Art "Olympics" Begin – Performing Arts Elite Gather for Competition in Edinburgh

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network

 

This summer in the UK has been exceptionally lively, with this Olympic Games attracting top athletes from all fields to gather in London; while every August marks the start of Edinburgh’s artistic feast, where classic art from all over takes center stage in the city – from renowned orchestras and dance troupes performing in prestigious venues, to spontaneous self-expressive acts on the streets, wildly imaginative and boundary-pushing alternative performances, as well as the awe-inspiring military band parades in ancient castles, book fairs gathering writers, and laid-back jazz performances. It’s an event for everyone who loves to sing, dance, appreciate the finer details, or simply soak up the excitement. When you visit the UK for the Olympics, it’s the perfect time to also experience the Edinburgh arts extravaganza.

Visitors to Edinburgh will have a wide range of tightly scheduled arts festival programs to choose from, including the Edinburgh International Festival (August 9 – September 2), the Edinburgh Art Festival (August 2 – September 2), the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 3 – August 25), the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 3 – August 27), and the Edinburgh International Book Festival (August 11 – August 27). Among them, the Edinburgh International Festival, like France’s Avignon Festival, is one of the oldest and largest international arts festivals in the world, though it features not only drama and dance but also classical music, ballet, and opera. The number of participating performance groups in the Edinburgh International Festival continues to grow – from perennial European heavyweights such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Wagner Chorus, and French and German opera companies, to art groups from the US, China, Japan, Africa, and elsewhere, all showcasing their finest talents.

The Edinburgh International Fringe Festival offers a “springboard to stardom” opportunity for young, unknown, but eager performing artists. In 1947, eight performance groups showed up uninvited, hoping to perform at the International Festival, but unfortunately, they were not listed in the official program, and even had to stay in public theaters, struggling just for exposure. A journalist at the time referred to them as “Fringe,” and thus the Fringe Festival was born. There are no restrictions on performance standards, participants find their own venues, and cover their own profits and losses – that’s the hallmark of the Fringe. It’s a bit like New York’s Off-Broadway, and is also equivalent to the “Off-Avignon Festival.”

One of the festival’s most popular events is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where people flock to Edinburgh Castle after sunset to watch the military band parade. The performance has been running since 1950, and the best gift from the Queen was officially granting it royal recognition by adding the word “Royal” to the name. The show lasts 1.5 hours, and under the moonlight at the castle, thousands of spectators enjoy performances by military bands from around the world – stirring military drum lines, lively marches, the powerful sound of Scottish bagpipes, or fast-paced Irish step dancing. Traditional music and costumes, enhanced by cutting-edge stage lighting, set against the hazy night view of Edinburgh Castle, create a truly spectacular scene. For more details, visit the official website: www.edinburgfestivals.co.uk.

 

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