THE MONTH OF AUGUST

Each August, the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo hosts different performers from all corners of the globe performing in the open at the Castle. This is a spectacle not be missed with tickets disappearing very quickly. The Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Jazz Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Edinburgh Book Festival also all take place during the month of August. The Royal Mile fills with market stalls and street performers give free shows daily. The city comes to life with a wonderful Bohemian atmosphere during this month with many places staying open 24 hours a day-an insomniacs dream!

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR (HOGMANAY)

In the run up to the festive season, Edinburgh is transformed with an outdoor ice skating rink in Princes Street Gardens, a German market, a French food market and Carnival. This brings a wonderful European flavour to the Capital and a splash of colour to those long winter days.

At New Year, Edinburgh hosts the biggest street party in the world. Traffic into the city centre is restricted and Princes Street Gardens is the venue for many different concerts to suite all tastes. Street performers arrive from all over the world and a torch light procession on December 31 heralds in Hogmanay, as the New Year is known in Scotland. The most spectacular fireworks display imaginable takes place at midnight.

RUGBY UNION SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP & RUGBY LEAGUE

Every year Edinburgh plays host to the Six Nations Championship with Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy all participating. For two consecutive years, the city has played host to the rugby league final from England. Tickets are usually available to attend these games.