Festival/Tattoo/Hogmanay Etc., Edinburgh

Favorite thing: The Beltane Fire Festival:
On the 30th of April , there is always a festival on Carlton Hill . And a lot of people will gather there to join the festival . There used to be a huge parade of the people who have coloured their face and wore a little clothes . The performance is usually begin at 10pm , and would last till midnight .

Fondest memory: I have so many fond memories of my time living in Edinburgh but among the most memorable are probably those when I spent Hogmanay (New years Eve to those non-Scots :)) at the huge street party that takes place annually on Princes Street. The atmosphere was amazing last time I was there. There are fireworks at midnight, live bands (this year was Moby), funfair etc The fair lasts all week and there are other events such as a torchlit procession.

Favorite thing: If you can be in Edinburgh over the three last weeks in late summer, you will have a great opportunity to follow one of the world's most important art festivals. You can choose between hundreds of theater performances, stand-up comedies, and variety of art-related events.

You can pick up the Fringe Festival catalogue at their official office in 180 High Street and you can also purchase the tickets there.

Favorite thing: The Street Party is the place to be for New Years Eve.
Although tickets are hard to come by, joining the First Foot Club give's you entry to the party.

If not there for New Years, allow a full day to trek around the castle. I found it easier to spread it over 2 days so that you aren't inundated with history.

Favorite thing: Come in August for The Festival. At the same time, having lived in Edinburgh I know that The Festival is not all there is to this city. At other times of the year, if you're only going to be here a short time go on one of the numerous 'ghost tours' or tours of the 'underground cities'. Do this preferably when it's raining, for the proper ambience. This shouldn't be very hard in Edinburgh, as it seems to always be raining.

Fondest memory: Unrelated to either the Festival or ghost tours, but if you happen to be in Edinburgh for New Years (Hogmanay as they call it here) you're in for a treat. Drunken revelry, fireworks, all on a massive scale. Also know as Snog-manay for the orgy of kissing that takes place at midnight and seems to continue for about an hour afterwards. Play the game and compete with your friends to see who can rack up the most snogs! The clubs are given late licenses to stay open until 5am. It will be impossible to get into any of these clubs, however, the atmosphere and the people spill out into the streets, so bring some cans of Tennants and mingle, stumble, slobber...however you feel like celebrating the New Year....

Favorite thing: Be there during the festival in August.

Fondest memory: The festival with all its crazy acts like 'Sing-a-long-a-Malcolm, as seen on TV' (Malcolm sang 'You are my Sunshine' in his very own way to anyone who would listen). There was also 'Inside Out Theatre' (see picture) performing their version of a James Bond movie. It was called 'The Man with the Golden Trumpet' and I was overjoyed when I later caught them in London's Covent Garden too! Apart from all the street performers and the festival, there is the official festival Fringe with theatre plays in every part of town. We opted for the 'Pocket Shakespeare Company' and their version of A Midsummer Night's Dream in Pilrig Park. You should have seen the man in the moon!

Favorite thing: Visit Edinburgh Castle & see a military tatoo. No, it is not when a group of army lads line up & have their rank tattoed, it's a military march complete with bagpipes.

Fondest memory: Spending a night with a good friend and having no accomodation & no money. Got to explore the entire city at night including the 24-hour toilet, train station & every local park.

Favorite thing: A must in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Some of the shows are extremely hard for forget good or bad! The buzz around the city and nightlife is hard to beat except maybe at the Edinburgh Hogmany at New Year. This is the party to be at in the world!!!

Fondest memory: The pubs in Edinburgh! You are never far from one and most will recieve you with a true welcome especially in the city centre.