Special Events
Edinburgh International Film Festival
The Edinburgh Film Festival 2009 will take place June 17th – 28th. The programme will be launched May 6th, with the box office opening May 8th.
The Edinburgh International Film Festival is one of the most respected and influential events in the cinematic calendar, drawing premium figures from the film world and industry insiders to the Scottish capital.
Launched in 1947 along with the Edinburgh International Festival, the event has played a strong role in the development of British and Scottish film.
The festival has always been at the forefront of new movements in cinema, being among the first to screen New German Cinema, American Indie and Japanese Cinema.
By bringing fresh talent and innovation in film to audiences, the festival has also launched the careers of iconic film makers, including Stephen Frears after he debuted My Beautiful Launderette in Edinburgh.
Festival films in recent years which have gone onto prove immensely popular include Control, Knocked Up and The Edge of Love.
Thousands of film enthusiasts visit Edinburgh for the festival each year, and are treated to a mix of stimulating, provocative and cutting edge film which is crucially entertaining and refreshing.
For listings and information visit www.edfilmfest.org.uk
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The 2009 Edinburgh Tattoo August 7th – 29th
This year the Scottish capital will host the 60th Edinburgh Military Tattoo, making it a very special year to enjoy the event in all its glory.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo presents over 1,000 performances offering a mix of music, ceremony and theatre that encapsulates the best of Scotland’s culture.
Taking place on the floodlit esplanade of stunning Edinburgh castle, the event invokes the excitement associated with pipe bands, percussion and military inspired grandeur.
This year will also ensure the tattoo plays an impressive role in the year of Scotland’s Homecoming 2009, which pays homage to the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
As part of this role, the event will include a series of Vignettes of the Bard’s work, including a performance of the greatly revered Tam O’Shanter.
In addition to Scotland’s own repertoire of pipe bands, percussion groups and performers, the Tattoo draws a superior selection of military bands and dance troupes from around the world making it not only a Scottish event, but also a truly international one.
A highlight will be the Top Secret Drum Corps from Basel in Switzerland, who will be returning to perform following popular demand after their phenomenal reception last year.
The centrepiece however will be Scotland’s own Massed Pipes and Drums with their uplifting and spirit enhancing performances on the drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Jazz Festival
31 July – 9 August
Of all Edinburgh’s exciting events, perhaps one of the most vibrant and intoxicating is the International Jazz Festival.
Attracting everyone from jazz aficionados to curious newcomers from around the world, this eclectic celebration of the unmistakable sound of jazz and blues is Britain’s biggest jazz festival.
A mix of world-renowned jazz stars and an emerging generation of Scottish and international contemporary talent ensures festival goers are spoiled for choice.
Drawing on the classic influences of King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Dizzy Gillespie and Chet Baker, iconic jazz and blues is enjoyed throughout the city, while contemporary talent offers fusion sounds and new interpretations of the genre.
Last year’s event drew a 20,000 strong crowd to Princes Street Gardens for the outdoor jazz concerts, which marked the festival’s 30th anniversary.
The event welcomed back artists who had performed at the very first Edinburgh Jazz Festival back in 1978.
With over 100 events and performances taking place throughout Edinburgh’s stunning theatres, intimate cafes, lively bars and beautiful parks, the jazz festival transforms the Scottish capital with a heady atmosphere of music, revelry and celebration.
The event usually launches with the famous Mardi Gras through the Old Town, bringing the cobbled streets alive with costumes, music and dance.
The climax of the festival has to be ‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’, prompting an outpouring of partygoers into the streets and parks to enjoy open air music and celebration.
Festivities are exhilarating and exhausting, so you’ll be glad of the short stroll back to your luxury apartment. Nestled in a rarely quiet enclave in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Holyrood Aparthotel offers the ideal haven from the crowds, where you can chill out, take a bath or just sleep off all the excitement.
Listings for the 2009 festival will be available soon online at www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk
Holiday Time
Holiday Dates Update Good Friday – Friday April 10th May Bank Holiday – Monday May 4th Summer Bank Holiday – Monday August 3rd
Key holiday dates present a wonderful time to visit Edinburgh. The city always offers a wealth of events and activities for families, couples or friends, and long weekends allow time to appreciate more of the Scottish capital’s beautiful streets, parks and historic architecture. Holidays bring a sense of relaxation and celebration to the city, with the reassurance that the majority of the fantastic eateries, bars and shops are still open for business!
