Scotland Games & Festivals: An Amazing Experience in Store

Festivals are a gala time for you, your family, and your friends. An event staged by the local community and celebrated in its own unique way. One of the most popular destinations every season is the United Kingdom, and for the right reasons, with the season of festival in full bloom at the Kingdom through out the year. With the Olympics games in the city of London, the stunning country of Scotland is amplified with eight festivals back to back. Popular among those are the festivals of Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Scottish Highland games which are held all over in Scotland.

The world’s cultural hub, one of the favourite cities of UK – the Edinburgh capital of Scotland has always been and will always be the most happening city in August. The city of Edinburgh has always been famous for the following festivals:

Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Film Festival,  Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh Mela, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, together creates a cultural phenomenon in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The World’s largest arts festival today, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, is held here with 40, 000 spectacular performances in store which involves more than 25,000 artists from 60 participating nations in 2500 international shows, covering over 300 venues in 25 days. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe started in 1947 and will be celebrating its 65th anniversary this year starting from August 5th to 29th. This multitude festival fringe shall involve variety of performances in comedy, theater, dance, music, etc. with anyone willing to perform can participate in the free shows.

This ethos of Festival Fringe Society has actually established careers for many performers like Alan Davis, Peter Cook, Craig Ferguson, etc. The most awaited show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe is Shakespeare for Breakfast running at C Theater. With a huge variety of comedy shows doing the round this season choosing the best will be difficult still a few names that must not be missed are Laughing Horse Free Pick of the Fringe, ACME stand-up, Aaaand now for something completely improvised and the Improved. For the dance and music lovers the Fringe Festival has “Disco in a Dungeon”,  & the  ”Absolutely Free Live Music”.

Whether it is to gather this wealth of inspiration or to turn a dream into reality the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the place to be for all the artists and art lovers, big or small. The tickets for the events and the hotel bookings are always fast filling and you need to be quick to grab your chances and be there.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Pictures & Highland games Pictures

Scottish Highland Games

The traditional highland games, the parades, the celebration that continues all the year round cannot be missed especially during the month of August, when most of the important events take place. There are different stories doing the rounds regarding the history or origin of these highland games. Some locals say that its origin dates back to over 300 years when the Scottish men were encouraged to take part in these competitive games to test their skill and strength and accordingly prepare them for battle. While another story has it that King Malcom III of Scotland used to contest a foot race, in order to find the fastest runner to be his royal messenger. Nonetheless the Highland games have evolved and developed over the years, which makes these games cut throat competitive and entertaining as well.

Music and dance are an integral part of these highland competitions. The bagpipes played during the piping displays, their colorful costumes and their footwork during the dance is so fascinating and stunning that anyone can be immersed in the Scottish culture. The most popular among all these events are caber tossing, throwing the hammer, stone put, weight throw, Sheaf throw  and tug o’ war in which the Scots display their skill and speed on track. As these games are held in different regions around Scotland, guided group tours and personalized tours are organized for tourist and the local people, so that their favorite events are not missed. From a tourist’s point of view this is a great opportunity which is available at great costs and gives the option to explore the highlands by connecting with the locals. A truly great experience while travelling in this part of the world!!!

Every year in August, Abernethy Highland Games in Iverness, Aboyne Highland Games, Argyllshire Gathering and The Oban Games, Birnam Highland Games, Bute Highland Games, Crieff Highland Gathering, Skye Highland Games, Newtonmore Highland Games, etc shall be held in their respective regions. So book ahead and be a part of this Scottish tradition. This shall be the hottest and the most eventful month for all the Scots and admirers.