Step-by-Step Guide to the Summer Festivals
Edinburgh can be an immersive experience in the summer, when a kaleidoscope of Festivals inhabit the city. Here are a few navigational tips that will help you sail with ease through the summer festivals...
Festival: Edinburgh International Film Festival
When: 19-30 June 2013
What to expect: A mix of red carpet glamour, innovative and exciting cinematic discoveries and massive audience appeal makes this one of the world’s most popular film festivals.The twelve day festival in June presents film premieres, retrospectives on cinematic legends, engaging “In Person” talks and a range of industry events, masterclasses and workshops, that attract audiences of over 55,000 each year.
Venues: A range of venues around the city host talks, films and workshops, but the centre of the Festival action is the Filmhouse.
Programmes:
The programme for the Edinburgh International Film Festival has not yet been released. For more information, why not look at the 2012 programme here.
Tickets:
One the programme has been released, you can buy tickets on our website or directly at the Edinburgh International Film Festival site.
.jpg)
Festival: Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
When: 19-28 July 2013
What to expect: Spanning the earliest jazz forms to thriving contemporary creativity of today, this highlight of the jazz calendar features a line-up of international stars and the best of Scottish Jazz and Blues.The best international musicians rub shoulders with top Scottish talent to present unique collaborations, world premieres, Scottish debuts and outstanding musicianship - all of which contribute to the exciting Festival atmosphere. Their official website is here.
Programmes:
The programme for the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has not yet been released. For more information, why not look back at the 2012 programme here.
Tickets:
One the programme has been released, you can buy tickets on our website or directly at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival site.
Festival: Edinburgh Art Festival
When: 1 August – 1 September 2013
What to expect: Old and new art from around the world, presented in beautiful and innovative venues and integrated into the city itself
Venues: Galleries and exhibition spaces all over Edinburgh host the festival, not to mention installations and events located outdoors or which move around the city.
Programmes:
View the 2013 programme here.
Tickets:
Unless otherwise specified in the programme, events and exhibitions are at the Art festival are free to attend. Where tickets are required they can be bought at the relevant venue.
Festival: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When: 2 – 24 August 2013
What to expect: An amazing outdoor spectacle of military might, precision and grace created by bands and dancers from all over the world
Venues: The Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile
Programmes:
Look for performances online here
Or pick up a brochure from the Tattoo Sales Office at 33-34 Market Street
Tickets: Book online here
Over the phone at 0131 225 1188
Or in person at the Tattoo Sales Office at 33-24 Market Street
Festival: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
When: 2 – 26 August 2013
What to expect: Everything and anything, from comedy and theatre to burlesque, music and puppetry. The Fringe is not curated; any performer who can find a venue willing to host them can be included in the programme. This is the world’s biggest arts festival, and finding the real gems is all part of the fun.
Venues: the Fringe uses nearly 300 venues, all over the city. Get your hands on a map for more information.
Programmes: The full programme will not be released until the 31st May 2013, but you can see some early on sale events here. For a taste of what was on offer in 2012 you can download the 2012 PDF . Once programmes have been released you can pick up a physical copy at one of the many programme outlets throughout the city- or order your copy online now. Many larger venues carry copies, as do outlets of HMV stores, local libraries, Blackwells and Waterstones bookstores and the VisitScotland Information Centre on Princes St.
Tickets:
Book online here.
Over the phone at 0131 226 0000, or with the Fringe App for iPhone and Android.
Or in person at the Fringe Box Office, next to the Fringe Shop at 180 High St (the Royal Mile). You can also now make in-person bookings in Glasgow, at the Box Office next to left luggage at ScotRail’s Queen St Station.
Tickets ordered online and over the phone can be picked up at the Fringe Box Office, or at the University of Edinburgh Visitor Centre at 2 Charles St, or the Virgin Money Half Price Hut at the Mound Precint.
Venues will usually have their own boxoffice, where tickets to the shows they are hosting are available.
Festival: Edinburgh International Festival
When: 9 August – 1 September 2013
What to expect: World-class opera, dance, theatre and classical music, handpicked by the Festival Director.
Venues:
Lowland Hall, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston
The Hub, Royal mile
Festival Theatre, Nicholson St
Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park
The Queen’s Hall, Clerk St
The Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay St
Usher Hall, Lothian Road
Ross Theatre, Princes St Gardens
Traverse Theatre, Cambridge St
King’s Theatre, Leven St
Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place
Dance Base, Grassmarket
Programmes:
The full 2013 programme can be found here.
Tickets:
No tickets are currently on sale- but for any queries or to order a copy of the programme phone Hub Tickets at 0131 473 2000.
Or visit The Hub at Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE.
Festival: Edinburgh International Book Festival
When: 10 – 26 August 2013
What to expect: Hundreds of writers and thinkers giving readings and signing books, making speeches and leading discussions on important and fascinating ideas, and involving themselves in an excellent children’s programme.
Venues: All events take place in Charlotte Square Gardens in the New Town
Programmes:
The 2013 programme has not been released, but for a taste of the type of events on offer why not view the 2012 programme here, or download the 2012 PDF.
Tickets:
Tickets are not currently on sale. Booking channels from June include:
Book online here
Over the phone at 0845 373 5888
Or in person at The Hub, Castlehill, before the festival begins, and afterwards at the Book Festival Box Office on site in Charlotte Square Gardens in the Entrance Tent.
Festival: The Edinburgh Mela Festival
When: 31 August – 1 September
What to expect: A wonderful collection of sounds, sights, colours and tastes, with something for all ages, brought together in celebration of cultural diversity in the arts
Venues: All events take place in the festival grounds on Leith Links
Programmes:
The 2013 programme has not yet been released. For a taste of what is on offer, explore the Mela 2012 programme here
Tickets:
Day passes are on sale from June online, in person at The Hub, Castlehill or on the day at the on-site box office.
Reviews:
Give yourself a head start sifting through the thousands of shows by checking out these review sites
The Scotsman’s Reviews
The List’s Edinburgh Festival Guide
The Guardian
Fringe Guru
More information:
Useful apps for iPhone and Andriod
Getting around
Where to stay
Essential edinburgh information
