Edinburgh: Not just home to the Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe - the best-known extravaganza in the UK - has drawn to a close this month, having managed to attract international attention once again despite competing with a certain sporting competition in London.

Festival lovers are undoubtedly feeling a little bit empty as they begin the long wait for August to roll back around, bringing with it the promise of drama, entertainment, comedy and street performance.

But although the Fringe is easily the city's biggest festival, Edinburgh does have a programme of similar events on offer throughout the year, meaning that addicts can get their fix no matter what their tastes are or what time of the year it is. The selection below ought to satisfy anyone who lives for August every year.

The Storytelling Festival
Scotland's annual celebration of vibrant and exciting storytelling is a week-long event that takes place every October. This fine feast of a festival aims to take visitors on a magical journey by allowing them the chance to experience free tales and yarns told by experienced performers.

For those who fancy taking to the floor themselves, there are plenty of opportunities to develop your skills with workshops and conferences designed to celebrate the magic of a story crafted with only a human voice. Be sure to check out the "Once Upon A Story" sessions, which explore and debate the most well-known storytellers from across Europe.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Known to many as the world's best New Year's party, Edinburgh residents know exactly how to celebrate a new beginning. Traditionally taking place over four days from the end of December every year, the festival programme includes concerts, comedy, theatre, music and dance, plus street performances that attract massive crowds of people from across the globe.

Being part of this special celebration is an incredible experience, and those staying in hostels in Edinburgh will be spoilt for choice, with four incredible days of cultural highlights. But whatever you do, make sure you get tickets to the world-famous street party, with its breathtaking firework display over Edinburgh Castle.

International Science Festival
Taking place for two weeks in spring every year, the International Science Festival is known for its packed and varied programme. For the 2012 event, scientists explored firewalking, sensory dining and the world of dreams, and the 2013 programme is guaranteed to be just as exciting, if not more so.

For those festival-goers who are more than a little bit curious about life, the universe and everything, Edinburgh is undoubtedly the place to be, as the city plays host to the world's first science festival - a public celebration of all the wonders, inventions and innovations that the human race has created with the world of science. There's certainly an element of naughtiness here as visitors are encouraged to do all the things they weren't allowed to in science class, and ask questions that their teachers had deemed 'not related to the curriculum'.

Edinburgh International Film Festival
As the name suggests, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is so renowned that it attracts film fanatics from all over the world with its colourful programme of events, which lasts for ten days at the end of June every year. Motion picture enthusiasts are invited to watch the biggest films of the year - plus a number of old favourites - before discussing their merits and shortfalls with likeminded people.

The festival is also known for its awards ceremony, which recognises and promotes British filmmaking genius by putting it before an international jury. A number of accolades are up for grabs, including Best British Feature Film and the McLaren Award for New British Animation. Attending the ceremony is always great fun, as the festival has been known to attract Scottish talent including Sean Connery, Kate Dickie and Ewen Bremner.

Jazz and Blues Festival
Celebrating everything from the earliest jazz forms to contemporary blues, this musical extravaganza packs around 120 concerts into just nine days, with performers coming from all over the globe to join the festivities. This festival has a particular reputation for promoting diversity, with Polish, Italian and British musicians being showcased with an equal level of enthusiasm.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Musicians are invited to attend jam sessions at various venues, regardless of their age or ability. Young people will find themselves especially welcomed, with the new Breaking Ground event welcoming newcomers to the jazz and blues scene. But if there's only one event you attend all week, make it Edinburgh's Mardi Gras, which puts New Orleans to shame with a spectacular street party.

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