Anything goes
The Edinburgh Festivals are like nothing else on earth. The world’s greatest party takes place on these streets for the month of August and a year round programme of festivals means the party never ends.
Edinburgh’s Festivals are a celebration of new ideas, new talent and new experiences. Want to experience the festivals to the fullest? Here’s where to start.
Be part of the action – Art and audience are never closer than in Edinburgh. The compact nature of the city combined with open energy of festivals makes for the perfect opportunity to meet authors, actors, artists and performers of all kinds. Many will even join you for a drink at the bar afterwards. Big name stars enjoy the open laid back atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festivals and rising stars of the future are keen for direct feedback.
Talent is always within touching distance in Edinburgh and the energy of the entertainment industry is ever present. For the festival visitor a wide range of experiences invite you to be part of it all. From shows in sports cars and toilet cubicles to talks with tea and scones, festival events involve you and invite you to do things you’ve never done before.
Explore unseen Edinburgh – During the summer festival season there are over 300 venues across the city. Many of these will only open during the month of August. Underground bank vaults, converted church spaces and hidden caves are just a few of the bizarre and brilliant spaces across the city.
Ever stand beneath stalactites or seen theatre in town houses? The need for space has seen festival venues take centre stage. Edinburgh’s narrow wynds, alleyways and closes are explorer’s paradise all year round but at festival time it’s like getting an access all areas pass to a hidden city. Explore, enjoy and embrace the opportunity to see more than just shows.
Challenge yourself to do things differently – Seek out the unorthodox, pick the unusual and search for the weird and wonderful. At this year’s summer festivals you can see award winning site specific theatre company Grid Iron perform at the Barony Bar, walk through Faust in Romanian at Lowland Hall, Ingliston or enjoy late night jazz jam sessions at The Jazz Bar with some of the festivals stars. Be amazed at the aerial spectacular Raw at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, hear crime fiction notes from Johnny’s Depp’s brother Daniel and go for a night out in galleries across the city for ART LATE on the August 27th. Anything is possible in Edinburgh.
These are only a handful of unique festival experiences out there. Delve into the programme and discover the weird and wonderful happening at this year’s summer festivals. For most, the risk-taking, unusual, not-sure-what-to-expect ticket purchases turn out to be the real Festival highlights.
