April May 2014 April.May 2014 2 | Page 10

what’s on best of the fests The Beltane Fire Festival, 30th April Edinburgh is known throughout the world for being the centre of festivals in August. However, as the calendar of events for April and May shows, Edinburgh plays host to a fantastic variety of festivals the whole year round. Check out our best of the fests taking place in the city over the next couple of months. Puppet Animation Festival Date 29 March-19 April Venue Out of the Blue Drill Hall Info In 2014 the Puppet Animation Festival celebrates 30 years of bringing magical family performances, workshops and films from award winning companies to communities across Scotland. This year expect reimagining’s of classical childhood tales, immersive plays and chances to create your own puppets and animation. Edinburgh International Harp Festival Date 4-9 April Venue Merchiston Castle School Info A celebration and gathering of musical talents held annually at Merchiston Castle School, the Edinburgh International Harp Fesival will bring harpists from around the globe together. This year’s programme will consist of a range of concerts, courses and workshops. Gastrofest Date 5-7 April Venue Various venues Info GastroFest will celebrate and showcase Scottish produce and expertise in the science of food and drink. The event will bring some of Scotland’s top chefs, mixologists, scientists, and food producers together, with vibrant and varied events including presentations, workshops, novel dining experiences and a food market. 10 informededinburgh.co.uk Tradfest Date 29 April-11 May Venue Various venues Info Dùn Èideann or Tradfest is a vibrant festival of folk arts celebrating music, song, storytelling, dance, folk drama, arts and crafts, literature, architecture, film and multi-media. The theme ‘Revival and Renaissance’ will explore the cyclical way in which Scotland’s folk arts burst into life and influence every other aspect of culture. Edinburgh International Science Festival Date 5-20 April Venue Various venues Info This year the Edinburgh International Science Festival has a vibrant programme exploring how science lies at the heart of everything, with an entertaining and engaging series of events, exhibitions and happenings. The festival will explore the ideas that put science smack-bang in the centre of all our lives. Imaginate Festival Date 5-12 May Venue Various venues Info The Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people. Every year the Festival presents the finest selection of shows from Scotland and across the world and this year they will welcome companies from Scotland, Australia, England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. The Beltane Fire Festival Date 30 April Venue Calton Hill Info Inspired by the ancient Gaelic festiv