For much its history, Leith has been independent from Edinburgh, a separately administered community insistent on maintaining its own individual character. Even though it's now undeniably connected to the main town, the existence of Leith Festival seems to hint at a continuing rivalry with the rest of the city. As a defiant response to the vast and sprawling Edinburgh Festival, Leith Festival proves that the city's distinctive northern adjunct is perfectly capable of putting on a diverse cultural celebration of its own, albeit on a far smaller scale.
Every June, 50 venues across Leith play host to a broad range of theatre, music, film and art events. What makes it special is its community atmosphere, while its relatively small size is actually quite refreshing in comparison to the overwhelming quality of the August festivals. read more