Festivals in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's festival spirit soars far beyond the famous International and Fringe Festivals held here every Summer. Edinburgh's Hogmanay draws people from all over the world, and there are festivals of science, of puppetry and for children.

The history of The Edinburgh Festivals:
In 1945 post-war Europe, former Festival cities such as Salzburg and Munich were suffering from shell-shock, so Edinburgh's civic head at the time thought the concept of a prestigious summer festival was a winner when suggested to him.

The Festival would not only be a good Europe-wide PR exercise, but would also act as appointed remark to Glasgow, which was still considered the second city of the Empire. At any rate, the first Festival in 1947 was a success, and prestige was guaranteed with the presence of various international ensembles.

At the same time as all the highbrow things were being touted, a rogue band of merry theatre and music types also descended on Edinburgh in 1947, and by fate or accident; the Fringe Festival was born, as an annual event, which has succeeded and coexisted alongside the International Festival since the very first year. So, with this cultural melange came the unique ability for Edinburgh to sustain this yearly onslaught, to offer the discerning and the more adventurous among us the chance to see and hear a little bit of what the world has to offer, as well as a chance for Scotland to present itself to a massive International audience.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival can't guarantee the same amount of sunshine as Cannes, but is well on the way to matching the glamour! Click on the links below to learn more about each of the festivals taking place in Edinburgh in August and other months of the year.

Edinburgh International Science Festival
Edinburgh International Science Festival is an educational charity which aims to engage all of society in the wonder and value of science and technology, placing a particularly
strong emphasis on giving children experiences of science that are inspiring and confidence building.
30th March - 15th April 2012

Edinburgh International Film Festival
With a stong emphasis on talent, discovery and innovation the film festivals vibrant programme of films and events combines a commitment to audience edification and pleasure along with a strong ongoing stake in the development of UK and Scottish film industries.
20th June - 1 July 2012

Jazz and Blues Festival
"As ever The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival features an excellent mix of singers, future stars, big bands and acts drawn from  the thriving Scottish scene" - The Telegraph
20th - 29th July 2012

Edinburgh Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is officially the largest arts festival in the world!
3rd - 27th August 2012

Edinburgh International Book Festival
An inspiring literary festival, the world's largest public celebration of the written word, right in the heart of Edinburgh: hundreds of author events, debates and workshops packed into 17 extraordinary days each August.
11th - 27th August 2012

Edinburgh International Festival  
Every August, the Edinburgh International Festival transforms one of the world's most beautiful cities, presenting three exhilarating weeks of the finest creators and performers from the worlds of the arts - for everyone.
9th August - 2nd September 2012