Edinburgh International Film Festival - 2009
August 14 – September 6
The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the world’s most revered and influential cultural events, drawing talented artists and performers from across the globe, and transforming the city with theatre, music and revelry.
The festival has inspired cities around the world to imitate its successful format of superior yet inclusive art and culture.
The event has been described by The Scotsman as one that always brings the ‘promise of discovery.’
This year, there is to be a strong sense of celebrating another era of discovery and promise – the 18th Century Scottish Enlightenment.
The 18th Century Enlightenment describes a movement which fuelled the revolutionary development of philosophical thought, science and the arts, and had its own influences from Scotland. These influences will provide a fascinating theme for much of this year’s festival.
Also on offer is a fresh take on opera, ballet and puppetry, in addition to an extensive music and theatre repertoire, and early reviews suggest productions of Faust and The Last Witch will prove phenomenally popular.
Founded in 1947, the International Festival was created amid the aftermath of World War Two, with the aim of cultivating the arts to revive the human spirit and fresh optimism following mass devastation.
All exhibiting artists are invited, ensuring a consistently high quality and innovative mix of genres, styles and performances.
This cherry picking of premier music, art, theatre and dance results in an eternally fresh, provocative and exhilarating festival.
Yet Edinburgh folk know there is more to the festival than the performances. What really makes it such a special event to be part of is an electric atmosphere, with a thrilling social and party scene, and the excitement of shared celebration among hundreds of nationalities and cultures.
The seemingly endless round of performances, events and late summer nights define the festival, and our guests benefit from the luxurious, private haven of their Holyrood Aparthotel home just minutes from all the excitement.
For a full festival programme and information about tickets
Edinburgh's Moonwalk
Launching this year on Saturday June 20th
Since women (and men) presented a united front against breast cancer with the world’s biggest sponsored walk, The Moonwalk has proved hugely successful in Edinburgh.
Launching at the beautiful Inverlieth Park, some 12,000 men and women will trail the city’s streets in tailored, customised, decorated and sometimes just plain surreal bras to show their support for those affected by breast cancer, and raise vital funds for care, support and research.
Last year Edinburgh’s Moonwalk alone raised an incredible £2.7 million for breast cancer charities.
For further information visit www.walkthewalk.org
Royal Highland Show
Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June 2009
Scotland’s agricultural community and thousands of visitors from across the country come together for the Royal Highland Show.
This celebration of Scotland’s food, farming and rural life was launched back in 1783, and has grown to be one of Edinburgh’s most iconic events.
Livestock parades, rural pursuits, impressive displays of farm machinery and enticing food halls offering a feast of Scottish produce make this event as much a wonderful family day out as an integral date in the country’s agricultural calendar.
Children in particular love meeting the animals and marvelling at the gigantic tractors, while foodies savour the opportunity to sample delicious fresh produce from award winning producers.
In recent years event organisers introduced Highland Games, including favourites such as Caber Tossing for added entertainment value.
The Royal Highland Show has always offered a strong emphasis on education. The organisation aims to inspire improvements in farming, increase understanding of our pastoral landscape and encourage us to work in harmony with the environment, as well as inviting visitors to enjoy a fascinating glance into rural Scotland.
Rugby In Edinburgh
The Heineken Cup Final comes to the Scottish capital on May 23rd this year
Edinburgh hosts some of Rugby’s most nail biting competitive events, at the world famous Murrayfield Stadium.
The stadium and multitude of bars alike are filled with rugby fans and an indescribable sense of excitement. The city’s vibrant and varied bar scene ensures there is plenty of atmosphere for celebration or commiseration well into the small hours.
The Six Nations Cup comes to Edinburgh for the Scotland V Wales and Scotland V Ireland matches. For details of dates visit www.rbs6nations.com
Information available now at www.ercrugby.com
Edinburgh Book Festival
15-31 August 2009
The Edinburgh Book Festival is a vibrant and inspirational event ideal for all who love literature.
