Edinburgh Turns the City into a Stage - News

Festival Season Returns in Style

Every August, Edinburgh becomes the cultural capital of the world. It welcomes visitors from across the globe to experience an unrivalled programme of arts, culture, literature, film and performance.

This year, we continue our support of five of Edinburgh's internationally renowned August festivals, helping to strengthen Scotland's visitor economy and showcase the country on the world stage.

Through our funding support we’re helping to enhance the visitor experience, attract international audiences and increase the global profile of Scotland.

Supporting Scotland's visitor economy

Edinburgh's programme of year-round festivals, which in the summer also includes the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Children's Festival, play a vital role in Scotland's visitor economy, generating tourism, supporting jobs and showcasing Scotland as a vibrant, creative and welcoming destination.

An impact study published by Festivals Edinburgh highlighted the significant contribution made by the city's festivals. The report found that 90% of audiences regard the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery, while 79% of local audiences believe they make Edinburgh a special place to live.

The study also found that the festivals spend more than £10 million annually with Scottish event production companies and creative talent and are projected to generate a gross economic impact of £4.26 billion for Scotland over the next five years.

These findings show the powerful role festivals play in attracting visitors, supporting businesses and enhancing Scotland's international reputation.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Credit: Kenny Lam

Delivering Scotland's National Events Strategy

Our support aligns with the national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024- 2035, which aims to build a diverse portfolio of events that strengthen communities, boost economic impact, enhance Scotland's reputation and deliver lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.

The funded activity demonstrates how events can create distinctive visitor experiences, attract international media attention, encourage community participation and showcase Scotland's creativity and innovation on a global platform.

Performer on The Mound in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Credit: Kenny Lam

Festival support highlights

Edinburgh Festival Fringe support will help deliver the festival's Street Events programme, contributing to the safe delivery of free performances and activities at this entertaining and inspiring Festival experience . As the world's largest open-access performing arts festival, the Fringe remains a cornerstone of Edinburgh's August offering and a major draw for visitors.
Edinburgh International Festival support will help deliver Together We Rise, the festival's mass participation opening weekend event. The project includes event infrastructure, environmentally sustainable systems, marketing activity and creative programming under the festival's 2026 theme, All Rise.
Edinburgh Art Festival support will contribute towards international PR activity and a major new installation by acclaimed sculptor Emii Alrai on Calton Hill. The investment aims to increase international media coverage and create a high-profile cultural attraction during the festival period.
Edinburgh International Book Festival support will help secure high-profile author Douglas Stuart as part of The Front List 2026 and deliver an enhanced international marketing campaign designed to attract new audiences and strengthen the festival's global reach.
Edinburgh International Film Festival support will help establish a new partnership with Variety, including a dedicated Variety Salon, talent interviews and international media coverage that will further showcase Edinburgh and Scotland to global film industry audiences.

Building Scotland's reputation on the world stage

Collectively, Edinburgh's August festivals represent one of Scotland's greatest cultural assets, attracting visitors and while reinforcing Scotland's position a leading destination for world-class events.

By supporting innovative programming, international promotion and audience growth, we are helping to ensure Edinburgh's festivals continue to deliver economic, cultural and social benefits for Scotland, supporting local businesses, enriching communities and inspiring visitors from around the world