History of the Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival was established in 1947, in the wake of the Second World War. Its founders believed that the Festival should enliven and enrich the cultural life of Europe, Britain and Scotland and ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’. They also recognised that, if the Festival succeeded in its artistic ambitions, it would create a major new source of tourism revenue for Edinburgh and for Scotland. This founding principle - that a world class cultural event, which brings together people and artists together from around the world, would also generate significant cultural, social and economic benefits for Edinburgh and Scotland - is as relevant today as it was nearly 60 years ago.

Long ranked as one of the most important cultural celebrations in the world, from the beginning the Festival has presented programmes of classical music, opera, theatre and dance of the highest possible standard, involving the best artists in the world. Founders of the Festival include Rudolf Bing, then the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera, Henry Harvey Wood the Head of the British Council in Scotland, and a group of civic leaders from the City of Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh International Festival is programmed by its Artistic Director - Jonathan Mills, as of October 2006. Artists perform at the Festival at the Director's invitation, with the Festival administration being responsible for all aspects of the promotion and management of its events.

Over the years a number of other festivals have grown up around the International Festival. Most notably, in July and August the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Military Tattoo, and Book, Film, Jazz and Mela Festivals take place, but festival events have now been expanded into other times of the year with the Hogmanay Festival and the Science and Children’s Festivals. All of these events are administered separately from the Edinburgh International Festival.

In July 1999 the Edinburgh International Festival opened its first permanent home, The Hub, Edinburgh’s Festival Centre. The Hub, formerly The Highland Tolbooth, features Edinburgh's most prominent spire towering over the Royal Mile. This historic A listed building is enhanced by contemporary arts and crafts, including light sculptures, tiling, stained glass and a stunning sculpture hall. Transformed into the buzzing heart of the Festival City and housing a ticket centre and cafe, this exciting venue provides a year round focal point for the city’s cultural life.

Festival directors

note: Annual Reviews from previous Festivals can be found on the main About the Festival page.

Previous EIF dates

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