August is the month of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest performing arts festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo both of which should be a “must see and do” on everybody’s Scottish wish list. These events are on for a whole three weeks every year in August so start planning for next year!
In August my hubby and I, along with some friends made the trip to Edinburgh for a few days. The city was absolutely buzzing with so much to see and do. Street performers of the highest quality like this exquisite ballerina all along the Royal Mile. There are thousands of performances in theatre, cinemas, halls, bars, cafes, actually in just about every available space.
It is impossible to see everything at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe so a well planned visit was our approach. The downloadable app made this really easy. All planning aside, some of the best performances that we attended were spontaneous and very last minute. Whilst walking the streets many a leaflet would be thrust into our hands just minutes before the show began and if we could fit it in, we did. A truly fabulous few days.
We also visited the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The breathtaking setting on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade high above the city creates the perfect stage for this atmospheric spectacle of military pipers, drummers, & singers. It is worth mentioning that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a non-profit organisation. In addition to putting on a spectacular event, they donate substantial amounts of money to charity including Military charities who are supporting their veterans and families of those serving.
The first Edinburgh Tattoo took place in 1950 and has advanced over the years with technology. Nowadays moving images are projected onto the ancient castle walls bringing the performances to life. For me, the most poignant performance is near the end of the evening when the arena is thrown into complete darkness and a lone piper can be seen high up on the castle ramparts. He is barley lit and his silhouette like figure is rather haunting as he pipes his pipers tune.
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