Edinburgh is a thriving city with something always happening throughout the year to keep tourists and locals entertained. However, none are as busy as the month of August. In the peak tourist season, Edinburgh hosts a variety of international festivals to allow visitors to sample the best Britain has to offer in the Scottish capital city.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Renowned for discovering and establishing top UK comedians and performers such as Billy Connolly, Eddie Izzard, and Stephen Fry to name a few. The Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world that spans the month of August. It’s an open-access festival meaning anyone can put on a performance making for a varied and unique line-up every year. The biggest success to have started at the Fringe in recent times are hit series, Fleabag, award-winning stand-up performance Nanette by Hannah Gadsby and West End and Broadway musical, Six. People come from all over the world to catch a glimpse of what the Fringe has to offer in hope of seeing the next big thing before anyone else does.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle the Tattoo performances take place every weekend in the evenings through the month of August. The event showcases the talents of military bands from all over the world. Each year has a new theme to drive performances that normally sell out each year. This means over 200,000 spectators enjoy it in person each year, with an additional 100 million tuning in to the television broadcasts. This highly sought-after event is an iconic display of talent with many memorable moments such as the Lone Piper with Edinburgh Castle in the background, the military jets fly over and a stunning fireworks display.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
The International Book Festival is a non-profit, charity organisation committed to celebrating all aspects of the written word. They collaborate with leading and emerging authors in a vast programme of events for the public. Audiences will have the opportunity to witness readings, interviews and events allowing for a sharing of views on all issues from politics to literary all with the aim of garnering a deeper love for reading across all ages and backgrounds. The Communities Programme takes on the heart of the festival by working closely with local groups to create activities to the needs of the community. There’s something for everyone at this fortnight long festival!
Edinburgh Art Festival
This is an annual celebration of visual art that offers up the chance at a glimpse of Scotland’s best contemporary artists. Bringing together the cities best museums, galleries and spaces, this event offers a mostly free to attend, artistic, experience. The EAF offers up works by major and emerging talents with recent commissions including Turner Prize winners, Martin Creed, and Richard Wright. Alongside the festival programme are a plethora of learning and developments opportunities with guided tours, workshops, and community group projects available and inspired by the featured artists.
Edinburgh International Festival
Established in 1947 to bring in leading artists and audiences from all over the world. The International Festival is committed to providing a world-class cultural performative experience. The event offers incomparable performing arts displays from the finest performers in music, theatre, dance, and opera. Established over 70 years ago, the festival grows from strength to strength providing support and engagement in the community all year round in support of its annual celebration. With a massive variety of styles and performances the International Festival is bound to provide a thrilling and captivating experience for all types of audience.
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