Symbolizing Edinburgh’s cultural contribution to Europe and the world is The Edinburgh Festival, a collection of several arts and cultural festivals which take place during August each year in Edinburgh.

Famed for it unrivalled cultural celebrations, the Edinburgh International Festival was established in 1947, in the wake of the Second World War. Founded by Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and a group of civic leaders from the City of Edinburgh the festival presents programmes of classical music, opera, theatre and dance with performances from amongst the best artists in the world.

The Festival City hosts a series of world class events, a must for all cultural enthusiasts.

Hogmanay Celebrations

Hogmany is Edinburgh's four day free for all the New Year celebrations. Held from 29th of December to the 1st of January, Edinburgh bids farewell to the year gone by and welcomes the new year with fabulous events throughout the city such as the Torchlight Procession, world renowned Royal Bank Street Party and many other events.

In a nutshell Hogmanay means frolicking, partying, celebratory drinking and fireworks.

Edinburgh International Science Festival (25th March - 5th April 2008)

It is UK's largest Science Festival with the Festival's 16 year history it is an extravaganza of science events held over Easter. With something to offer everyone it is ten days of non-stop shows, workshops, presentations, hands-on activities, exhibitions and tours.

Children's International Theatre Festival (27th May - 2nd June 2008)

Britain's biggest performing arts festival for children and young people the Children's International Theatre Festival is created to help promote and developed performing arts for children .

Edinburgh International Film Festival (18th - 29th June 2008)

The Edinburgh International Film Festival, recognized as one of the UK’s greenest festivals alongside Glastonbury and other major music festivals started its humble beginnings as a documentary-based festival established in the wake of World War II.

It has now surpassed its diminutive starting in every way and is now the longest continually running film festival in the world. Host to the world's greatest filmmakers, for over half-a-century, witnessed and presented some of cinema’s most important and exciting moments.

Edinburgh Art Festival (24th July - 31st August 2008)

One of the world’s foremost cultural events held in August in Edinburgh the Art Festival emphasizes the significance of the visual arts with important contributions each year from participating galleries, museums, organisations and individual artists.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (25th July - 3rd August 2008)

The longest running jazz festival in the UK, participating concert halls, theatres, clubs, pubs and open air events feature international artistes and performances on all styles of jazz.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1st - 23rd August 2008)

Every year Edinburgh hosts a dazzling outdoor military spectacle. With the stunning Edinburgh Castle in the backdrop it features pipes & drums, massed military bands, display teams, dancers and acts from around the world.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace (3rd - 24th August 2008)

In 1947, after the devastation of war, the Edinburgh International Festival was conceived to ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’. The Festival of Spirituality and Peace seeks to reawaken the heart of the festival for people who, after 9/11, want to work together for a peaceful future.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

This unique festival holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the largest arts festival in the world thousands of performances of hundreds of shows in nearly 300 venues across Edinburgh.

Edinburgh International Festival (8th - 31st August 2008)

One of the world’s greatest and unsurpassed celebrations of the arts, the festival’s enchanting atmosphere attracts audiences from around the world. The event combines the excitement of live performances by internationally renowned artists with the joy of discovery of new talent.

Edinburgh International Book Festival (9th - 25th August 2008)

Presented in the beautiful Charlotte Square Gardens, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is the world's biggest book festival with an array of programmes for both adults and children including discussions, readings, lectures, debates and workshops.

Edinburgh Mela (30th - 31st August 2008)

With its roots in South Asian cultures, The Edinburgh Mela is Scotland's biggest annual multicultural arts festival celebrating the wide diversity of cultures in Scotland with music, colour, dance, art, fashion, food, children's activities, and more!