Keep an eye out for all sorts of shows by independent performers: comedy, magic, fire, etc.. The…read moreEdinburgh Festival Fringe is a joyous annual event that happens every August. Short street performances are spread throughout the city, particularly centering around the Royal Mile. We were unlucky with the weather in that it was pouring rain the day we visited. And so it was difficult to find shows as well as for the entertainers who had to stall until a large enough crowd had gathered. For the ones that we did stop to watch, they were quite enjoyable.

I happened to be visiting Edinburgh for a college reunion during the time of the Fringe Festival,…read moreso after meeting up with my friends at the airport, we all headed to the Royal Mile (which I fondly started calling the High Mile on account of its elevation and because so many people were high on life, drugs or alcohol!) to soak in the atmosphere. And what an atmosphere it was! Full of buskers, mimes, musicians, and eclectic acts - from Japanese pop to American tap dancing to an Eastern European theatre group performing a moving play about Jewish children interned at a Nazi concentration camp. It was a warm and sunny afternoon and the crowd was out in force, and I could clearly see the shimmering blue waters of the Firth of Forth in the distance. After stopping by for a wonderful meal of haggis and salmon and IPA at the Whiski Bar and Restaurant (different review for that one), we plunged back into the creativity and madness, enjoying the magical experience that's the Fringe!

It dazzles with somewhat lots of lights and has pre-recorded choirs tuned to lighting display…read more Sure it's good but I wouldn't say I was overwhelmed by it. Mind you saying that it's good for kids and it's free. I can't complain too much as it was free. It's set on the Royal Mile and it's a ticketed event. It last around 20 mins and your welcome to wander through the lights whilst listening to the choirs. There is about 4 choirs that sing a song each. All very good but pre-recorded. It's a lot of standing/ walking around and it's outdoors, so wrap up warm and be prepared for the seasonal Scottish weather because you ain't protected - at all! I had a good time, but I'm sure the kids would enjoy it too if you have them!

I first laid eyes on the Street of Light on the bus home. Oooh, shiny; I was drawn to the dazzling…read morebright lights in the distance. So, I made sure to visit the next evening that I was close by. I didn't take part in one of the free ticketed choir events but just walking through the tunnel of light was a dazzling thing in itself. Of course, it's not unmissable as others too have said, but it's a pretty nice little addition to Edinburgh this Christmas and could have you feeling in the festive spirit. This is a teeny tiny bit tainted by the 'Virgin Money' sponsor that shines from every illuminated archway. But yes, ooooh...shiny, indeed.

Art and very good Art it is…read more You forget these Vaults quite easily on Market Street as they just merge into the city backdrop. They don't get used like this so it's a great way to use a space and i hope it's the start of something special for artists. The musty vaults host a series of arts and entertainment. I fell in love with two particular artist's work - David Martin and Miriam Mallalieu apart from the bit where I almost crapped myself going into Miriam Mallalieu's "Charnel House for Roadkill"!! We went in the daytime so know real entertainment to hear, but to see there were plenty of cool artists!

It's an exhibition - it's a party - it's a wonderland it's…read moreall of these things. And more. Every year Edinburgh's art scene opens the Vaults on Market Street and turn them into a world of its own. Sculpture, Fine Art, film, music, installation art and performances will take hold of you as soon as you step in. You will forget your everyday life for a couple of hours and feel like floating in a creative aquarium. I forgot that I was still in Edinburgh. the tickets at 10- 15 Pounds seem expensive but you'll be able to see several bands and DJ's and judging from their Opening Night yesterday, it's spectacular and I would (and will) happily spend it again. And they are a charitable fund! Oh and if you are too busy at night: the exhibition Vaults are open during the day - for free.

This was my first time and it did not disappoint. The beautiful music made me actually cry. It was…read moreAMAZING! My favorite was the Top Secret Drum Corp. SUPERB!

