Page 87 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland
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ENTER T AINMENT IN EDINBURGH 85
Edinburgh Jazz &
Blues Festival
For around ten days in early
August a selection of inter
national jazz performers comes
to Edinburgh to give concerts,
accompanied by Scotland’s
principal jazz musicians.
Most venues are dotted
around Edinburgh’s University
district including the main
venue Queen’s Hall (see p83).
Only The Hub (see below) sells
tickets to all events. There is also
a free, openair Mardi Gras day
The Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle, with an audience of thousands in the Grassmarket, in the Old
Town, on the opening Saturday.
main sections. There is a armed forces of other countries The Blues element is also very
showcase for young British are invited every year to successful, attracting many UK
talent, a world premieres en hance the show. For many, and American performers.
sec tion, a film study category, the highlight of the Tattoo is a
and a major retrospective. solo piper playing a haun ting DIRECTORY
Although the showings pibroch lament (see p34) from
are screened primarily at The the Castle battlements. Edinburgh
Filmhouse on Lothian Road, International Festival
every city centre cinema now The Hub, Edinburgh’s Festival
takes part in the festival to some Centre, Castlehill, Royal Mile,
extent (see Directory p83 for EH1 2NE.
details of all the cinemas). Tel (0131) 473 2099 (info).
Tel (0131) 473 2000 (booking).
∑ eif.co.uk
Edinburgh Military
Tattoo Edinburgh International
The enduring popularity of Book Festival
the Military Tattoo never fails 5a Charlotte Sq, EH2 4DR.
to surprise some people, or Tel (0845) 373 5888.
to charm others. It has been ∑ edbookfest.co.uk
running since 1950, when the
British Army decided to con Edinburgh
tribute to Edinburgh’s August International Film Festival
events with displays of martial 88 Lothian Rd, EH3 9BZ.
prowess and music on the A temporary marquee selling books at the Tel (0131) 228 2688.
picturesque Castle Esplanade. Edinburgh Book Festival ∑ edfilmfest.org.uk
Temporary stands are built
on the Esplanade each summer Edinburgh Jazz and
in preparation for the 200,000 Edinburgh Book Festival Blues Festival
visitors who watch the Tattoo Every August, a minivillage Assembly Direct, 89 Giles St,
over its threeweek run. This of marquees is erected in EH6 6BZ.
enormous spectacle heralds the the beautiful Georgian surroun Tel (0131) 467 5200.
approach of the other, assorted dings of Charlotte Square Tel Box office: (0131) 473 2000.
August arts festivals. Marching Gar dens in the city centre. This ∑ edinburghjazzfestival.com
bands and musicians from the temporary village plays host
to two weeks of bookrelated The Fringe
events and talks by a variety The Fringe Office, 180 High St,
of writers, from novelists and EH1 1QS.
poets to those who specialize Tel (0131) 226 0026.
in cookbooks or children’s ∑ edfringe.com
fiction. Scottish authors are
always well represented. Military Tattoo
Originally held every other Edinburgh Tattoo, 32 Market St,
year, the Book Festival became EH1 1QB.
so popular that since 1998 it Tel (0131) 225 1188.
A painted street performer showing his skill has been an annual event coin ∑ edintattoo.co.uk
at staying as still as a statue ciding with the other festivals.
084-085_EW_Scotland.indd 85 10/23/17 11:55 AM
