New chapter for capital’s festivals
Enjoy a year of entertainment in Edinburgh
THE colourful spectacle of Edinburgh’s annual festivals are now as synonymous with the city as the castle that dominates the skyline.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Edinburgh’s first festivals and, after two years without full-scale events, you can expect a joyous return.
The celebration of music, culture, art, books, films, and storytelling will continue all year, culminating in the annual Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. The annual extravaganza is ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
Here’s a guide to each festival and what you can expect.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (May 7-15):
Celebrating the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world, showcasing highquality, distinctive Scottish and international performances to an audience of children, their teachers, and their families each year.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival ( July 15-24):
With more than 170 performances a year, EJBF is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe, creating moving and memorable experiences for music lovers.
Be the first to hear Scottish and international collaborations that can only be uniquely experienced in Edinburgh and enjoy new musicians making festival debuts.
Edinburgh Art Festival (28 July - 28 August): This brings together the capital’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces in a city-wide celebration of the very best in visual art.
The vast majority of the festival is free to attend, and includes free events, art exhibitions, performances, screenings, artist talks and guided tours.
Edinburgh International Festival (August 5-28): For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for people of all nations.
Enjoy a programme featuring the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 5-29): It’s dubbed the single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet.
Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste – from big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 5-27): This is one of the most iconic events in Edinburgh’s calendar. A sell-out year after year, it features music, dance, precision display and the poignant refrain of the Lone Piper against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh International Film Festival (August 12-20):
This innovative programme highlights short films, experimental cinema and documentary films across a range of dynamic genres, including a variety of notable film premieres.
Edinburgh International Book Festival (August 13-29): Discover new writers and meet your favourite authors at creative writing workshops, book signings and author talks. Check out Scotland’s Stories Now in celebration of the Year of Stories 2022.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival (October 14-31): From storytelling performances to workshop discussions and a lively family strand of storytelling activities around Halloween, there’s something here for all festival-goers to get involved with.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (December 30-January 1): As the bells strike midnight, join hands with friends from across the globe in the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the world’s greatest New Year celebrations.