Edinburgh International Festival and Military Tattoo

Each year the Edinburgh International Festival stages one of the greatest international celebrations of the arts, attracting audiences from around the world to the city's thrilling atmosphere. The festivities offer a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of live performance by internationally renowned artists as well as the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works

One of the International Festival's highlights is the huge open air concert held in Princes Street Gardens, accompanied by a massive firework display from the castle ramparts. This event takes place on the final day of the Festival and is essentially the closing ceremony - but best of all, it is free. The Edinburgh International Festival is held annually in mid August or early September. The programme is usually available from around May time, and if there is something you particularly want to see make sure you book in advance (especially for the Military Tattoo). And whilst the Festival is naturally a great time to visit Edinburgh, it is also worth remembering that accommodation is booked months in advance so book now

And of course, one of the biggest attractions during the festival is the army's contribution - famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is held on the Esplanade of the Castle. Held since 1950 this is the single most popular event in Edinburgh's International Festival, with over 200,000 people watching it each year

Running alongside the Edinburgh International Festival is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (The Fringe), the world’s largest arts festival. Established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, it takes place in Scotland's capital during three weeks every August alongside the EIF and several other arts and cultural festivals, collectively known as the ‘Edinburgh Festival’, of which the Fringe is by far the largest

Visit the Edinburgh International Festival website

Visit the Edinburgh Tattoo website

Visit the Fringe Festival website

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