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Edinburgh International Festival (10-30, 2003) The International Festival tends to be a fairly highbrow affair and features large-scale productions of opera, ballet, classical music, dance and theatre performed in the larger venues. It ends with an open air concert and spectacular fireworks display in Princes Street Gardens. Box office: The Hub, Castlehill, T 473 2000, http://www.eif.co.uk Daily 0930-1730. For details on all the events and to access the other festival websites visit http://www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk The free daily listings magazine, The Guide, is a good way to find out what's on and where. The List and The Scotsman also give comprehensive coverage. The Fringe (3-25, 2003) A performing duck, a stuffed badger, genital origami and a lift in which a circus performer ties himself in knots for an audience of one. It can only mean one thing – the start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Last year's Fringe saw over 500 companies performing in nearly 200 venues. So relax. You cannot possibly see everything, and you really wouldn't want to anyway. A good opportunity to preview many of the Fringe performers for free is Fringe Sunday, which takes place in Holyrood Park, at the foot of the Royal Mile. Box office: 108 High St, T 226-5257, http://www.edfringe.com Daily 1000-1900 from mid-Jul till the end of the Festival. Programme available in June. International Book Festival (9-25, 2003) This may look like just a bunch of tents in Charlotte Square, but the marquees are full of some of the biggest names in literature holding readings, discussions, interviews and a whole range of workshops for adults and children. Box office: 137 Dundas St, T 228 5444, http://www.edbookfest.co.uk Edinburgh International Film Festival (13-24, 2003) The UK's most important film festival with screenings of many brilliant new movies long before they reach London and the rest of the country. It is also the longest continually running event of its kind in the world and a great place to rub shoulders with some big names. Box office: Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, T 229 2550, http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1-23, 2003) Although it's a separate event, the Tattoo is very much part of the Festival, set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. It's an unashamedly kilt-and-bagpipes event, featuring Massed Pipes and Drums, display teams, dancers and bands from all over the world. Box office: 32 Market Street, T 225 1188, http://www.edintattoo.co.uk Mon-Fri 1000-1630; during the Festival Mon-Fri 1000-2100, Sat 1000-2230.
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