Taking place during the heart of the Edinburgh International Festival, this event offers author interviews, readings, debates and workshops that explore and celebrate the history, influences and future of literature in our lives.
Featuring burgeoning literary talent, rare finds and fresh interpretations of classics, the event draw literary aficionados from far and wide for this celebration of the world of books.
The book festival brochure is available from June 11th and tickets are on sale June 22nd.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Fringe Festival running 7-21 August 2009
It’s the world’s biggest arts festival, offering theatre, comedy, music, art and entertainment to audiences of millions.
And it was all started by a few gatecrashers.
When the Edinburgh International Festival launched in 1947, eight theatre groups turned up uninvited with the hope of performing.
This developed into a trend of uninvited performers visiting Edinburgh and performing outside the official EIF programme, only to then launch a formal group Festival Fringe Society in 1958.
The Fringe has gone onto prove a hit with audiences from across the international stage, attracting fresh talent from all corners of the world and launching some surprise careers along the way.
What makes The Fringe different is that anybody can perform, and with no artistic vetting, there is an anarchic freedom and sense of cultural chaos at play.
The Fringe presents a wide range of performances, incorporating all musical genres, theatre, street performance, children’s shows and artistic events, many of which are free.
With over 1.7 million tickets selling last year, The Fringe just keeps growing in popularity and is regarded by many as capturing the true spirit of Edinburgh’s festival scene.
Gathering Of The Clans
The weekend of July 25th-26th will see a celebration of the rich and fascinating history of Scotland’s clans, and how they have helped shape the country’s history and culture.
This is a signature event of Homecoming Scotland 2009, offering Scots from all over the world a unique opportunity to connect with their heritage and keep Scottish tradition alive and relevant.
The event will incorporate Highland Games, a Scottish Festival and a Clan Parade, hosted from beautiful Holyrood Park.
Progressing through the city’s Royal Mile, the parade will culminate in a grand clan pageant on the esplanade of the world famous Edinburgh Castle.
Those wishing to take part in the mass gathering along the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town require a special ‘clan passport’ which should be arranged in advance of the event – you have been warned!
The festival will include performances from some of the Scotland’s most credible musical talents, including Capercaillie and Julie Fowlis. Extra excitement will be added with performances by the phenomenon that is the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
A highlight of the Highland Games will be The Big Pull, a gigantic take on that Caledonian favourite, the tug o’ war. This year’s event will raise funds for The Anthony Nolan Trust, a life-saving leukaemia charity.
The Royal Mile is a short and very pleasant stroll from Holyrood Aparthotel, while Holyrood Park is virtually on our doorstep. As our guest, you can be part of all the excitement, with the reassurance that you can retreat to your quiet, luxury apartment when desired.
For further information visit www.clangathering.org
Cycling Grand Prix of Edinburgh International Track Meeting
Venue: Meadowbank Velodrome
Date: 13 Jun '09 - 14 Jun '09
The Grand Prix of Edinburgh showcases Britain's top track riders. The event incorporates several disciplines, including the Grand Prix of Edinburgh Sprint and the British league 15k championship as well as the Motor Paced Keirin and distance races. In addition to the senior events, there is also a six event youth omnium for boys and girls under sixteen. This really is a great event to watch and spectators are encouraged to come down to the Meadowbank velodrome to watch Britain's top riders in action.
http://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/detail-243
Edinburgh Triathlon
Venue: Holyrood Park and Royal Commonwealth Pool
Date: 20 Jun '09
An important date in the Scottish Triathlon calendar, the Edinburgh Triathlon incorporates a number of races for all ages and abilities. As in previous years, the running and cycling elements will be staged in the scenic Holyrood Park, with the swimming and transition activities taking place at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Rat Race
Venue: Various venues across the city
Date: 18 Jul '09 - 19 Jul '09
Taking adventure sports right into the streets, waterways and urban jungle of the UK's coolest cities, the Rat Race is where teams of three race in a multi-disciplined challenge of navigation, endurance, skills and guts running, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, abseiling, and tackling a course that's only revealed hours before they begin.
http://www.ratraceadventure.com/
BUPA Great Winter Run
Venue: Holyrood Park
Date: 09 Jan '10
The Bupa Great Winter Run takes place in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on Saturday 9th January 2010 and is open to runners of all abilities aged 14 or over. The 5km road run is a mixture of road, grass and mud making it a unique Great Run event and part of a winter run extravaganza in Edinburgh. The Great Edinburgh International Cross Country will follow the Winter Run and will be a major highlight of the day where some of the world's top athletes are expected to compete.
