The Capital of Scotland is the home to Europe’s most lively calendar of festival events - the Edinburgh Festivals.
The city is best known for its August and New Year Festivals. However a huge variety of smaller festivals take place in Edinburgh throughout the year, which will suit all ages and cultures.
Below we have given you a taster of some of the most popular festivals in Edinburgh, which also have links to their own sites where you can find more detailed information and up to date prices and dates.
It is easy to see why Edinburgh has become known as the ‘Festival City’
Jazz Festival - 25th July - 3rd August 2008
Some of the best performers in the world will hit town for an entertaining celebration of all things jazz, featuring over 100 concerts which take part across the city, with highlights including Jazz on Summer’s Day, the UK’s biggest jazz event and Mardi Gras. www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk
Film Festival - 18th - 28th June 2008
Festival goers will be able to get an insight into the production process of well known films including talks by directors, advance screenings and sneak previews, as well as the chance for some serious star spotting, glamorous parties and premiers. www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Book Festival - 9th - 25th August 2008
Meet your favourite author, take part in heated debates, attend book readings with famous authors, take part in a creative workshop, or browse the bookshops and relax in one of the onsite bars or cafes. This all takes place under a myriad of tented roofs in
International and Fringe Festival - 8th - 31st August 2008
The Edinburgh Festival is the biggest in the world attracting a huge variety of performers from across the globe. You will be entertained by Shakespearean plays, stand up comedies, street performances, orchestras, opera and world premiers. www.eif.co.uk www.edfringe.com
Military Tattoo - 1st - 23rd August 2008
The world famous military tattoo attracts over 217,000 people from all over the world each year and 2008 is to be no exception, it is set to see the largest gathering of the showpiece armed service event since it commenced over 50 years ago.
The 60th Edinburgh Military Tattoo will again be staged against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and will feature a variety of international performers with the highlight of the evening expected to be the fabulous sights and sounds of the famous massed Pipes and Drums, possibly the finest display that can be witnessed anywhere across the globe. www.edintattoo.co.uk
