The summer's best festivals, right here in Edinburgh

With summer arriving, everyone's getting into the party atmosphere. And what better way to enjoy fine weather and friends than at a summer festival? But there are so many to choose from these days, it can be difficult whittling down the list to just a couple. One thing's for sure though; some of the very best summer entertainment can be found right here in Edinburgh.

The city's summer schedule is packed full of cultural highlights, taking in everything from magic shows and film premieres, to world-renowned comedy and classical music performances. So why not put the kettle on and let us take you through some of our favourite events and celebrations taking place in the Scottish capital this summer. Find something you like and get ready. Oh, and if you're only going for a day or don't fancy camping, then book into city centre accommodation in Edinburgh instead!

Royal Highland Show

The self-professed 'Greatest Show on Earth', the Royal Highland Show is Scotland's largest county fair, highlighting the best in food, farming and the countryside. It's not all just cattle and pigs, although there will be plenty of animals in attendance. The event, which annually attracts 200,000 people making it Scotland's biggest summer festival, also hosts dozens of exhibitions, food stalls, beer tents and live music stages. There's plenty going on for children too, with tractor rides, a playground and fun workshops. If none of that takes your fancy, then maybe the falconry displays and terrier racing will!

Royal Highland Centre, June 21st – 24th. Pre-booked tickets cost £22 for adults and £18 for concessions, £22 and £20 on the gate. Children go free.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

As any film buff worth their salt will be able to tell you, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which was established in 1947, is the oldest continually-running annual event of its kind anywhere in the world. So it's not surprising that this international pedigree attracts filmmakers and auteurs from every continent. In recent years, Edinburgh has premiered such notable films as The Hurt Locker, Moon, Let the Right One In, Control, Knocked Up, Little Miss Sunshine, Ratatouille, Amores Perros and Billy Elliot. An impressive list to be sure!

This year's line-up is still under wraps but we do know that William Friedkin's (The French Connection, The Exorcist) disturbingly comic noir thriller Killer Joe will be the opening gala at the 66th edition of the festival. There's also a retrospective planned for Japanese master Shinji Somai, with several of his masterpieces set to be shown in the UK for the first time.

Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh, the Cameo, the Festival Theatre, Dominion Cinema and other venues, June 20th – July 1st. Ticket prices vary by event. Pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

MagicFest

Unleash your inner child at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, which will have kids and grown-ups alike 'ooing' and 'aahing' in disbelief. Now in its third year, the event promises to put some of the sparkle back into magic, with plenty of great illusions and special effects set to knock your socks off. As well as magic and variety gala shows, there will also be street performances and workshops so you can learn the basics. Make sure to check out some of the comedy magic events, including Javier Jarquin as the CARD NINJA, who's sure to have a trick or two up his sleeves.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre, The Royal Scots Club, The Scottish Storytelling Centre, Voodoo Rooms, the Vault and other venues, June 29th – July 6th. Ticket prices vary by event, pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment and is essential for some events.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

Bringing together some of the finest contemporary jazz and blues musicians, this is one festival that music-lovers won't want to miss. From big concerts at the Festival Theatre to parties at the Speigeltent, you're sure to find plenty of great music to bop along to. Highlights include a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Jazz Festival's World Jazz Orchestra, which will be led by the great Joe Temperley through the hits of legendary pianist Duke Ellington.

The Bosco Theatre, Teatro Spiegeltent, Heriot's Rugby Club, the Festival Theatre, the Jazz Bar and other venues, July 20th – July 29th. Ticket prices vary by event, pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The one you've probably been waiting for, the Fringe is the world's most exciting arts festival, with thousands of different shows taking place at hundreds of venues over the month. We can't even begin to scratch its surface here, but suffice it to say: this is the place to be if you want to check out the hottest up-and-coming acts in comedy, dance and physical theatre, cabaret, music, art and spoken word. Perhaps most famous as a breeding ground for comedic talent, the Fringe has launched the careers of notable luminaries such as John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson, Sarah Millican and Bill Bailey.

Venues across the city, August 3rd – 27th.Ticket prices vary by event, pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment and is essential for some events.

Edinburgh International Festival

While the Fringe was born out of the Edinburgh International Festival, its growing popularity hasn't taken anything away from this high-class celebration of the performing arts. The world's finest classical music, theatre, opera and dance performers come together by invitation of the festival director. Highlights this year include a sultry Brazilian take on Pushkin's Tatyana by the Deborah Colker Dance Company and 2008: Macbeth, which re-imagines Shakespeare's tragic morality play in a contemporary, war-riddled Middle Eastern setting.

Royal Highland Centre, Usher Hall, the Festival Theatre, the Hub, Greyfriars Kirk and other venues, August 9th – September 2nd. Ticket prices vary by event, pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment and is essential for some events.

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