Festivals and Events in Edinburgh City

How Edinburgh became the festival capital of the world

No other city in the world can compete with Edinburgh when it comes to being festive. There are no less than 15 festivals taking place in Edinburgh every year. In whatever season you may visit Scotland's Capital, you can't miss the wonderful festival atmosphere.

Edinburgh's history in events started with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 1957. Their names have become synonymous with Edinburgh.

The International Festival has always been the official, first major event in Edinburgh, showcasing classical and contemporary drama, opera, theatre, dance and music while the Film Festival is the longest running film festival in the world.

Another major event in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. With a history spanning over 50 years, the Tattoo is at the moment the most popular show in Scotland's capital. These 3 are the longest running festivals in Edinburgh, but the list doesn't stop here.

Other established events taking place in Scotland's capital are:

• Edinburgh Fringe
• Hogmanay & Christmas celebrations
• Edinburgh International Book Festival
• Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
• Edinburgh International Television Festival
• Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival
• Edinburgh Mela
• Edinburgh Science Festival
• Edinburgh Easter Festival
• Children's International Theatre Festival
• Edinburgh Art Festival
• Ceilidh Culture
• Beltane Fire Festival
• Festival of Leith

Every year, Edinburgh becomes home to new events such as the Festival of Politics, Pipefest, the Homeless World Cup in 2005 and, although not a festive occasion in itself, Edinburgh played host to the 225,000 strong Make Poverty History march in July 2005.

Past events in Edinburgh also include the 2003 MTV European Music Awards and concerts at Edinburgh Castle.