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 stood 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 combine art with some of the most fascinating settings in the world.
Challenge yourself to do things differently – Seek out the unorthodox, pick the unusual and search for the weird and wonderful.
Edinburgh’s festivals never fail to offer the most cutting-edge performances, artwork, ideas and discussions. Dare to enter into spaces – whether physical, emotional or intellectual – that seem strange, and the rewards can be incredible. A performance that begins at midnight and finishes in the early hours, or inviting a performance (and some friends) into your apartment, or travelling to a nearby island or joining a discussion on the limits of human knowledge; the festivals are rich with opportunities to broaden and inspire minds of every age and character.
So delve into the programme and discover the weird and wonderful happening at this year’s festivals. For many it is the risk-taking, unusual, not-sure-what-to-expect ticket purchases turn out to be the real Festival highlights.
