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Mon 27 Jun 2005

The Royal Bank of Scotland and Edinburgh International Festival today announced the continuation of their innovative partnership with two new schemes for 2005 aimed at widening access to the Festival.

The Royal Bank of Scotland is sponsoring thousands of £5 tickets for selected events across the Festival. Royal Bank £5 Youth Tickets are available to all young people aged 16 – 26 across all art forms from 1 August, in an exciting new development building on the achievements of the Royal Bank £5 Nights in 2002, the Royal Bank Turn Up and Try it in 2003 and Royal Bank Lates in 2004.

It is not just those aged 16 – 26 that benefit from The Royal Bank’s sponsorship this year. Young and old, audiences and artists alike have a unique opportunity to become more involved with the Festival in Royal Bank at The Hub. This major new four week programme includes masterclasses with top artists, ballet classes for all the family, workshops for aspiring playwrights, dancers and actors, behind the scenes talks, performances and exhibitions – with everything just £5 or free. A unique opportunity to watch and participate in the creative processes involved in the Festival.

Brian McMaster, Edinburgh International Festival Director said “My thanks go to The Royal Bank of Scotland for its support of this programme. The Royal Bank is one of the Festival’s longest standing supporters, and in recent years this support has focused on innovative and hugely successful programming and ticketing initiatives aimed at widening access to the Festival. 2005 sees further development of this incredibly valuable association. The Royal Bank £5 Youth Tickets give young people aged 16 – 26 the opportunity to experience the whole range of the Festival’s performances for just £5, while the Royal Bank at The Hub programme offers professional artists and new audiences alike unique insights into all aspects of the Festival’s work.”

Allan Watt, Head of Group Brand Communications at the Royal Bank said, "We are delighted to continue our association with the Edinburgh International Festival, building on the success of the Royal Bank £5 Nights, Royal Bank Turn up and Try It and Royal Bank Lates. The Royal Bank £5 Youth Tickets and Royal Bank at The Hub programme will provide young and old alike, an opportunity to experience an outstanding selection of theatre, dance and music, as well as a unique chance to get closer to international artists and glimpse behind the scenes. We are sure these initiatives will help to nurture a new generation of Festival lovers."

Royal Bank at The Hub is now available for booking. To get your free brochure of events please call 0131 473 2000 or look online at www.eif.co.uk

Royal Bank £5 Youth Tickets go on sale from 1 August. A full list of shows will be available on www.eif.co.uk or by phoning 0131 473 2000.

ENDS

For more information, images, and interviews please contact Susie Burnet or Wendy Grannon in the Edinburgh International Festival Press Office: 0131 473 2020 press@eif.co.uk