What's on in Edinburgh

What's happening in Edinburgh? - What's not going on in Edinburgh! A city that (nearly) never sleeps has pretty well enough to keep the most ardent of culture vultures, festival goers, party whoopers, historians, genealogists, foodies, shoppers and sight seers to name but a few going for weeks that it's almost whats it not got.Some of the main annual events are listed below but for more detailed listings go to Eventful Edinburgh 

Created and produced by imaginate - promoting and developing performing arts for children across Scotland.

The Bank of Scotland Children's International Theatre Festival is Britain's biggest performing arts festival for children and young people. Theatre shows by the world's leading theatre companies for children. A spell-binding feast of entertainment, enough to capture the imagination of any 3 to 12 year old. For full details click here

Edinburgh’s Capital Christmas Celebrations www.edinburghschristmas.com/ Edinburgh’s Capital Christmas 2008 starts in late November when the city’s Festive Lights are switched on in Princes Street Gardens and the Norwegian Christmas Tree on the Mound is lit up. The Christmas Light Night will also see the hugely popular Edinburgh Wheel, Winter Wonderland and the Traditional German Christmas Market all open simultaneously in a sensational start to Edinburgh’s winter festivals. Castlehill Christmas will join in the celebrations for a 7th year running with their own programme of exciting events. Full details of events and complete diary listings are available in Edinburgh’s Capital Christmas official programme and online at www.edinburghschristmas.com/

Hogmanay
29, 30 and 31 December 2008, 1 January 2009 www.edinburghshogmanay.com/ Hogmanay is a great Scottish tradition - and there's nowhere better to celebrate it than in the Capital. The party goes on for four days (both before and after New Year's Eve itself) and there are great celebrations taking place including carnivals, fireworks, concerts, processions and the legendary street party - which is the world's biggest street party, with 7 stages featuring several bands and different types of music, along with a massive open air ceilidh (Scottish Dancing) 

Edinburgh Festivals www.edinburgh-festivals.com/ The Edinburgh Festival is a generic term used to describe the cultural explosion in August each year.

Since the late 1940s Edinburgh has become a hotspot for artistic talent beginning with the International Festival and the Fringe. The summer programme has grown with the Edinburgh Book Festival, the largest book festival in the world, the Edinburgh Film Festival, a world renowned showcase of cinematic talent and the Military Tattoo in the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The Jazz festival starting in late July and the Edinburgh Mela in the last days of August bookend a phenomenal six weeks of arts and culture in the city. Hogmanay is the world's most famous celebration of New Year, the Edinburgh Science festival is a springtime journey of discovery in its own right and the Children's Festival starts the summer with playful exuberance.

National Museums of Scotland Click here and go straight to What's On to see special exhibitions, events, tours, lectures, workshps and displays

Ceilidh Culture www.ceilidhculture.co.uk/ /March - April 2008 Ceilidh Culture is a vibrant and lively celebration of traditional Scottish arts, showcasing the best music, dance, poetry and storytelling from home and abroad.

In 2007 over 100 events took place during the five weeks of the festival and audiences were treated to a packed and varied programme of concerts, recitals, workshops and informal musical gatherings. This year’s festival will see Ceilidh Culture firmly established on the world music calendar and promises to be a real treat.

Remember you can register for free on this site to receive news updates about Ceilidh Culture or use the Info Link above to visit the web site.

Children'sFestival May 2008. The world’s best child friendly performers gather in Edinburgh for a magical weeklong event. From puppet shows to song and dance there’s something to captivate the hearts and minds of children of all ages. From fun filled shows aimed at toddlers and tweenies to thought provoking performances for older children you’ll find something here to entertain and educate every child.

Venue: Traverse Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre & Garage Theatre
Tickets: email info@imaginate.org.uk for a family programme.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival, October 2008 A celebration of live oral storytelling when Scottish and international storytellers share an exciting array of folk and fairy tales from around the world.
Events for adults and children take place at top visitor attractions in and around Edinburgh and beyond such as Edinburgh Castle, the Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Zoo and many more. Guest storytellers are Shai Schwartz from Israel, Chirine Al Ansary from Egypt and Palestinian musician George Samaan.Events will also mark the the bicentenary of Hans Christian Andersen’s birth.

Programme information: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk/ The Scottish Storytelling Centre 0131 556 9579; 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR