Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival is a massive event showcasing world-renowned theatres, operas, classical music and dance performances. The festival draws in thousands of people to 6 major theatres and concert halls, as well as smaller venues throughout the city.

This annual festival of performing arts takes place for 3 weeks in August, with The Edinburgh Playhouse, Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum Theatre, The Hub, Festival Theatre, and Kings Theatre serving as the principal venues. There are also many concerts held in Edinburgh’s public squares, parks and independent theatres. The festival culminates in a live classical concert that coincides with an impressive fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh International Festival - one of the highlights of 8 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh This Summer and 11 Best Festivals in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)

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A brief history of the Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival was founded in 1947 by Rudolf Bing (former General Manager of the Glyndebourne Opera) and Henry Harvey Wood (of the British Council). The first festival took place from 22 August until 11 September that year.

Today, it is one of the largest cultural festivals in Scotland. Some of the biggest stars to have participated in the Edinburgh International Festival include Pavarotti, Nicola Benedetti, Sir Ian McKellen, Yehudi Menuhin and Margot Fonteyn.

What are the highlights of the Edinburgh International Festival?

The Edinburgh International Festival hosts acclaimed music, theatre, opera and dance companies from around the world. You can enjoy classical concerts in the imposing surroundings of Usher Hall, located in the West End of Edinburgh. The concert hall dates back to 1914 and accommodates around 2,200 people in its auditorium. Its right side is flanked by another principal venue of the festival, the Royal Lyceum Theatre.

There are exciting dance productions from the Scottish Ballet, single-act operas, and independent theatre performances. You can even enjoy chamber music, jazz and folk concerts for free in the city’s open-air squares and parks.

Along with the classical performances, the Edinburgh International Festival organises non-music events such as talks, screenings and conversations with the artists, as well as immersive art shows. The Night Walk showcases a variety of contemporary sculptures, billboard installations and outdoor performance art.

The Virgin Money Fireworks Concert takes place on the final day of the event. It’s a live classical concert by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra held in Princes Street Gardens, near Edinburgh Castle. This longstanding tradition coincides with a massive fireworks display from the castle that’s choreographed to match the concert.

You can see the fireworks from several vantage points in central Edinburgh. Calton Hill overlooks the city centre from the west and Edinburgh Castle from the east. Inverleith Park is about 2 miles north of the city but offers some of the best views of the castle.

Good to know about Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival takes place in various locations in central Edinburgh. The 3-week-long event draws in huge crowds every August, with tickets getting sold out pretty quickly upon announcement.

Unsurprisingly, hotels tend to fill up very fast so it’s a good idea to plan your trip well in advance. Some of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhoods are Craigleith, Comely Bank and Inverleith.

Much of the festival action is in the city centre’s key areas, many of which are within easy walking distance of each other, so you can get around on foot or bicycle.