Edinburgh Marathon
The Edinburgh Marathon is more than just a race – it is a festival of fun with on-route entertainment and finish-line celebrations. The race day will also reflect great human spirit thanks to the thousands of runners raising much needed funds for charitable causes. On the 15th of June 2003 Scotland’s capital hosted its first city marathon in 17 years. 3000 runners took to the streets of Edinburgh out of which over 1/3 were raising funds for charity. Edinburgh Marathon 2004 built on this achievement on 13th June with over 5000 people taking part. The 2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon and Hairy Haggis Team Relay expects 16,500 entrants and is firmly established its position as one of Scotland’s premier sporting and fundraising events.
http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/
Highland Games
Scotland has a long tradition and history of Highland Games where Clans would compete against each other in sporting events. Early Celts viewed such events as war games where their strongest and bravest soldiers would win the games. Some say that Highland Games originated as a clan chieftain's way of choosing the best bodyguards and the fittest fighters. Not all the chief's requirements were warlike - musicians and dancers were important for the prestige of his household. Choosing staff and supporters was done by holding competitions - good runners for couriers, strong men for defence and a range of entertainers to amuse them during the winter evenings. Many events at today's Highland Games still use items which would have been part of everyday life in the Highlands of old eg. round stones from river beds probably provided the original shot-putts while a Scots pine trunk shorn of its branches is still the caber as tossed today. Many of these traditions can still be seen in Highland Games today however they are now much more sociable and fun events celebrated worldwide.
The Barclays Scottish Open
For a week in July the eyes of the golfing world focus on one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. Come and witness the world's greatest golfers in breathtaking competition on the majestic Loch Lomond course.
http://www.barclaysscottishopen.co.uk/
The Open Championship
Scotland is recognised as the birthplace of Golf and The Open Championship will provide one of the focal points for the year of Homecoming in 2009. The 138th staging of The Open Championship, golf's oldest major, will find The Champion Golfer of the Year in 2009 at Turnberry. The venue is legendary for golf fans, recalling the famed Duel in the Sun in 1977 when Tom Watson finally triumphed over Jack Nicklaus on the 72nd and final hole of the Championship.
http://www.opengolf.com/ChampionshipGolf/TheOpenChampionship.aspx
The World Clan Golf Championship
To commemorate one of the largest clan gatherings in history coming to Edinburgh in July 2009, ensure your clan is represented by entering the inaugural World Clan Golf Championship in neighbouring East Lothian. Clans can enter any number of teams, consisting of four players, to "Battle on the Links" for the title of World Clan Golf Champions! Start Date: Monday, July 27, 2009 End Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 Address: Craigielaw Golf Club, Aberlady, East Lothian
http://www.golfeastlothian.com/homecoming
Johnnie Walker Championship
The Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles is one of the most exciting sporting events held in Scotland. Played over the PGA Centenary Course - the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup matches - the Championship is well-established and always attracts some of Europe's finest golfers including Championship Chairman Colin Montgomerie. Start Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009 End Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
http://www.johnniewalkerchampionship.com/
Scottish Borders Hill Rally
The Scottish Borders has a long tradition of motorsports and look forward to welcoming Homecoming enthusiasts back to the country's only Cross Country vehicle forest stage rally. The event combines breathtaking stage tracks with exhilarating, high speed, adrenalin pumping motorsport rallying. Start Date: Saturday, November 28, 2009 End Date: Sunday, November 29, 2009 Address: Newcastleton, Scottish Borders
http://www.scottishhillrally.co.uk/
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
The City of Glasgow is proud that "The Friendly Games" are coming here from Wednesday, 23 July to Sunday, 3 August 2014. There is keen anticipation in a city renowned for its friendliness, generosity of spirit and sense of humour. Glasgow is representing the whole of Scotland in extending a welcome to new and old friends from all Commonwealth nations.
