The Festival City is warming up again – for once both literally and metaphorically. The weather has been amazing. About time too! As we all know, the weather is unpredictable in Scotland though, but one thing that is always predictable is the return of the Edinburgh Festivals!

EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL
We’ve already enjoyed this years Film festival and the Jazz and Blues festival too, so the Art Festival is next. We have so many galleries to visit in Edinburgh, but the festival is something else. Founded in 2004, it is a platform for visual arts and brings together all the galleries, museums and artist-run spaces around the city. The UK’s leading artists exhibit alongside emerging talent and massive exhibitions, with most events being free to attend.

FRINGE FESTIVAL
It’s probably the most well known of the festivals and arguably the most variety too. From big names to unknown, free shows to the big seat-fillers, there is something for everyone. Acts come from around the world, and there are almost 3,500 shows to choose from across 300 venues around the city. There are musicals, operas, children’s shows, drama, comedy and magic, just to name a few. The fringe becomes a way of life and the city has an incredible vibe, grab tickets while you can or stop by one of the many box offices each day to see what awaits! Visit edfringe.com.

EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
Alongside the fringe is the spectacular Military Tattoo. People come from all over the world to witness this unique performance, held on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. There are performers from over 48 countries, performing to sell-out crowds of 220,000 across the season. Add that to the 100 million who then watch the televised performance, you can tell why tickets are so high on people’s wish lists. It’s an international favourite and is not to be missed!

BOOK FESTIVAL
Never under estimate the power of a good book! Launched in 1983, it has become one of the key events of the August calendar. There are over 900 events for people of all ages, from debates and discussion to the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme, which can all be found in the heart of Edinburgh’s world heritage listed Georgian New Town. Take a look at the website for the full programme and make sure to book for some of the big headline events.

HOME FROM HOME
With so much to do each day, a great hotel room to collapse into is essential. The Ba’ Bar is available for late-night planning of what shows to see the next day, and you can wake up to a good cup of coffee and a full Scottish breakfast to send you out for the day.