EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

The world's largest and most important arts festival was founded in 1947 in reaction to the destruction and depression of the Second World War. It incorporates music, dance and drama acts from all over the world, and runs simultaneously with the Fringe Festival.

While the International Festival is the more serious of the siblings, the Fringe is made up of a huge variety of performers. These range from the sublime to the ridiculous, but all of it is in good faith and you'll have fun whatever you decide to do. Many of the acts are unknown, and many wonderfully intimate experiences are to be had.

The Edinburgh Military Tatoo is run throughout the month on the Castle Esplanade. It is a visual extravaganza and very atmospheric, set outdoors high above the city.

Just to confuse matters, there are several other festivals at the same time:

• the Edinburgh International Film Festival - the UK's premier film festival
• the Edinburgh Book Festival
• the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival

All happen in the month of August, and it is advisable to book VERY EARLY. Bed and Breakfasts (and in fact everything) fill up up to a year in advance.

LINKS

Official site of Edinburgh International Festival - Discover one of the world's greatest celebrations of the arts. Check out the performance schedule or read the message board.

Official site of Edinburgh Fringe Festival - For over 50 years Scotland's capital city has seen a unique explosion of creative energy within the Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre - Two of Edinburgh's most well-known theatres. Includes information about the calendar, shows, workshops and sponsorship.

Edinburgh International Film Festival - Check the program and find out about festival dates, venues, tickets and transportation, including a retrospective of past festivals.