Destinations > Scotland > Edinburgh > Festivals

Edinburgh

Festivals

Edinburgh is famous for its festivals (website www.edinburghfestivals.com), which range from the pomp and splendour of the Military Tattoo to the world's greatest arts festival. August is the main festival month and during this time it can be difficult and expensive to find a place to stay.

Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh's International Festival features world-class music, opera, theatre and dance performances. This is the original festival and the most sophisticated.

14 Aug-3 Sep 2005

The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh

Tel (0131) 473 2001

Website www.eif.co.uk

There are some free events but most cost between £6 and £40

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Festival Fringe originally started as an offshoot of the International Festival is now the biggest and most popular festival and it features a programme to suit every conceivable taste and persuasion. This festival has a more youthful orientation that the international festival and many of the events are cheaper.

7-29 August 2005

Festival Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh

Tel (0131) 226 0026

Website www.edfringe.com

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this unique Scottish event is one of the finest exhibitions of military pomp and splendour in the world. The event features military bands from around the world but the kilted Massed Military Bands from the Scottish Regiments with their blaring bagpipes always steal the show.

5-27 Aug 2005

The Tattoo Office, 32 Market Street, Edinburgh

Tel (0131) 225 1188)

Website www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk

Tickets £9-28.50.

Hogmanay

New Year's Eve in Scotland is steeped in tradition and Edinburgh has the biggest New Year's Eve party you're likely to ever find. The main street party is only accessible by a free pass that is issued by a ballot system with 75% of tickets going to Edinburgh residents. If you have missed the deadline for the free pass, you will need to pay £15 to join the First Foot Club, whose membership benefits include a pass.

31 Dec-1 Jan

Tel (0131) 473 2056

Website www.edinburghshogmanay.org