It’s kind of shameful as a Brit but this is my first post about the land I call home, the UK. Edinburgh is a city that has been in my heart ever since I worked up here four years ago so I’m amazed it has taken me so long to visit during August for Edinburgh Festivals.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is famous world round but it was news to me that there are in fact five different festivals that happen in the Scottish capital during August.
The streets are pumping, the city is buzzing and the sun is shining (ok, this is still Scotland so no guarantees) making it the perfect time to soak up not just the history that this city is famous for but also the world’s biggest festivals.
Edinburgh Festivals in August… A quick photo guide
During August the population doubles as over 500, 000 people visit to marvel at this historic Castle city. By day the crowds come to soak up the street performers on the Royal Mile and cram in as many shows as possible. By late night it’s about sinking some bevvies in a purple, upside down cow, or one of the many pop-up bars throughout the city.
To give you an idea of just how big the festival events are in Edinburgh the only other two events that sell more tickets are the World Cup and the Olympics… crazy stuff right?!?
Here is a quick guide to the Five Edinburgh Festivals that occur in August…
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Perhaps the most famous of them all, the Fringe Festival literally takes over the city. The street performers and a mountain of flyers on the Royal Mile lure you in. Whether you opt for the big-ticket venues or the smallest back room pub a good time is for sure. The Fringe is the worlds largest arts festival and last year over 3000 shows took part with an unbelievable 50,000 + performances put on.
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As well as the four main stages which host curated fringe shows there are tons of smaller venues, shows and artists around. The beauty of the Fringe is if you have an idea and can find a venue then you have a show. This makes it super accessible for performers to get their work into the spotlight without forking out heaps of cash. It also means for us we can take in free shows without the worry of buying tickets in advance. Remember, if you enjoyed it, leaving some cash at the end to pay these talented folks is the way to go.
Edinburgh International Festival
The International festival can sometimes get confused and blended in with the Fringe. This curated collection of performances are usually put on in the bigger venues and often with big name performers. I was lucky to snag a ticket to Alan Cumming live at the The Hub and his after show party and it was a brilliant night in an intimate but ornate venue.
Whilst Alan might be a Scotsman the International Festival gives talent around the world a stage in Edinburgh. This year there were performers from over 43 countries offering a huge varied program of events giving insights into performing arts and theatre from different cultures as well alongside the home-grown talent. I couldn’t help notice a theme of politics, travel and acceptance through many of the shows which on the back of Brexit and the emotions it has stirred up seemed rather apt.
Edinburgh Book Festival
I’m a sucker for books. When I travel hand luggage I’m bound to a kindle but nothing beats the feeling of getting stuck into a real hardback before swapping it with a new friend on the road.
With book signings, talks by famous authors and a huge on site shop it is no surprise that in the few weeks the event runs it sells more books than most of the permanent stores in the city. Located in the beautiful Charlotte Square Gardens it’s an awesome spot to chill on the grass, grab a coffee and get stuck into a few chapters of a new novel.
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From the projection lit castle back drop at the start to the closing fireworks those two hours flew by. Watching different army bands from around the world perform pieces as varied as the US army belting out some Aretha through to Jordan’s much more intimate performance which expressed their local culture.
If there is one thing you splurge on when you visit Edinburgh Festivals make this it!
*Huge thank you to Edinburgh Festivals who invited me to join them on this trip and build my own awesome Festival Itinerary. Given I am just popping into an estate agent to look for a flat here rest assured all opinions are my own :)
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Hey! I’m Dan and I am a little bit obsessed with exploring the world, meeting people on the road and can usually be found lost and attached to a camera. I’ve been lucky enough to visit 50+ countries and aim to share the best travel tips, stories and guides here on the blog. If you want to be kept up to date every month + get access to the latest deals and competitions sign up on the form just down there or feel free to stalk me a bit more if you need help planning a trip, click here to get in touch!
Safe Travels, Dan
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