Edinburgh Festivals 2005

Scotland’s capital city plays host to some of the largest arts festivals in the world. 

Edinburgh erupts into a thrilling atmosphere 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 gives key highlights to look out for.  Check 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, all in one of Edinburgh's most beautiful spaces, Charlotte Square Gardens. View highlights at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2005.
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 as well as the joy of discovering new and unfamiliar works. View highlights at the Edinburgh International Festival 2005.
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. View highlights at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2005.
Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival	The longest running jazz festival in the UK featuring all styles of jazz and blues played by top musicians in concert halls, theatres, clubs, pubs and open air events across Edinburgh. View highlights at the Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 2005.
Edinburgh Arts Festival	The first ever visual arts festival involving over 30 galleries. View highlights of the Edinburgh Arts Festival 2005.
Edinburgh International Film Festival	A world-renowned showcase of cinematic talent.  The longest continously running film festival in the world, this year sees a Michael Powell retrospective, Richard E Grant's directorial debut and Buffy creator Joss Whedon with his new film, Serenity. For films worth talking about go to the 59th Edinburgh International Film Festival website.
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.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo	Scotland's stunning annual outdoor military spectacular 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.

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.