Is the show worth sitting in the pouring rain for hours? Absolutely. The two hours flew by so fast…read moreas performers after performers came out to captivate the crowd. Scotland pipes and drums, cultural dances, fiddlers, drill teams, and much more can be seen before a grand finale of fireworks behind the Edinburgh Castle. The military tattoo is an annual event that takes place during August. Performances happen almost every evening of the month and is held even in the rain. Umbrellas are not permitted, so make sure to wear a poncho for inclement weather. We were unlucky with the weather, but it is truly commendable how all the performers can pull it off in the rain. The sections with the best seats were already sold out two months in advance. We settled with seats at Row J in Section 4 for £145 each. Each section comes with packages causing the varying prices. For Section 4, it was the Wallace Package that included The Scotch Whisky Experience prior to the show. The spot had a adequate angle of facing the performances and was not blocked much by the surrounding audience.

Weird and wonderful and I'm so glad I got to experience this. Make sure you buy your tickets in…read moreadvance and come prepared for a possibly chilly/windy night in the darkness with few places to sit and only a few options for food and drink that will be very busy. There is a rough schedule but there are things going on in multiple places at once and you will end up missing some things, not being able to see some things and that's OK! It's basically a volunteer run event so don't expect a clean and set experience - go in with your perspective open and enjoy! The ground is very uneven and it is very dark so be very careful walking around.

Beltane is genuinely one of the highlights of my year. Not only is it utterly magical, it makes me…read morefeel like the rest of the year is magical too. It's the perfect opportunity to shed the last vestiges of my lingering winter blues before the first true rays of summer. All while on top of a Scottish hill positively wreathed in flame. The dozens upon dozens of folk who volunteer for this event put so much work into everything from the costumes, to the drums, to the performances themselves: It's completely self evident that it's a labour of love. I think that's ultimately what makes Beltane so spectacular. Not just for the retelling of some ancient rite, but for the opportunity to keep that ritual alive and dancing from one year to the next. Often half naked, buck-wild, and hovering a handful of degrees above freezing. If you ever have the opportunity to see the May Queen and the Green Man (along with the Whites, the Reds, the Processional Drummers...), dress up warm, grab a few of your closest friends, and hike up Calton Hill on the last evening of April. If you have even a trace of wonder in your heart, you'll not be disappointed.

How cool in the midst of craziness there is a huge book festival! It is everyday from 11am til…read more11pm. Many lectures for about 12£ with book signing. Some free lectures and each evening in the Edinburgh gin garden is drinking and entertainment til 11pm. Differently will need to come back!

I have mixed emotions about the festival which I have wanted to attend for a very long time. I…read morethought it was more military regiments playing bagpipes. Instead it is more Disney-esque entertainment venue with lights and sound show with various international groups performing dance and precision drill routines. The fireworks finale was a touch. It was enjoyable even though I would prefer more bagpipes. Be prepared for rain with a water proof jacket. And even after paying hundreds of dollars they charge you for a seat cushion.

Ok first off... it took me nearly a week to realize this was an upside down cow. I kid you not…read more From afar, I thought it was an octopus, so this review might be swayed by the fact that i'm just super happy I understand the name. ... good start Jody. ANYHOW, from how I understand it, this is a new location for this spot... stage... area. It's tucked amidst the chaos of George Square Gardens, which means, like every other place in and around Edinburgh: it's bloody crazy. However, the bars were quick to hand me beer and queue free, the picnic tables... are there, the people watching is excellent. Really, that's all you need for a decent day: beer, a place to sit and endless entertainment. It's got a laid back beer garden vibe to it, which makes me overlook the rather dive barish feel. But I also like dive bars. Rambling story short: i'm ok with the fact that it is a little rough around the edges. I also tip the hat to these folks as some of my favourite shows so far have been featured under the Underbelly name (sidenote: can someone please explain if it is Udder or Under... because their website uses both). Austentatious and Smoothed Face Gentlemen are both very much worth checking out, plus they play host to Barbu which is high on my list of "must sees". It's a giant inflatable cow that calls you towards beer and good theatre. Yeah, i'm a fan.

Iconic festival venue popular as a tourist base for beverages. Service at the bar will mature with…read moretime, but is endearing none the less. Intriguing loud noises from the cow spill onto the 'grassed' area and the atmosphere is charging, set for another August. Ideal place to read reviews, chat to artists, and make a festival plan. Inside the belly is a fantastic tiered stage which creates an intimate and emotionally charged feel for any show. Drop by the purple pig to absorb drinks, atmosphere, knowledge and people.

I was excited to go to this event but it was unexpectedly cancelled today 7 August 2016 due to high…read morewinds. I'm eating this event a 1 star (because I can't give it a 0) because of the way the organisers handled the situation. My party and I didn't know it was cancelled until we got to the event, and had to ask the security what was going on! What a waste of time! They didn't send any emails or even have a warning on their website about the event being cancelled! They park didn't even have any signs telling people the event was cancelled due to high winds! That's absolutely ridiculous especially since we planned our whole Sunday around the event! All I know is, I better get a refund! The organisers need to learn how to better communicate about current news affecting the event to participants!

Free shows. No, really. Free. Shows. No buckets at the door, free!! It's a lottery to get a…read moreticket and you're not even guaranteed entry if you do get a ticket but hey, it's the Fringe - take a shot and you may get lucky! This afternoon we were in the audience for a recorded radio show about what's 'Trending' in the social media world. We had a panel of 3 comedians from Fringe shows discussing the pros and the cons of the current trend of Pranking Strangers and filming it for youtube. So really interesting discussions from the panel and studio audience and a great introduction to some comedians I wasn't aware of until now. In addition to free (really free!) shows, the BBC have created their own little oasis within the Fringe. You can get food, drink, watch BBC programmes on a giant tv with headphones, use clean toilets and play some pingpong. It may be too late to get tickets (available on the BBC website) but if a show is not sold out, it's possible to get in by turning up about an hour early. There's a notice board with the daily events - so give it a chance - or just head along to chill out for a few minutes, or hours.......

Decent Fringe venue and being run by the BBC then it is pretty well organised…read more You can log onto the BBC website and get free tickets. Just register for the shows you fancy and if there is space, you'll get a confirmation email. Turn up early as more emails are issued than they have capacity for as there are always no shows and they want bums on seats. Venue inside is spacious enough - lighting and sound is great and no obstruction views for what I could see. Even queuing is civilised as you get in based on your ticket number e.g.. 1-10, 11-30, etc. Even getting there early is ok - fake grass, bar serving the usual options and prices not to horrific (£4.50 for G&T - Hendricks). Good range of acts on from tasters of well known comedians and acts to kids stuff. Worth checking out.

This year I was able to visit Edinburgh during the fringe festival. The city's atmosphere is…read morefantastic, full of music and performers and of course drinks. Throughout the city center, Assembly set up outdoor beer gardens complete with food trucks and performance spaces. Two large bars occupy opposite corners of the square with many specialty drink stations along the way. This year Edinburgh Gin was a big sponsor of the festival so many fancy gin drinks were available (I love gin so this worked in my favor heavily). Food trucks line the outer perimeter with huge variety in cuisines (tacos, greek, pad thai). During the day, families can picnic on the "grass" with their kids rolling about. I even saw a few magician shows offered to appease your children while you continue to day drink. Once stumbling upon George Square, I made sure to return. They are open much later than many of the bars and offer a great relaxed space to end your night rather peacefully. If you're lucky, you are able to grab seating under one of the many heat lamps set up for the cold, Scottish, summer nights. If not, huddle up for warmth and get to drinking. Beers, wine and cocktails cost anywhere from 3-5 pounds.

This is one of my favourite gardens to hang out in during festival time, which is probably…read moresurprising given it has a decent sized kiddies play area which would usually drive me potty. Here though it's outweighed by the strength of the food offering, both the line of food vans outside the entrance lining the cobblestones and also inside the enclosure. A chicken pad thai from Pad BKK this year would set you back £6 and was a great pick-me-up (or maybe that was the effect of the chillies). The next day my mate enjoyed his Well Hung And Tender burger (as well as the name) whilst I grabbed a tasty veggie dumplings with sweet chilli sauce snack from the Wings vs Dumplings van nextdoor, which was making a new appearance for this year. There's enought variety to cover any fussy eater friends I would think. Another plus point is the toilets. Portaloos yes, but kept among the cleanest at the festival so well done them. The gardens also have 2 spacious bars, one at either end, as well as other counters serving coffee and cake type snacks - so the whole place lends itself nicely to all day chilling. The patio heaters scattered around are good to cosy up to when it gets a bit chilly, though there isn't much cover from the inevitable rain - but obviously you wouldn't leave the house without a cagoule and a brolly in Edinburgh now would you?! Best enjoyed with friends in the early evening when all the lovely coloured fairy lights around the edge turn on :)