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Edinburgh Festival (Edinburgh International Festival)
August 7 - August 29
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The Edinburgh Festival, or Edinburgh International Festival, kicks off on 7 August, 2021. This year’s programme features some of the best and emerging contemporary artists from around the world.
In order to ensure that live performances can go ahead, events will be staged in bespoke outdoor pavilions across Edinburgh, such as Edinburgh Park and the Old College Quad of the University of Edinburgh.
Fergus Linehan, Festival Director at Edinburgh International Festival said, “We are delighted to announce that in August 2021 the Edinburgh International Festival will return to live performance. While there are still uncertainties ahead, we are confident that this programme will give us the very best chance of delivering a season of live performance from 7 – 29 August.”
2021 EIF
EIF 2021 will feature more than 170 performances spanning opera, classical and contemporary music, dance, theatre and word.
Leading performers from the world of contemporary music include Damon Albarn, Edwyn Collins, The Snuts, Laura Mvula, Nadine Shah, Floating Points, Anna Meredith and Thundercat.
The London Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing works at these year’s festival.
Henry Purcell’s operatic tragedy Dido and Aeneas will be performed in Dido’s Ghost featuring Golda Schultz. Royal Scottish National Orchestra will provide a concert of Richard Strauss’ comedy Ariadne auf Naxos.
Full details of the 2021 programme – from opera to theatre and contemporary music can be found here. There will also be some events held online.
The Festival is not the only show in town in August, read about the Edinburgh Fringe.
EIF Dates
The Edinburgh Festival 2021 runs from 7 to 29 August.
EIF Tickets
You can purchase tickets online at eif.co.uk or by telephone at +44 (0)131 473 2000. Alternatively, buy tickets from the box office at the Hub (for address see below). All booking information can be found here.
Edinburgh Festival Programme
A full programme is available here.
Edinburgh Festival 2019 Address
The Hub on Castlehill, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Accommodation
Accommodation in Edinburgh during August fills up rapidly. Enter your dates in our flight and hotel comparison engine to search hundreds of sites for the best deals:
Cover photo: Elim Chan, RSNO Principal Guest Conductor © Sally Jubb.
