Edinburgh International Festival 'back to full strength' with opening concert to honour Benedetti's husband

Edinburgh International Festival to mark 250 years of American independence

This year will see the largest-ever cohort of American acts at the festival. This year’s Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) “will confront complexity with curiosity and openness” as it marks 250 years of American independence, its director has said. The 2026 programme – entitled All Rise – will feature some 147 performances and organisers said it aims to promote themes of collaboration, resilience and ascendence. Featuring its largest-ever c…

My pick of the 2026 Edinburgh International Festival as USA comes under the spotlight

Shows tackling slavery, racism, homophobia and censorship will be explored throughout the cultural celebration.

Edinburgh International Festival 'back to full strength' with opening concert to honour Benedetti's husband

Newly-announced programme highlights for the EIF include a focus on America to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

A festival with an American twist to thrill audiences

The 79th Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) aims to thrill audiences of all ages with a programme stuffed with more American artists than ever before, commemorating the 250 years since American independence in 1776. On that note, the programme is called All Rise, the same name as the Wynton Marsalis symphony. New Orleans born Marsalis is […] The post A festival with an American twist to thrill audiences – ALL RISE! appeared first on The Edin…

All Rise for the 2026 International Festival

World-class Opera, Music, Theatre and Dance Spanning 24 days and 147 performances, The Edinburgh International Festival returns 7–30 August 2026. With five world premieres and ten works commissioned by the International Festival, this year marks Nicola Benedetti's fourth year as Festival Director.It's time to delve into our handpicked programme of some of the world's greatest artists ⬇️