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.
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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