| , Various Locations Edinburgh | |
| 01314732000 | |
| Edinburgh International Festival Website | |
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The Edinburgh International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood, the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and leaders from the City of Edinburgh. It was established in 1947 as a world class cultural event to bring together audiences and artists from around the world, and over 70 years has gone from strength to strength.
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. The International Festival presents a programme featuring the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.
Our impact extends beyond the annual programme: our community learning and engagement and professional development programmes run throughout the year, reaching the widest possible audiences and contributing to the cultural and social life of Edinburgh and Scotland.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.
READ MOREJoin us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!
READ MORECymera is Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing and it returns to Edinburgh from 6th to 8th June.
READ MORERare Books Edinburgh is a festival dedicated to rare, collectable and important books and the history of the book.
READ MOREBurns&Beyond returns in January 2024, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns through traditional and contemporary art and culture from across Scotland and Beyond!
READ MOREThe Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns from 22nd October to 1st November 2025 with the theme 'Lights of the North'.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Horror Festival is one of the most popular Hallowe'en events in Edinburgh. Incorporating theatre, comedy, magic, spoken word, movies, games, improv, workshops and more!
READ MORELuminate: Scotland's creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.
READ MORE2024 marks the 7th year of ScotlandsFest, more than 40 captivating events celebrating the vibrant literary, cultural and political landscape of Scotland.
READ MOREAudacious Women Festival encourages and empowers women to break personal, political, institutional barriers, and celebrates inspirational women.
READ MORELammermuir Festival is East Lothian's celebration of Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places.
READ MORECurious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s annual festival of knowledge – a free, open-to-all celebration of ideas, discovery, and conversation.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival returns in 2024 with a full programme of events and activities across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and the start of The Year of the Dragon.
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