Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival, established in 1947, is an annual arts festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the final three weeks of August. This prestigious event invites notable figures from the global music and performing arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, to participate in the festival. In addition to music and performing arts, the festival also hosts visual art exhibitions, talks, and workshops, making it a comprehensive celebration of the arts.

The festival's origins can be traced back to the first 'International Festival of Music and Drama' in 1947, which took place between 22 August and 11 September. Under the first festival director, Rudolf Bing, the event featured a diverse programme that included orchestral, choral, and chamber music, Lieder and song, opera, ballet, drama, film, and traditional Scottish 'piping and dancing' on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. This broad-ranging approach has been maintained in subsequent years, with the festival continuing to showcase a wide array of artistic disciplines and cultural expressions.

Beyond the annual festival programme, the Edinburgh International Festival also maintains a year-round presence through its community learning and engagement and professional development programmes. These initiatives aim to reach the widest possible audiences, extending the festival's impact beyond its annual event.