Edinburgh International Festival

From 7^th to 29^th August 2021, there will be a mix of some of the best music, dance and theatre in the world, and it’s all showcased here at the Edinburgh International Festival.

You will be glad to know that some of the usual venues will host accessible performances, including Festival Theatre, Traverse Theatre and The Lyceum. In order to spread out events across the city, the festival will be staging pop-up venues at The Old College, Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Edinburgh Park.

If you want to take a casual approach to becoming immersed in the Edinburgh International Festival, there will be some free events. The Normal, a vivid reflection of life during the pandemic, will take place at the Talbot Rice Gallery, explores a range of different mediums – including video, sculpture and installation – by giving audiences some contemplation at a time when our lives were turned upside-down. Or if you want a little bit of a free boogie, head to Field – Something for the Future Now at Holyrood Park.

The Edinburgh International Festival website and brochure lists access information for venues and performances. Our page on the website also has all the information you need to begin your International Festival adventure. Click on the links below to find out more.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

It’s great to have the Fringe back, and it takes place in-person and online. With several shows to see, in-person shows can also be viewed online. This year, from 6th to 30th August 2021, will see the introduction of an on-demand digital platform called Fringe Player to view performances back, which includes in-built Captioning.

There’s still so much to see at the Fringe and you can have an excellent day out through a range of accessible venues, street performances and an itinerary of amazing shows. Our links below will find you the perfect shows and more information about accessibility.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Some of the world’s best authors, journalists, illustrators and storytellers will descend on Edinburgh between the 14^th and 30^th August 2021 to showcase their works and thoughts, and even dabble in some friendly debating.

The largest Book Festival of its kind is moving venues to the Edinburgh College of Art in 2021. With more than 250 performances to enjoy, and a good selection Captioned or British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted, you will be able to view performances in-person or online. And if you miss anything, you can watch it on-demand later! All online events will have a ‘Pay What You Want’ scheme with a chat room for audience members to mingle but also ask questions to show hosts.

Tickets will be available online only and disabled visitors will be entitled to one free ticket with their carer or PA. Any questions regarding accessibility can be directed to boxoffice@edbookfest.co.uk. Click on the links below to find out more.

Edinburgh Art Festival

In collaboration with artists, museums, and some of the best galleries in the city, this month-long Art Festival, running from 29th July to 29th August, is a haven for art lovers, casual fans and aficionados alike. They have a host of commission programmes and partner exhibitions, with some amazing galleries and art-spaces.

For more access information and to find Art Festival events at specific venues, explore the links below.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

One of the world’s longest continually running film festivals returns to cinemas and outdoor venues around the city, also operating with a digital presence so you can watch the action live from home. Running from 18th to 25th August, you can watch timeless classics at St. Andrew Square or view some new thrillers at select cinemas. There’s something for the family or the curious film buff at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

For more access information, or to find out what’s on and where you can see films, click on one of the links below.