Festive Edinburgh

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Probably the most compact city in the UK, Edinburgh welcomes you with the spectacular scenery of the medieval Old Town that contrasts sharply with the Georgian splendour of New Town. Since getting around on foot is fairly easy, it

also means that the breathtaking views of the Lothian countryside are close at hand. However, if you’re willing to delve a little deeper below the surface, you will find a city that’s alive with culture and excitement. The Castle City’s combination of medieval closes, cobbled streets, underground vaults and 18th and 19th century grandeur offers itself to visitors as soon as they arrive; but to truly see the city behind doors there is no better time than during the Edinburgh Festivals.
Interestingly, the 2011 International Festival drew inspiration, as the festival director, Jonathan Mills puts it, “from the subtlety and timeless beauty of the rich and varied cultures of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Vietnam; places whose economic importance and artistic influence grows by the year.”
The just concluded month-long Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe, in the first week of September, turned the historic capital of Scotland into one of the most vibrant stages for global entertainment, debates and the performing arts. The whole experience of visiting a city steeped in history acquires a new meaning with hundreds of venues opening their doors to the public; every space becomes a stage for talks, plays and entertainment. In short, the festivals offer something for everyone.
It is said that every year when the festivals peak during August-September more than 25,000 artists, entertainers and thinkers populate the city that showcases over 1,000 shows per day. The city’s population, which is almost 4,50,000, swells to well over 1 million during its famous arts festivals in August. Whether it is comedy, theatre, books and literature, the visual arts, science talks, game shows, films, dance, opera, classical music, jazz and blues, pop and rock, the festivals are one of the most affordable live events in the world; an opportunity to soak in a real Edinburgh experience during a cultural phenomena, celebrated globally and treasured locally.
It is during this season that the Royal Castle plays host to the popular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular show enjoyed by millions. In the glowering twilight, Edinburgh Castle slumbers, waiting for nightfall and for the footlights that will transform it into a dazzling stage set for the world’s most spectacular show.
A hush falls and darkness deepens, the great oak gates of the castle sweep open and the swell of the pipes and drums crack through the night sky. The castle, which sits on its own volcanic rock at the top of the Royal Mile, houses the exquisite Scottish Crown jewels, the delightful St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Stone of Destiny on which previous monarchs were crowned and many other historic buildings.
Just next door to the castle is the attractive Scottish Whisky Experience for the perfect blend of Scottish history and spirits. A wander down the famous Royal Mile — the thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh that links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland — will give the visitor more to discover besides enjoying the theatrics of superb street artistes and new talent when the festivals are on. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is home to centuries of fascinating history: the royal apartments, the throne room and the historic gallery, even the Queen’s Gallery is no less fascinating.
Close by on Chambers Street is the National Museum of Scotland, a landmark building in the heart of the city’s Old Town. The collections here tell you the story of Scotland, its land, its people and culture. For days during the festivals, it presents artistic shows and events.
This year, the voices and instruments of our very own Langa and Manganiyar dessert (Rajasthan) communities reverberated around the magnificent building evoking sunsets, sunrises and full moons. Similarly, the National Galleries of Scotland (gallery complex at The Mound) hold the national collection of Scottish art, the most important of its kind in the world.
Art lovers are in for a real treat as these impressive galleries (National Gallery of Scotland, Royal Scottish Academy Building, Dean Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art) showcase some of the best Scottish and international art in the world, giving a picture of the country’s art from the turn of the 16th century to the present day.