Travel Articles Directory Travel Articles Directory

Edinburgh is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Popular with tourists from Britain and the rest of the world, it has so much going on there that it is difficult to decide when to go. Here are of some of the events in Edinburgh that you could plan a visit around.

The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival, which takes place every August, is world-famous, but did you know it is actually a group of festivals? The festivals include:

The International Festival (August-September), which includes world class performances of theatre, opera, music, dance and the visual arts.
The Fringe Festival (August, before the International Festival), which includes street performances as well as theatre, comedy, children’s shows, musicals and just about everything you can think of. It is traditionally a festival where comedians showcase new material.
The Edinburgh Book Festival (August), where there are hundreds of events for every kind of reader, writer and book lover, whether child or adult.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August), which is a spectacular display of music and military routines in front of Edinburgh Castle.
The Jazz and Blues Festival (July-August), which attracts performers and music fans from across the globe. Performances are in theatres, bars, parks, clubs and other venues.
Edinburgh Mela (August), which is a multicultural festival embracing many nationalities and cultures. Here you can find food, music, theatre and dance.
The Edinburgh Art Festival (July-September), which is a free event encompassing many art styles in a number of locations across the city.

If you do intend to visit Edinburgh during the summer months, it is essential to book accommodation well in advance, as it does get booked up quickly. Many people book as far as a year or two in advance for some of the most popular hotels. There are other major events in Edinburgh throughout the year, including:

• The International Film Festival in June
• The International Science Festival in April
• The Beltane Fire Festival on 30th April
• The Snowdrop Festival in February-March
• The Royal week – dates vary, but most commonly the end of June

And if these aren’t enough suggestions, you shouldn’t forget that in Edinburgh Christmas is a great time to go, and Hogmany (New Year) even more so. There is a fantastic fireworks display, with the castle in the background, and a party with music – often including world famous acts.

Of course even if you don’t go during a festival, Edinburgh still has a wide variety of tourist attractions, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and excursions to keep you busy for a long time.

Jane is a travel writer and blogger. She also writes about small businesses and personal finance covering everything from credit cards to umbrella companies .