Edinburgh International Festival

Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival is a three-week long world-class cultural event that brings together artists and audiences from around the world.

2018 International Festival venues include:

• Leith Theatre – The theatre complex, including the library, was a gift from the people of Edinburgh to the people of Leith following the decision on 10th October 1920 to incorporate the Burgh of Leith into Edinburgh.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse – The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
• Festival Square – Located on Lothian Road, opposite the Usher Hall and in front of the Sheraton Hotel.
• Ross Theatre & Princes Street Gardens – The Ross Theatre (aka the Ross Band Stand) is the outdoor concert venue, with a capacity of 2000, in West Princes Street Gardens
• Usher Hall – With its great, round roof and outstanding acoustics, Usher Hall is a true Edinburgh institution. During August, there is an International Festival performance in the hall almost every night.
• The Studio – Located behind the Festival Theatre on Potterrow, The Studio is a flexible multi-purpose cultural space.
• The Queen’s Hall – Previously a church, The Queen’s Hall is now a beautiful Georgian concert hall. It seats 900 and is located on the southside of Edinburgh.
• King’s Theatre – Opened in 1906 and recently refurbished (complete with domed auditorium ceiling painted by renowned Scottish artist John Byrne) The King’s Theatre plays host to many of the International Festival’s theatre shows.
• The Hub – A striking, gothic tower at the top of the Royal Mile, The Hub is a key venue for music and other events during August.
• Festival Theatre – Behind the Festival Theatre’s striking glass façade there lies a welcoming 19th Century theatre.
• Edinburgh Playhouse – The largest theatre in Scotland, seating up to 3056 people.
• The Lyceum – A Victorian beauty built in 1883 and located next door to the Usher Hall, the Lyceum is an intimate and traditional venue that’s perfect for International Festival theatre performances.