A visit to Scotland is not complete without visiting one of Scotland’s beautiful cities. Whether it’s Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Dundee, Inverness or Edinburgh, they all have their own special appeal. And they each have their own festivals and other tourist attractions. If you’re visiting Edinburgh you might want to read on as there are some great festivals planned for 2019. If you’re not visiting Edinburgh you might want to check our Events Page for an overview of the major festivals Scotland wide. Below is an overview of some of the most important Edinburgh festivals in 2019:
Edinburgh International Science Festival. 6 April-21 April 2019
Edinburgh International Science Festival delivers one of Europe’s largest Science Festivals, giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of innovative and inspiring discussions, workshops, performances, screenings, special events and exhibitions. The Science Festival brings great minds together for a programme that fosters dialogues about the future of our culture, our nation, our planet and our understanding. More info on www.sciencefestival.co.uk
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. 25 May-2 June 2019
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival presents the world’s best theatre and dance for young audiences with performances that are deeply engaging, innovative and inspiring. With an emphasis on striking visual productions, the international programme continuously goes beyond expectations of children’s work, inspiring and delighting both the young and young-at-heart. More info on www.imaginate.org.uk/festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival. 19-30 June 2019
Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema and for heralding and debating changes in global filmmaking. Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, Edinburgh International Film Festival seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent. A mix of red carpet glamour, innovative and exciting cinematic discoveries and massive audience appeal makes Edinburgh’s Film Festival one of the world’s most popular and approachable celebrations of cinema. More info on www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. 12-21 July 2019
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival plays host to the finest jazz and blues talent from all corners of the globe. From bop to boogie-woogie to blues-rock, from samba to swing to soul, there’s something to suit every mood and musical taste over 10 groove-packed summer days. From the magic mirrors of grandiose Spiegeltents to the opulence of the Festival Theatre to hip jazz clubs, the Festival matches the music to some great venues. More info on www.edinburghjazzfestival.com
Edinburgh Art Festival. 25 July-25 August 2019
The UK’s largest annual celebration of visual art, attracting over 250,000 visitors each year, Edinburgh Art Festival brings together the capital’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces, alongside new public art commissions by established and emerging artists and an innovative programme of special events. The festival includes over 40 exhibitions each year, showcasing some of the best contemporary art alongside important artists and works from modern and historical periods. Each year Edinburgh Art Festival commissions new work by leading and emerging Scottish artists, with a particular emphasis on artists who are developing work for non-gallery contexts. More info on www.edinburghartfestival.com
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 2 August-24 August 2019
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an iconic Edinburgh institution. A sell-out year after year, enjoy music, dance and precision from the Massed Pipes and Drums, the Massed Military Bands, cultural troupes, singers with the poignant refrain of the Lone Piper against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Each year’s Tattoo is very much a ‘global gathering’ – showcasing the talents of musicians and performers from every corner of the globe. More info on www.edintattoo.co.uk
Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 2 August-26 August 2019
The world’s largest arts festival transforms Scotland’s capital every August, as thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows of all kinds. The work on show ranges from huge names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers. Entirely open-access, the Fringe is proud to include in their programme anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them. Audiences can enjoy theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, physical theatre, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. More info on www.edfringe.com
Edinburgh International Festival. 2 August-26 August 2019
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. Edinburgh’s six major theatres and concert halls, a few smaller venues and often some unconventional ones too, come alive with the best music, theatre, opera and dance from around the globe. The International Festival presents events which cannot easily be achieved by any other UK arts organisation through innovative programming and a commitment to new work. More info on www.eif.co.uk
Edinburgh International Book Festival. 10 August-26 August 2019
The Edinburgh International Book Festival programme offers over 800 events featuring the greatest writers and thinkers in the world. From rising stars of fiction to Nobel Prize-winners, it’s a place where audiences and authors gather to share ideas, have thought-provoking discussions, be entertained, informed, enthralled, and challenged. There is also a highly regarded programme of events for children and young adults featuring the finest writers and illustrators for young people. From author events and interactive workshops to lively debates and book signings, the Book Festival gives you the chance to meet your favourite authors, hear about their latest work, and get stuck into some gripping conversations. More info on www.edbookfest.co.uk
Scotland’s International Storytelling Festival. 18 October– 31 October 2019
Scotland’s International story-telling festival offers enchanting performances, workshops, as well as talks and events centred on traditional storytelling. This celebration of live oral traditions and cultural diversity brings together Scottish and international storytellers and musicians to celebrate rhythms and methods of storytelling. Inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition and its sense of togetherness, this is an inviting community gathering full of tales, anecdotes, music, songs and ballads. More info on www.sisf.org.uk
Leave a Reply