Artistic shows range from, theatre, comedy, dance, music, street performance, cabaret, the spoken word or circus. Comedy is the largest section and performances range from some very well known artists to new comers. My favourite section is dance and comedy and I have had the privilege of seeing an amazing contemporary ballet produced and performed by Mikhail Baryshnikov and an African Ballet.
Thousands of performers world wide take to the different stages throughout the city, making it a cosmopolitan hub and the atmosphere is electric. Anyone with a creative idea, energy and belief can be part of this international cultural event.
Princes Street and gardens are alive with street performers and circus acts and stalls of arts and crafts line the pavements.
The Festival programme is packed with entertainment and has something for everyone. You are guaranteed to find performances that appeal to your taste. Two major events well worth seeing and I speak from experience, is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and theFireworks Concert which brings the Edinburgh International Festival to a spectacular end. The fireworks concert with more than 100,000 fireworks exploding in the sky, is accompanied by music played by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, a most atmospheric event!Both shows take place at Edinburgh Castle.