Edinburgh Fringe 2009 may be a week old already, but this weekend sees the start of two more of August's major Festivals.  Today, the Edinburgh International Festival's opening concert brings the curtain up on the "official" event, whose prestigious programme runs through to the end of the month.  And tomorrow, it's the Edinburgh International Book Festival's turn in the (hopefully literal) sun, as it opens up its tented village on Charlotte Square.

Make it official

Though the Fringe hogs the limelight, the "official" International Festival still holds the trumps in prestige.  Turning its back on last year's austere line-up, 2009 sees a more populist theme, centred on the anniversary of the Scottish Enlightenment.

It's a largely high-brow programme, taking in theatre, opera, ballet and modern dance, plus a strong programme of classical music on offer at the Usher Hall.  Booking opened way back in April and several high-profile events have sold out, but many others have a good range of tickets still available - including Brian Friel's play Faith Healer, the Orchestre des Champs-Élysées and the multi-media Diaspora, three of the major events playing this opening weekend.

For more information: read our introduction to the International Festival, then our thoughts on this year's programme.  Use the Hub Tickets website to find out what tickets are still available. 

Book yourself in

Courtesy Edinburgh International Book Festival

The big names at the Festival sell out fast, but there are literally hundreds of events still available, from children's activity shows to thought-provoking debates with world experts in their fields.  Opening-weekend highlights with tickets still available include BBC pundit Peter Kellner and feminist critic Elaine Showalter.  But be warned - almost everything books out sooner or later, so plan your visit as soon as you can.

For more information: read our introduction to the Book Festival, then our Ticket Alert on this year's programme launch.  Use the Book Festival's website to check the programme and book tickets.

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