Edinburgh International Festival 2025

Every year, August arrives with a great deal of anticipation here at 100 Princes Street, as it’s the time when Edinburgh transforms into a truly global stage for the arts, and at the centre of this lies the Edinburgh International Festival. Founded in 1947 to foster cultural unity in the wake of World War II, the festival has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious celebrations of music, theatre, dance, and opera. It continues to champion world-class performance while staying rooted in its founding ideals of excellence, inclusivity, and internationalism.

A promotional shot for Make It Happen

This year’s programme is particularly compelling. Opening the festival is the world premiere of Make It Happen, a co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland and the Dundee Repertory Theatre. Written by James Graham, and starring Succession’s Brian Cox, this razor-sharp satire, available to see from 1st to 8th August, dives into the collapse of the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2008.

On 2nd August, don’t miss The Veil of the Temple by John Tavener, a once-in-a-generation experience. This 8-hour spiritual vigil is performed by 250 singers in five languages, including the acclaimed Monteverdi Choir. It’s only the second time the piece has ever been staged in the UK.

The NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra

Celebrating emerging talent, Festival Director Nicola Benedetti will join the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra and Rising Stars musicians in a heartfelt tribute to Yehudi Menuhin, one of the most celebrated violinists of the 20th century who nurtured new talent across the entirety of his career, on 11th August.

The following evening, the London Symphony Orchestra, now led by their new Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, will be performing Beethoven’s Fifth and Shostakovich’s Tenth. To make this even more unmissable, Benedetti will be joining Sir Antonio on-stage to co-present the concert, giving audiences additional insight into the music and composers.

Scottish Ballet's Mary, Queen of Scots

There’s also the eagerly awaited world premiere of Mary, Queen of Scots from 15th to 17th August, choreographed by Sophie Laplane for Scottish Ballet. A bold, punk-tinged reimagining of Scotland’s most iconic monarch, history lovers and dilletantes alike cannot afford to miss this.

Finally, for the grand finale, Grammy-winning jazz bassist Endea Owens and her ensemble The Cookout will close the festival on 24th August with a joyous late-night performance at The Hub.

We’re so proud to say that all of this lies right on the doorstep of 100 Princes Street. Secure a room with us and you’ll be within easy reach of not only the venues hosting the aforementioned events, like Usher Hall, The Hub, and Festival Theatre, but a host of other happenings that make August in Edinburgh such a magical time.