The Edinburgh Festival is celebrated in Edinburgh, Scotland during the month of August. Though the festivals are typically celebrated in August, there are a number of other festivals that are celebrated around the year. It is recorded as being the largest art festival in the world. It was established in 1947 by the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). One of the aims of this organization is to “Provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit”. The artistic goals vied for in the festival would also serve to attract tourists from all over the world.

It is considered as a very important cultural celebration. Typical activities during these festivals revolve around classical music, opera, theatre and dance. There is a very high standard of artistry involved, with the best artists all over the world being highly sought after. The EIF’s assigns an Artistic Director, whose job is to invite artists suitable enough to meet their standards.

The Hub, also known as the home of the EIF, was opened in the year 1999. It was formerly known as “The Highland Tooth”. It is considered to be the best place to find information on all of the festivals occurring. It is a towering Gothic Building situated near the Edinburgh Castle. It is a very popular tourist attraction, while serving as the focal point for the celebrations itself. There are ticketing centers and cafes, with a smattering of arts and craft. The Main Hall is host to a variety of events, namely concerts, banquets and parties. Ceilidhs, which are informal social gatherings involving Scottish folk music, dancing and storytelling, are also typical events.

There are many festivals during this period, with most happening simultaneously. Here is a list of the more well known of the festivals.

1. Edinburgh International Festival

This is the original festival started by the EIF to achieve its goals. Since then, it has been celebrated every August month. The festival pertains to performing arts, with only the most highly regarded artists from opera, theatre, music and dance being invited by the General Director to perform for the festival. There are also workshops and lectures throughout the year to further the spread of information regarding this festival.

2. Edinburgh Fringe

This festival, also known simply as “The Fringe”, is widely considered as the largest arts festival in the world. This event typically revolves around performing arts related to comedy and drama. Some theatre events involve the works of William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett. Unlike the other festivals, there is usually no selection committee approving entries, hence, there are a wider array of events possible. Because of this, experimental works are often performed in this festival.

3. Edinburgh International Book Festival

Taking place in the last few weeks of August, this book festival is located in Charlotte Square, which is situated near the center of Edinburgh. The festival is attended by renowned authors all over the world. Recent attendees include J.K. Rowling and Ian Rankin. In 2001, additional events such as debates and discussions were introduced to the program. Authors and tourists alike are able to participate in discussions regarding important issues all over the world.

About the Author

Steve is the owner of EdinburghHotels.me.uk. For more options please visit: HotelsEdinburgh.org.uk | EdinburghHotel.me.uk

 

Quite why this top Antigua resort named as an Inn, surrounded by history is only credited with three stars is a mystery worth checking out for your Antigua Vacation

Despite being closed until November 2008 for extensive renovation the Inn at English Harbour will return an even better Antigua Resort, when it was pretty darned good anyway, so you can with a fair degree of certainty book your Antigua Vacation there, and just know you will have an awesome time.

An Antigua Resort surrounded by history has to be something special, and the Inn at English Harbour certainly is, and furthermore it is in keeping with that history which is very important in itself.

You go down the hill to find the main part of the hotel which surrounds the infinity pool. There is a new build of a central building and two wings with two dozen new suites on two floors, and a pair of cabanas each with two oceanfront rooms, or beachfront to be more accurate with uninterrupted views over the entire historical harbour.

Every room in the hotel has a private veranda or a terrace, ceiling fan, air-conditioning, cable TV, and internet access, although anyone wanting to go online whilst on holiday in such a beautiful place needs a brain transplant!!

Inn at English Harbour is on its own white sand beach, which also has a private jetty. The sea is warm, blue, and clear, and is very inviting, with the backdrop of lush green hills full of tropical vegetation is a most beautiful sight. You will feel very safe, very private, and very exclusive here.

Food at the Inn at English Harbour has the quality you would expect from a high class Antigua Resort, and often is the making of a holiday. There is the traditional Stone Bar and Terrace in the original house, and is a great place to take afternoon tea, or dinner under the stars, and with good reason the restaurant has the reputation of being amongst the best in Antigua.

Alternatively there is the Hanis Bar by the pier for drinks and where lunch is served throughout the day.

There are some Antigua resorts where the staff are so laid back as to be almost horizontal, and the service is slow, so much so it puts people off, but at the Inn at English Harbour exactly the opposite is true. The staff here are friendly and very helpful and they will help to make an Antigua vacation staying here one that you will remember, and this holds true from the lowly gardener right up to Management, and they could act as a role model for other resorts.

There is no doubt that the Inn at English Harbour has something for everyone. You can laze around the pool all day reading, or relax in a hammock. There is a free launch to Nelson’s Dockyard which has a great deal of history and is a very interesting place to visit, with several nice restaurants for lunch or dinner, and places for those who need retail therapy!! There is a nice French restaurant and bar, and a short walk away is Falmouth Harbour with more of the same.

Inn at English Harbour is a great Antigua Resort about to get even better. It isn’t cheap bu if you want the best possible Antigua Holiday, then this Caribbean Inn could be the answer.

About the Author

Gareth Jones is responsible for Antigua Vacation Spots as well as authoring several articles about Worldwide Vacation Spots and he recommends Caribbean Vacation Spots His first love is the Caribbean especially the hotels on Antigua.