Edinburgh Festivals 2006

Scotland’s capital city is known the world over for playing host to some of the largest and widest ranging arts festivals in the world. 

Edinburgh explodes into life with a number of exciting events which include: Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh Arts Festival, Edinburgh Mela and more.  Browse through the list below which explains what each festival is about and lists the key highlights to look out for.  Check out the festivals diary for dates and venues and more festivals across Scotland.

Edinburgh International Book Festival	The world's biggest book festival presenting a wide and varied programme for both adults and children including discussions, readings, lectures, debates and workshops, in Edinburgh's beautiful Charlotte Square Gardens. (12 - 28 August 2006) View highlights at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2006.
Edinburgh International Festival	Staging one of the greatest celebrations of the arts, attracting audiences from around the world to the city's thrilling atmosphere. The festivities offer a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of live performance by internationally renowned artists, world premieres and the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works. (13 August - 3 September 2006) View highlights at the Edinburgh International Festival 2006.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe	This unique arts festival is the largest arts festival on the planet (Guinness Book of Records). Each year it brings thousands of performances of hundreds of shows in nearly 200 venues across Scotland's capital city. (6 - 28 August 2006) View highlights at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2006.
Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival	The longest running jazz festival in the UK, this year's festival spans the range of jazz genres, from cutting edge contemporary all the way back to the form’s roots in New Orleans.  This year’s New Orleans theme is particularly poignant following Hurricane Katrina and collections will be sent to support the city's musicians whose lives have been affected by the disaster. Held in concert halls, theatres, clubs, pubs and open air events across Edinburgh. (28 July - 6 August 2006) View highlights at the Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 2006.
Edinburgh Arts Festival	This year’s Edinburgh Art Festival builds on the success of the previous two years, by showcasing some of the best International, National and Scottish visual arts from blockbuster exhibitions to grass roots artist led projects. (27 July - 3 September 2006) View highlights of the Edinburgh Arts Festival 2006.
Edinburgh International Film Festival	This year the Edinburgh International Film Festival will be extending its feast of British and world cinema.  A world-renowned showcase of cinematic talent, this is the longest continously running film festival in the world. Highlights this year include the world premiere of 'The Flying Scotsman' - the long awaited biopic of cyclist Graham Obree, a Reel Life section featuring directors' Kevin Smith and Steven Soderbergh, as well as a major retrospective of 1970s American cinema. For sixty years of films worth talking about, go to the Edinburgh International Film Festival website. (14 - 27 August 2006)
Edinburgh Mela	Scotland's biggest intercultural festival featuring music, colour, dance, art, fashion, food, children's activities, the Mela bazaar and much more! Go to the Edinburgh Mela website. (2 - 3 September 2006)
Edinburgh Military Tattoo	Celebrating over 50 years, Scotland's stunning annual outdoor military spectacular is set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Featuring Pipes & Drums, Massed Military Bands, display teams, dancers and acts from around the world. Go to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo website for more. (4 - 26 August 2006)

Did you know?

In addition to the August/ September festivals, Edinburgh plays host to many more festivals both before and after summer.   Each year audiences arrive to take part in some of the biggest festivals in the UK including the Edinburgh International Science Festival and the Bank of Scotland Children's International Theatre Festival.  And the fun continues right into winter with Edinburgh's Capital Christmas - a 30-day programme of events and attractions in the heart of everyone's favourite Winter Capital.  Edinburgh's Hogmanay ends the festival calendar with thousands bringing in the new year in style at the home of Hogmanay.