Edinburgh city skyline at night

© Suranga Weeratuna/Alam

Festival fever. Edinburgh festivals

Here’s the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, lit up in all its glory as it keeps watch over the Scottish capital. From today, the castle will resound with the sound of bagpipes and drums as it hosts the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Enthusiastic visitors can also indulge in whisky and haggis in one of the many pubs and restaurants on the Royal Mile, the historic street that wends its way from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.

The Tattoo is a spectacular show of military music, dancing and ceremony that runs alongside the Edinburgh International Festival, which starts today and runs until 27 August, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (5-29 August), its sprawling, less formal sidekick. The main festival - celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022 - is an invitation-only event that brings together top classical musicians and stage performers from around the world.

The Fringe is decidedly casual. It’s the world’s largest arts festival and features all types of music, street performers, amateur theatre, stand-up comedy, and more, often in city streets, church halls, pubs... basically any available space. Think free-spirited and fun. One thing’s certain: Edinburgh in August keeps everyone entertained.