CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Edinburgh International Festival 2024 Set to Ignite the Edinburgh Festival Season in its Opening Weekend

The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival begins tomorrow with the first of more than 160 events in an exhilarating 24-day celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland's capital city.

Edinburgh International Festival 2024 Set to Ignite the Edinburgh Festival Season in its Opening Weekend

Article Source: Edinburgh International Festival
Last Updated: 1 August 2024 11:16

• More than 2,000 internationally renowned artists from across 42 nations, including more than 1,000 Scottish artists, will perform.

• The International Festival opens with Opening Event: Where to Begin, an immersive outdoor experience in partnership with The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky. The event is set to welcome thousands in central Edinburgh, blending installation, projection and live performance for only three nights, from 2-4 August.

• First week highlights include: the world-premiere staged adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir The Outrun, the Scottish premiere of Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov’s La Pasión según San Marcos, and the UK production premiere of Carmen, direct from Paris’s legendary opera house, Opéra-Comique.

• To ensure that cost isn't a barrier to cultural discovery, 2024 sees our most generous concessions policy to date: 50% of tickets for the 2024 International Festival are sold at £30 or less. More than 4,000 £10 Affordable Tickets across every event in the programme have already been allocated to those who need them, and many more are still available.

Tickets can be purchased from www.eif.co.uk

1 August, Edinburgh: Tomorrow, the Edinburgh International Festival opens its 24-day programme of more than 160 events for its 77th edition. The original festival, the one that started it all in Edinburgh, runs 2-25 August, and features a hand-picked programme of the world-leading artists in theatre, dance, music and opera, framed by the theme of ‘Rituals That Unite Us’.

More than 2,000 artists from across 42 nations will perform at the International Festival this August, in a major moment in the international arts calendar. Over 1,000 of these performers are from Scotland, and all five Scottish national performing arts companies are represented in this year’s programme.

In 2024, Festival Director Nicola Benedetti’s second year, the International Festival brings 5 world premieres, 13 UK and Scottish premieres, and 2 European premieres to Edinburgh, including an extensive opera programme, with promenade opera Oedipus Rex in the National Museum of Scotland and two staged operas from major international companies: Carmen from the Opéra Comique and The Marriage of Figaro from Komische Oper Berlin.

Kicking off the International Festival, Opening Event: Where to Begin invites nearly 10,000 visitors and locals alike to ignite their festival season with a communal experience which evokes the mythology and history of Scotland’s rich heritage. The new event in Edinburgh’s festival tradition will transform the grounds and magnificent renaissance architecture of George Heriot’s with immersive installation, live performance and video projection.

Presented in partnership with The Macallan, with creative producer Pinwheel and support from EventScotland, the Opening Event runs across three nights from
Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August. Tickets are available online for £15 and concessions from £7.50 are available.

The first week of the International Festival also features not-to-be-missed performances from some of the world’s leading artists, including:

• The world premiere of The Outrun, the stage adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir. Brought to life by Olivier Award-winning playwright Stef Smith, director Vicky Featherstone and Edinburgh’s producing theatre The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, The Outrun will run throughout August at the Church Hill Theatre.

• The most popular French opera in the world, Carmen, direct from Opéra-Comique – the Parisian opera house where it all began. The new production of Georges Bizet's masterpiece is brought to the stage by director Andreas Homoki, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Music Director of the Opéra-Comique, Louis Langrée, with an international cast led by Gaëlle Arquez as Carmen; runs 4-8 August at the Festival Theatre.

• A two-part opening weekend exploring different ways of telling the same story, with two distinct interpretations of the Passion: Latin American and Afro-Cuban musical styles mix with contemporary classical expressions in the Scottish premiere of Osvaldo Golijov's La Pasión según San Marcos, on 3 August at Usher Hall. On 4 August at Usher Hall, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, their Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus take on Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion.

• The UK premiere of Penthesilea, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s production of Heinrich von Kleist’s classic. Ferocious and emotionally charged, Penthesilea is a powerful fusion of a rock concert and an ancient tragic love story, likened to Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet; runs 3-6 August at The Lyceum.

