Festival spectacle

From fireworks to films, there's a show for everyone this summer!

Edinburgh festivals

It’s nearly that time of the year again. The razzmatazz, thrills and sheer madness of Edinburgh’s festival season kicks off at the end of July, with a jaw dropping number of shows taking place all over the city.

The festivals attract almost one million visitors, all eager to soak up the atmosphere of the world’s largest arts festival. For a taster of the festival atmosphere, check out the Edinburgh International Film Festival which kicks off for two weeks from 16 June.

As ever, the festival is the place to see premieres of must-see new movies, and this year’s line-up includes a 3D gala screening of Toy Story 3.

And then from 30 July, it’s officially festival season, starting with both the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and the Edinburgh Art Festival.

The weird and wonderful Fringe begins on 6 August. With no artistic selection, it’s anything goes – with up to 1,000 performances a day for the rest of the month.

Don’t forget about the Edinburgh Mela, which also kicks off on 6 August. The Mela is a vibrant, multicultural festival that delivers a mix of music, dance and drama, with an emphasis on grassroots and community artists.

This year’s Edinburgh International Festival has a real global feeling – performers from the Americas and the Pacific rub shoulders with artists from Spain, Holland, Germany, Russia and the UK, creating a delicious melting pot of entertainment. The programme begins from 13 August.

Charlotte Square welcomes bibliophiles from 14 August, when the Edinburgh International Book Festival opens for business. The world’s largest public celebration of the written word, the festival boasts hundreds of readings, debates and workshops packed into 17 days.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and this party closes with a bang. The Bank of Scotland Fireworks concert on 5 September is a fantastic evening of music from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with a choreographed firework display set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Need to know

For more information, visit www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk