Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert
Sunday 5 September 2010

Time's running out to get tickets for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival firework concert, which sees upwards of 100,000 pyrotechnics go up in the air in an intense 45-minute show.  The display, with a live classical music accompaniment, is watched by a quarter of a million viewers from vantage points across the city - but for the very best experience, you'll want to get your hands on tickets for the city-centre viewing area at Princes Street Gardens.

Tickets for the fireworks are sold through the "official" International Fringe (or EIF), and are always in high demand.  But if previous years are any guide, you'll have an excellent chance of getting into Princes Street Gardens if you act early enough, and enter the postal ballot by Monday 24 May.

About the show

This year's display is on Sunday 5 September, when to live orchestral accompaniment, four tonnes of fireworks will be launched in a traditionally magnificent display.  The accessible musical programme features a selection of film themes, tying in with this year's Festival concept of a voyage to the New World.

Despite the refinement of the classical music, there's little subtle about the display: crescendo builds upon crescendo towards an impossible, light-drenched finale.  The show starts as the sun sets, and brings the curtain down on the Festival a little before 10pm.

Do you need a ticket?

You won't want to miss this spectacular event, but you can get a great view of it without spending any money at all.  Good spots include North Bridge and Calton Hill, and there's a family area a little further away at Inverleith Park.  For more information on watching for free, see our main article on viewing the fireworks.

Princes Street Gardens

Being in earshot of the orchestra adds a new dimension, as you appreciate the synchronization between music and sky

Gardens tickets are priced at a modest £11 - but only you can decide whether it's worth the money for a ringside seat.

How to apply

If you're ready to enter the postal ballot, here's how.

• Decide how many tickets to apply for, up to a maximum of six. 
• Make out a cheque to "Hub Tickets" for the value of the tickets.  They cost £11 each, and there's no booking fee.
• Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope - which will be used to send your tickets, or to send the cheque back if you're unsuccessful.
• Add a covering note explaining that it's an application for fireworks tickets (although we're guessing that will be fairly obvious!)
• Send the whole lot to: Hub Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE.  If you're in Edinburgh, you can also hand it into the Hub box office in person.

Don't forget the stamped addressed envelope - you won't get your tickets without it!  And remember, your application has to be with them on Monday 24 May, so you'll need to get it in the post this week.

If you miss out...

If you miss the closing date or you're unlucky in the ballot, you'll have two further opportunities.  There's another, online ballot on Monday 26 July, then your last chance is the famous counter sale at the Hub on 29 August - when the hardiest of Festival-goers camp out overnight to be sure of their place in the queue.

The fireworks queue is a Festival institution, but we think entering the ballot is easier!  So get those applications in now.

In case you're unlucky this time, we can remind you when the next batch of tickets goes on sale.  Sign up to get Ticket Alerts in your Inbox.