunction with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Royal Military Tattoo to turn Edinburgh into one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Starte 04 Aug 2017 - 28 Aug 2017

Without doubt the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world and it brings together a multitude of talent from every corner. Literally thousands of performers descend on Edinburgh to perform their chosen piece to thousands of audience members who come to the city to be wowed.
The fringe boasts big name stars and seasoned performers as well as new and up and coming acts looking to make a name for themselves or share their talent at this annual event.

No Boundaries

The Fringe nourishes art in every form, Cabaret, Theatre, Opera, Children’s Shows, Musicals, Comedy, Dance, Spoken Word, Physical Theatre and Music events. These are just some of the art forms you will see in abundance at this spectacular event. The Fringe gives breaks to young performers and allows them to be experimental, with no boundaries, helping to stimulate new work and creativity. The Fringe holds a truly “huge” opportunity with hundreds of venues and thousands of shows. That's why it's the worlds number 1 Arts Festival.

The Fringe 2016

Fringe 2016 boasted over 50,000 performances in over 300 venues across the city and was a spectacular event for all involved. Over 2 million tickets were sold to audience members from across the globe that visited Edinburgh to experience this massive cultural event.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival

21 June 2016 – 02 July 2017

The EIFF seeks to find exciting and new talent in the world of film. Started back in the 1940’s the festival is well known for discovering and showcasing new talent and bringing their work to the main stage. Some of the movies that premiered here were massive global hits and include the likes of Billy Elliot, Little Miss Sunshine and The Hurt Locker.
Have a look at the program of events at this years Edinburgh International film Festival

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival

20 October 2016 – 31 October 2017

The hugely successful festival of the spoken word is back in 2017 for 11 days of tales, fables and dreamy incantations. Based around the old town area of Edinburgh, the festival brings storytellers from around the globe to help transform our thoughts, stretch our imaginations and bridge divisions within our world. This year’s “stories without borders” will aim to highlight and discuss world-wide issues affecting all of us through the power of storytelling. Read about the events and artists taking part at this years storytelling festival in Edinburgh

Imaginate Festival

27 May 2017 – 4 June 2017

Aimed solely at a young audience the Imaginate festival brings dance and theatre to children of all ages. Each performance brims with music, light and wonderment and helps boost a child’s creative development. Imaginate believe that by bringing top quality performance acts to Scotland we help nurture and encourage our children’s development, which not only helps the individual but the country as a whole.
The festival was a huge success in 2016 with families and children of all ages and will be back to between 27 May 2017 and 4 June 2017

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

14 July 2016 – 23 July 2017

Since the late 1970’s The Jazz and Blues Festival in Edinburgh has been bringing musical excellence to the city year after year, championing on the spot music creation and focusing on the artistry rather than the fame. Over the years the work has developed and has produced a wide array of new sounds both enriching our local musicians and building links with international performers. This year’s festival promises to bring amazing talent to Scotland as well as showcase our own homegrown virtuoso’s.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

01 April 2017 – 16 April 2017

The world’s first festival of Science and Technology was started back in the late 1980’s and aims provoke, motivate and spark interest and amazement in all of us. Festival go-er’s explore how technology, design and science shapes our lives and see how it can improve the way we live day to day. The programme of events are wide and varied appealing to a cross section of age groups so please do have a look at the events planned at this years Science Festival Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Art Festival

27 July 2016 – 27 August 2017

The UKs biggest festival of Visual Art takes place along side Edinburgh’s other two main festivals, The Fringe and The International, Bringing together the city’s main galleries and artists to produce stunning collections and art exhibitions by established artists as well as new emerging talent. Most of these exhibitions are free to visit and take place at many venues across the capital. For a full run down of this years events, head to the Edinburgh Arts Festival Website.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

12 August – 28 August 2017

This festival is jam-packed full of events for those of us that love the power of the written word. Welcoming hundreds of authors, poets, historians, philosophers and more besides. The idea is that people of all ages, walks of lives and interest come together to share their love for books. The festival is based around Charlotte Square in Edinburgh and brings inspiration and entertainment to thousands each year. Head along to the Edinburgh International Book Festival for a day of fun and inspiring thoughts.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

04 August – 26 August 2017

Billed as the experience of lifetime, this is one of Scotland’s greatest festivals of music, culture and spectacle. Situated in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle the evening promises a ceremony like no other and performances from Scottish as well as global performers make this event one the most spectacular visual experiences in the world. This event sells out fast so make sure to pick up a ticket quickly at the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website.

Edinburgh Mela Festival

Dates to be confirmed for 2017

Who would have thought such a small country had such a wide range of diverse cultures? This is what the Edinburgh Mela celebrates in dance and music. The festival promotes community and bridges gaps with communities by promoting mutual understanding. The two day festival is held in the Leith area of Edinburgh and attracts thousands to its live performances in the city. To see this years line up visit the Edinburgh Mela Festival website

Edinburgh Hogmanay

30 December 2017 - 01 Jan 2018

Revelers from around the world descend on Edinburgh to experience a packed three-day event to “welcome in” the New Year. This age old Scottish tradition is famous all over the world and brings over 150,000 visitors to the city for fun, live music and one of the biggest fireworks displays on the planet.
If your looking for fun, fun and then some more then make sure you make your way to Edinburgh Scotland for the worlds biggest New Year Celebrations.
Check out this years Edinburgh Hogmanay Programme here

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