This child-friendly, city-centre carnival, timed to coincide with the opening of the Fringe, is one of the few events which genuinely embraces the whole range of entertainment on offer at the Festival. Run by the city council, and with local community groups playing a key role, the free and un-ticketed event takes in actors, musicians, dancers and a good few marching bands - firing the starting gun on the Festival in unforgettable, raucous style.

The end of the Edinburgh International Festival is marked by the world-famous festival firework concert, when - to a live orchestral accompaniment - upwards of 100,000 pyrotechnics go up in the air in an intense, magnificent 45-minute show.  The very last event of the festival season, and a week after the Fringe has packed up its bags and gone home, the fireworks are very much a local affair; a reward for the city of Edinburgh for playing host for another year.

The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has not yet confirmed its plans for 2010.  We anticipate the events will take place on these dates, but advise against booking travel until this is confirmed. 

At the very start of the Festival period, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival treats the city to a pair of free events, totalling nine solid hours of music over the two days of its first weekend.  The Festival's early timing means these events are largely attended by locals.

FRINGE SUNDAY 2009 WAS CANCELLED, following the loss of a major sponsor.  It's unclear whether the event will return in 2010 - check back with us for further updates.

Slap-bang in the middle of the festival season comes Fringe Sunday, by far the biggest event of the Fringe and one of the highlights of Edinburgh's year. Set on the Meadows - the public park and playing fields just to the south of the city centre - and featuring over 150 acts, the vast, free, outdoor shindig is a perfect introduction to all the festival has to offer.