Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the mailing list to request a copy of the Festival Programme?
You can fill in the online Mailing List form here, email boxoffice@eif.co.uk or call +44 (0) 131 473 2000.

What are the provisional dates of future festivals?
2010 - 13 August - 5 September

How do I find and book performances?
During the booking period, you can buy tickets online on this site, by calling Hub Tickets at +44(0)131 473 2000, faxing +44(0)131 473 2003, or visiting The Hub at Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE. You can search this year's programme of events by art form, date or advanced search. 

You can also download a booking form here and either send it to The Hub at Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE or drop it off at our box office. 

How does the Edinburgh International Festival differ from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The main difference between the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is in their programming policies. The Edinburgh International Festival principally promotes opera, classical music, dance, theatre and visual arts, and participation in the Edinburgh International Festival is by invitation only, issued by the Festival Director. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has no selection process in its programming; anyone can present any type of performing arts they like and pay a fee to the Fringe for services such as box office and inclusion in the brochure. To find out more about the Fringe, visit the website edfringe.com
Several other festivals also take place in Edinburgh in the late summer; details of these can be found on our Edinburgh Festivals page.

How can I take part?
In general, companies must be invited to take part by the Festival Director. Singers in Scotland can audition for the Festival Chorus, which performs several concerts each year. You may also be interested in Edinburgh's other festivals, such as the Fringe, which is open to all.

Can I get a job working for the Edinburgh International Festival?
Various job opportunities arise throughout the year, working for either the Festival or its home, The Hub. For more information please see the Jobs section of the website.

What resources are available for journalists?
For all the latest press releases, please visit our on-line Press Office. If you require images or press tickets, or would like to speak to a member of the press team please contact 0131 473 2020 or press@eif.co.uk.

How can I book tickets for the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert?
The 2009 Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert will take place on Sunday 6 September at 9pm. Ross Theatre tickets (£25) go on sale with all other Festival tickets. Princes Street Garden tickets (£10) are allocated in three ways:
1) By postal ballot, limited to six per customer. Please send separate payment and application with SAE. Cheques should be made payable to 'Hub Tickets'. Closing date for the ballot is Monday 25 May.
2) Online - an allocation will be released for sale from 11.00am on Monday 27 July at eif.co.uk These are limited to four per customer.
3) The final allocation will go on sale on Sunday 30 August at 10.00am only from the counter at The Hub. These are limited to four per customer.