• The Scottish premiere of Please right back, award-winning company 1927’s new family production combining fantastical animations with bold storytelling to explore the effects of the criminal justice system; runs 2-11 August at The Studio.

2024’s programme also offers an increased range of innovative and informal audience experiences, designed to create a closer union between artists and audiences.

Beanbag concerts are back after popular demand, designed to immerse audiences in an orchestral experience. Inspired by the work of Budapest Festival Orchestra founder and conductor Iván Fischer, audiences can take in the thrill and drama of the orchestra from the comfort of a beanbag or choose standard seating in the circle or balcony. Beanbag seating is still available for concerts by Brazil’s Ilumina, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the European Union Youth Orchestra conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.

The Hub, the International Festival’s home on the Royal Mile, once again hosts the most intimate performances in informal surroundings. During August, The Hub is home to The Hub Club Cafe (11am-6.30pm; food service until 5pm) & Bar (6.30pm - late), with drop-in open-doors rehearsals and ‘Ask the Artist’ moments on select days. The Hub music series is truly international – spanning Scotland, Ireland, Wales, India, China, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, US, Germany, Egypt, Estonia and West Africa, with these artists sharing their musical heritage, cultures and rituals.

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said:
“As we raise the curtain to open this year's Edinburgh International Festival, we’re reminded of the power of art to unite and inspire us all. One of the most moving things in the world, to me, is to see mass, collective effort at work. Each person adding their expertise and experience to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts – and this year's International Festival programme is the epitome of such a thing. I can't wait for us all to come together this month, to seek, feel and discover something new.”

The 77th Edinburgh International Festival continues to 25 August. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.eif.co.uk

Image: Opening Event: Where to Begin
Image credit: Jess Shurte

Sponsored Links

RSPB
Goldups Lane
xfire
Support The Makers
Wedding Unconvention
Kevin Quantum

Latest Edinburgh News

Pantry opens its doors in Bruntsfield with 50 free breakfasts

Pantry opens its doors in Bruntsfield with 50 free breakfasts

Edinburgh’s iconic brunch destination, Pantry, is opening its second location in Bruntsfield and to celebrate it is offering 50 free breakfasts split between Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April.

READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

READ MORE
Theatre production brings Burns to life

Theatre production brings Burns to life

The National Trust for Scotland and theatremaker James Clements are collaborating on the Burns Project, a new theatrical production inspired by the life and works of Robert Burns.

READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh offers mums the chance to win fantastic Mothers Day treats

Forever Edinburgh offers mums the chance to win fantastic Mothers Day treats

Forever Edinburgh is giving Edinburgh mums (and their children) the tools to create the perfect Mother's Day through fantastic rewards and a competition with unforgettable Mother's Day presents.

READ MORE
LEGO Edinburgh Store Hosts Free Creativity Workshops

LEGO Edinburgh Store Hosts Free Creativity Workshops

The LEGO® Edinburgh store will be participating in an upcoming event series, offering free in-store workshops designed for young creators aged 6-12.

READ MORE
UK wide award celebrates exemplary accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland

UK wide award celebrates exemplary accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland

The National Galleries of Scotland celebrates being shortlisted for the Visitor Accessibility Award 2025 at the prestigious Museum + Heritage Awards.

READ MORE
Easter Adventures at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Easter Adventures at Lost Shore Surf Resort

With Easter approaching, families across the UK and abroad seek memorable ways to spend the long weekend, and Lost Shore Surf Resort offers an exciting escape.

READ MORE
Cruden Supports Midlothian Community with Donation to Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust

Cruden Supports Midlothian Community with Donation to Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust

Leading Scottish housebuilder, Cruden, has made a £2,000 donation to the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) in support of community projects under its Newbyres site.

READ MORE
Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania

READ MORE
Explore the Rwandan mountains during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo

Explore the Rwandan mountains during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo

A brand-new virtual reality experience has launched at Edinburgh Zoo, giving visitors the chance to explore the mountains of Rwanda and observe a family of mountain gorillas.

READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

READ MORE
Edinburgh STYLE returns to St James Quarter

Edinburgh STYLE returns to St James Quarter

Edinburgh STYLE returns to St James Quarter from Friday 28th - Sunday 30th March, bringing three days of fashion, beauty, and exclusive experiences to the heart of the capital.

READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

READ MORE
500 plants up for grabs at Fort Kinnaird this weekend to celebrate Mothers Day

500 plants up for grabs at Fort Kinnaird this weekend to celebrate Mothers Day

Fort Kinnaird is celebrating Mother’s Day by offering shoppers the chance to pick up a beautiful houseplant for free on Saturday (29th March).

READ MORE
The Scottish Gallery presents Victoria Crowe Decades

The Scottish Gallery presents Victoria Crowe Decades

For Edinburgh Art Festival 2025, The Scottish Gallery presents Victoria Crowe Decades, celebrating the artist’s 80th year.

READ MORE
Get the inside scoop on the Edinburgh International Festival this weekend

Get the inside scoop on the Edinburgh International Festival this weekend

On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March, a large yellow ice cream van will be stationed outside the Usher Hall to give audiences a flavour of the 2025 Festival programme.

READ MORE
Timorous Beasties bring bold design to St James Quarter ahead of Edinburgh Style 2025

Timorous Beasties bring bold design to St James Quarter ahead of Edinburgh Style 2025

Internationally acclaimed design studio, Timorous Beasties is delighted to be part of Edinburgh STYLE taking place between 28-30th March in St James Quarter.

READ MORE
A Summer of Resistance at the National Galleries of Scotland

A Summer of Resistance at the National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries of Scotland announces the unmissable summer 2025 exhibition Resistance, conceived by acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen.

READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

READ MORE
Giant Lanterns to make long awaited return to Edinburgh Zoo

Giant Lanterns to make long awaited return to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo’s award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter for the first time in six years.

READ MORE
Galactic Carnival Edinburgh set to land at West Side Plaza this May!

Galactic Carnival Edinburgh set to land at West Side Plaza this May!

Get ready, Edinburgh! A brand-new, out-of-this-world experience is arriving this spring as Galactic Carnival Edinburgh makes its debut at West Side Plaza, Wester Hailes, from 2nd May to 25th May!

READ MORE
Edinburgh restaurant adds massage therapy to Mothers Day menu

Edinburgh restaurant adds massage therapy to Mothers Day menu

An Edinburgh restaurant is adding a pop-up massage experience to its Mother’s Day menu to help pamper the city’s mums on Sunday 30th March.

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh welcome new Artist in Residence

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh welcome new Artist in Residence

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the next Artist in Residence, Athens-born ‘Constantine.. the Artist’, who will take up residency from March to May 2025.

READ MORE
Tourism minister hails adventure and wellbeing tourism after visiting Lost Shore Surf Resort

Tourism minister hails adventure and wellbeing tourism after visiting Lost Shore Surf Resort

Tourism minister, Richard Lochhead, has hailed the success of adventure and wellbeing tourism in Scotland after he visited Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination.

READ MORE
Dynamic Earth unveils new year round Annual Pass

Dynamic Earth unveils new year round Annual Pass

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium is set to transform visitor access with the introduction of a new year-round Annual Pass.

READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Renfrewshire Council
One Ren
Escape The Past
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

RSPB
Goldups Lane
xfire
Support The Makers
Wedding Unconvention
Kevin Quantum
Fayre Play
Renfrewshire Council
One Ren
Escape The Past
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Mysteries: A Close-Up Magic Experience
Step into the magical world of Wonder & Co. - Scotland's only magic shop - and experience an intimate evening of extraordinary close-up magic!
Forth 50 - Live! - CANCELLED
Forth 1 is celebrating it's first 50 years with an incredible live gig at The Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 31st May!
Sparks
Now into their sixth decade of making music, don't miss Sparks live at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Friday 18th July!
XGenerationX
Celebrated original Generation X drummer Mark Laff returns with XGENERATIONX for a UK tour in November, don't miss them live at The Voodoo Rooms on Sunday 16th!
Steeleye Span
Steeleye Span return with Conflict, their first full studio album in over five years, and a supporting tour which will see them play The Queens Hall Edinburgh on Sunday 16th November!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall