Edinburgh International Festival 
August - September 
With record attendances and record ticket sales totalling Ł2.6m, 2008 saw the world-renowned three-week festivalŐs biggest ever year. The festival presents a diverse and spectacular programme of the arts, showcasing world-class new and classic drama, opera, music and dance in major theatres and concert halls as well as a number of smaller venues across the city. People travel from across the world to see and perform in EdinburghŐs focal event of the year. And itŐs not just the three weeks of the festival that the eventŐs presence is felt. Throughout the year the festival runs an outreach and education programme for all ages and stages, visiting schools, community groups and presenting classes for adults and emerging professionals in the arts. 
www.eif.co.uk 
Edinburgh International Book Festival 
August 
Every year Charlotte Square Gardens welcomes world-renowned writers and thinkers as well as new and international authors little known in the UK. The Book Festival, the worldŐs largest, provides a unique forum for the exchange of ideas. Discussions have included climate change, the Middle East and the ethics of cloning. The varied events programme is inclusive for all ages. 
www.edbookfest.co.uk 
Edinburgh Mela 
Early September 
A vibrant festival for all the family, the Mela brings together many different cultures to celebrate the breadth and depth of ScotlandŐs cultural diversity 
Mortal Engine , Edinburgh International Festival 

and it has subsequently become ScotlandŐs largest intercultural festival. 
www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk 
Scottish International Storytelling Festival 
Starts third Friday of October 
This festival features the best in storytelling from Scotland and beyond. The Storytelling Centre is on The Royal Mile and hosts storytelling events for all ages throughout the year. 
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk and www.cityofliterature.com 
St AndrewŐs Day 

November 30 
St AndrewŐs Day was given royal assent to become a voluntary Bank Holiday in Scotland in January 2007. St AndrewŐs marks the beginning of the Winter Festival that culminates on Burns Night. 
EdinburghŐs Christmas 

Late November - December 
The city offers a packed programme of events from the switching on of the Christmas lights in late November followed by a month of special festive events including performances, fairground rides and markets. 
www.edinburghschristmas.com 
* Figures according to Edinburgh s Year Round Festivals 2004-2005 Economic Impact Study. 
Alongside the festival programme Edinburgh runs a comprehensive events programme. For up to date information visit www.eventsedinburgh.org.uk 
Leisure & Tourism |



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