Sun 04 Sep 2005

As the Festival drew to a close with the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert attracting 225,000 people, organisers announce both a critical and popular success.

The Edinburgh International Festival has attracted positive critical attention this year for its investment in major new productions exclusive to Edinburgh, and for the strong multi-cultural vein in its programming.

The Edinburgh International Festival’s own productions of David Harrower’s Blackbird, Nuts CocoNuts, and Curlew River all received excellent reviews and saw large audiences.

Recent events in London made the programming of two other EIF-produced events, John Adams’ opera The Death of Klinghoffer, and The Prayer Room by Scots Asian playwright Shan Khan particularly relevant. The Death of Klinghoffer attracted a new, younger audience to opera, interested in an intelligent exploration of topical issues.

One-off collaborations saw East and West combine in a sell out success with Swan Lake presented by Pennsylvania Ballet and the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio. Demand was such that queues started at 10am each day for Turn Up and Try It tickets, available from one hour before the 7.30pm performances. In another hugely successful partnership Scottish Ballet and Scottish Chamber Orchestra joined forces to set the heather alight at the Playhouse for thousands of fans.

The enthusiastic public response to a unique programme saw box office takings up by around 12% on 2004. Theatre and dance events in particular saw large increases on last year, while over 84% of all seats for music events were sold.

A new scheme for this year, the Royal Bank £5 Youth Tickets, aimed at 16 to 26 year olds proved particularly popular as did half price tickets for students and under 18s.

The Royal Bank at The Hub programme delighted and intrigued audiences who wanted to see more of the creative processes. Some were even given a sneak peek at what Festival 2006 might hold in store.

Brian McMaster, Director of the Edinburgh International Festival said: ’Creating work that is exclusive to Edinburgh, and presenting unique collaborations, ensures that we are able to offer an experience which will attract visitors and media from around the world. I am delighted that audiences have responded so well to this year’s diverse and challenging programme’.