FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
One fact is indesputible, that the Scottish people know how to have a good time!
From the world renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to the obscure (to some) but very entertaining Highland Games, through to the alternate Edinburgh Fringe Festival, there is something for everyone.
No matter what time of year you maybe travelling to Scotland, you are sure to find an event or festival in full swing.
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
Without a doubt, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an international extravaganza that is on many bucket lists.
With humble beginnings, the Tattoo was inspired by a simple show called ‘Something About a Soldier’ performed in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand. The bandstand is still there, in Princes Street Gardens just below the Castle.
Today it has grown into an unforgettable spectacle, staged as part of Edinburgh’s world-famous summer festivals. It is a unique celebration of Scottish music, dance and military pageantry. Almost 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers perform at the Edinburgh Tattoo on the Esplanade. Each year you can expect stirring performances of the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands that emerge from the huge castle gates, playing the inspiring battle tunes of Scotland’s famed regiments.
HIGHLAND GAMES
Part of Scotland’s culture for hundred’s of years, the Highland games celebrate heritage, culture and sense of community.
Each event has a unique character and traditions and events are spread through the country starting in May through September.
Nearly all the games feature a range of piping and drumming competitions, caber tossing, highland dancing, athletic events, and individual pipers and drummers. With great fun and the great food (and drink) that’s usually on offer, combined with the grandeur of the Scottish scenery, the Games are a ‘must-see’ visitor attraction.
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
Part of Scotland’s culture for hundred’s of years, the Highland games celebrate heritage, culture and sense of community.
Each event has a unique character and traditions and events are spread through the country starting in May through September.
Nearly all the games feature a range of piping and drumming competitions, caber tossing, highland dancing, athletic events, and individual pipers and drummers. With great fun and the great food (and drink) that’s usually on offer, combined with the grandeur of the Scottish scenery, the Games are a ‘must-see’ visitor attraction.
THE EDINBURGH HOGMANAY PARTY
If you like parties, you’ll love this. The Edinburgh Hogmanay party is the world’s biggest New Year bash, and one of the safest, with 4 days of festive celebrations and activities.
Year after year the Hogmanay street party brings something new to the crowds: with the Torchlight Procession, the Carnival, the Street Theatre, the Seven Hills fireworks, and a host of indoor & outdoor events. The showcase of the Hogmanay celebrations is the concert in Princes Street Gardens, underneath Edinburgh Castle Rock, with the party culminating in the spectacular Street Party with live bands and fireworks. The number of Street Party passes available will usually be 100,000, and all these people will throng the streets to welcome in the New Year. Safety is the priority and it’s worth mentioning that Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers have always had a good reputation for being a well behaved, friendly crowd, with very few incidents.
The stroke of midnight sees complete strangers hugging and kissing, hand shaking and back slapping. You may also hear an old Scottish New Year toast….“Here’s tae us, wha’s like us?” This may be followed with someone saying “Damn few, and they’re a’deid” (all dead)
The crowd then bursts into singing Auld Lang Syne, the traditional New Year song. Edinburgh has a total of seven hills, and at midnight on Hogmanay, they are all lit up, with the centrepiece being the firework display from the Castle.
There will be plenty of music, and gigs also take place in Princes Street and the Mound Precinct. Those seeking a more sedate celebration can enjoy a tranquil, candlelight concert in St Giles Cathedral. The festival atmosphere continues on New Year’s Day with Parklife in Holyrood Park, hosting a good range of free family fun events.
Hogmanay has traditionally always been more popular than Christmas in Scotland, and this bash has evolved into one of the most popular celebrations in the world.
