August 4th, 2009 Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place every August in Edinburgh Scotland. This amazing two week event includes all kinds of performances from around the world. While the name itself seems rather specific it actually refers to a collection of festivals that are centered on film, theatre, dance, music and various other forms of entertainment and performance. They occur throughout the city and various parts of the outskirts. It has grown so large that some of the associated festivals take place at other times, though they are primarily oriented to the summer season. The Edinburgh International Festival has become the largest festival in the world and various prizes are awarded in different categories.
It began in 1947 and was established as part of the post World War II efforts to revitalize the arts and the spirit of humanity. Interestingly, it was this same year that a select group of companies arrived on the scene and held their own performances just outside the official festival boundaries. This led to what is now known as the Fringe festival, which in itself has become enormous and attracts performers and companies from around the globe. It is actually, the largest of the festivals attached to the Edinburgh series. Tickets for this event are available in advance.
The International Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world. Participation is by invitation and brings to the stage the world’s top performers. There is a strong focus on music, particularly classical music, though there are theatre companies, opera performances and also various forms of dance. There is even galleries of visual arts on exhibit during these three weeks in August. In 1999 the Festival made a permanent localized home in what is known as The Hub. It is located near the Edinburgh Castle and the gothic spire of this building is the highest point in the city.
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