Top Tips for the Edinburgh Festival

Edinburgh Festival is upon us! If you’re set to savour the delights of this month long celebration of all things imaginable across the arts world, take a look at our top tips and make the most of every moment- you won’t regret it!

1. Make the most of deals
Over the past five years Edinburgh Festival show prices have risen noticeably- so make sure you’re savvy when choosing what to see, and when. Take advantage of 2 for 1 deals at the beginning of August, especially for the most popular performers, who are sure to sell out daily as the festival reaches its peak.

Some shows will have special offer flyers in local shops, while there are often offers in local press and festival communications. And don’t discount shows like ‘Late ‘n’ Live’ or ‘Best of the Fest’- you’ll see a whole range of top-notch performers for the price of just one show.

Alternatively, search out last minute prices at the Half Price Hut on the Mound, which sells half-price tickets on the day for selected performances; for morning shows, tickets are sold the evening before. Easy!

2. See things for free
If you’re not fussy about what you see- and you’re happy to see it on a whim- some performances will hand out free tickets 10 minutes or so before the show begins to make up numbers. It’s a great way of seeing unknowns about to make the big time, and is equally effective at broadening your festival horizons. Many performers will give snippets of their acts to whet festival goers’ appetites on the Royal Mile or in the popular festival beer gardens- keep an eye out for card tricks, acrobats and more.

3. Soak up the atmosphere
It’s the ambiance as much as the performances that make the festival- from the cavalcade to mark the festival’s beginnings to the end of festival fireworks, the party atmosphere lasts the whole month of August. Whether celeb spotting across the city (the E4 Udderbelly is a always a great place to spy big acts) or standing on George Street to watch the tattoo fireworks twice nightly, the city is constantly buzzing. Gardens and venues such as the Spiegeltent and Pleasance Courtyard are always packed, and revellers can sit outside till late, fuelled by the many bars and great range of food stands- from mussels to wraps, smoothies and burgers- there’s something for every taste.

4. Don’t just limit yourself to comedy
Ok, the Edinburgh Festival is renowned for high calibre comedians and nursing the talents of complete unknowns- but there’s a lot more on besides! From plays as bizarre as Naked Networking to world class dance acts and theatre to rival London’s West End, there’s a whole cornucopia of acts to choose from. Don’t forget the Book Festival too- running from 14th – 30th August, the Book Festival has something for children and adults alike. Renowned authors and speakers- from the Financial Times Miss Moneypenny to kid’s favourite Anne Fine and Fay Weldon descend upon the city to entertain and inspire.

5. Take time out
It’s a manic four weeks in the city- so don’t try and do it all at once. There are plenty of ways to get away from the rush of it all. The Botanical Gardens provide much needed tranquillity, while the city’s many parks are a lush haven of green on a beautiful summer’s day. Nearby North Berwick hosts its own mini-festival, the Fringe By the Sea, while Portobello beach’s quirky fruit machine art installation (part of the Art Festival) is sure to delight.

However, if its art on the move that floats your boat, take a relaxing meander through the Water of Leith, where world renowned sculptor Antony Gormley has placed life-size sculptures. It’s a beautiful walk made all the more interesting by changing cityscapes and stop-offs like the Dean and Modern Art Galleries.