Edinburgh International Childrens Festival wraps up for another year
Once again, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival celebrated imagination and joy, alongside the wonder of the weird and wonderful with an international programme like no other.
Article Source: Imaginate
Last Updated: 5 June 2023 14:35
Highlights:
• Over 10,000 children, their teachers and families watched 14 international productions from 11 different countries over the 9-day festival in a programme that spanned circus, comedy, dance, music, storytelling, puppetry and theatre
• The Festival opened with a day of free pop-up performances at the National Museum of Scotland with families being treated to a Chinese pole performance, walkabout characters, dance and musical explorations.
• This year’s festival saw the welcome return of over 320 international delegates from 25 countries – these included high profile venues such as New Victory in New York, Sydney Opera House in Australia, ASK in Shanghai and Southbank Centre in London.
The programme explored timely topics including chaos, isolation, gender, climate, power, protest and war… all this in an accessible and often humorous way to enable young audiences to understand and reflect on the world that surrounds them. Two new Scottish productions – Protest by Hannah Lavery and Too Close to the Sun by Barrowland Ballet – were also commissioned by the Festival and toured Scotland before being presented in Edinburgh:.
The young audience spanned toddlers who came to watch intimate shows and gentle stories about self discovery, as well as physical performance full of colour and featuring world leaders having tantrums. At the other end of the spectrum, young teens watched a show tackling gender stereotypes, challenging audiences to reflect on what is “for girls” or “for boys”, as well as a dance performance about Icarus and a dark comedic tale about a fallen angel.
Festival Director, Noel Jordan said:
“The sun shone brightly on the Edinburgh International Children's Festival this week, but the glorious rays were no deterrent to the many schools, families and international industry delegates who attended shows and events. It was a delight to sit alongside children and hear them laugh, gasp, wonder and even shout words of instruction to the performers. Once again, I am incredibly proud of our festival where children are celebrated as audiences in their own right and of all our staff, volunteers, and performing companies who make it possible.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
W Edinburgh partners with The Stand in Fringe Takeover
This August, the five-star W Edinburgh announces it is officially partnering with The Stand, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic comedy venues, in celebration of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival Unites Artists and Audiences in Search of Truth as Festival Launches
The curtain rises on the this year’s International Festival, welcoming audiences to explore opera, music, theatre and dance through the lens of the theme The Truth We Seek.
READ MORE
13 Food Vendors Not to Miss at the Fringe
Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts ten of the city’s best local vendors, delivering award-winning and mouth-watering food and drink at their iconic festival venues.
READ MORE
TRUST pop up restaurant will be in town in August
This August, one of Scotland’s most exciting culinary talents is bringing an unmissable dining experience to the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth joins the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Stellar Shows and a Unique Venue Experience
This August, Dynamic Earth is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as Venue 315, transforming once again into a vibrant Fringe hub at the foot of Salisbury Crags.
READ MORE
Game changer for Edinburgh with first portable city edition Escape Room launch
The first ‘Escape Room - Edinburgh Edition’ board game is being launched exclusively at just four venues across the capital this August, just in time for the start of this year's Festival.
READ MORE
Glimmers films set to spread moments of joy throughout Travfest25
Seven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
READ MORE
New Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild
New Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild as popular Scottish food hall hosts pop-up cider bar and free Fringe ceilidh this August.
READ MORE
A Mile for Every Year: Robin Dow Marks 25 Years of Mindroom with Epic Fundraiser
81-year-old Robin Dow, charity co-founder, will embark on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle to celebrate Mindroom's anniversary to raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children & families.
READ MORE
SoBe Burger unveils Limited Edition Irn Bru Inspired Fried Chicken Burger for Fringe Festival
In a recent poll, Irn-Bru® claimed most votes for the flavour that best represents the nation. Now SoBe Burger unveils an Irn-Bru® inspired fried chicken burger available from 1 to 25 August.
READ MORE
Bongos Bingo announces Edinburgh dates during the Fringe
Anyone looking for an alternative night out during the Fringe Festival, then Bongo’s Bingo is the place to be!
READ MORE
EIFF announces In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker for a special in-depth In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Hardworking Fringe Performers to be fuelled with flavour at local world buffet
COSMO Edinburgh is stepping up to support the unsung heroes of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, its tireless, hardworking performers, by offering a meal discount throughout August.
READ MORE
The Eric Liddell Community unveils inspiring Fringe Festival Programme
Local charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has announced its lineup of shows and events taking place in its Bruntsfield-based hub, Venue 235, during the Fringe Festival.
READ MORE
Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for Edinburgh Fringe
Right on cue for all the excitement of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for the entire month at its St Andrew Square restaurant.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn launches new Edinburgh food, drink and entertainment venue Stockbridge Social
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn is launching Stockbridge Social, a new open-air food, drink and entertainment venue on Raeburn Place, opening Friday 1st August.
READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh unveils next Artist in Residence
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is proud to announce Jennifer Court as the latest Artist in Residence, taking up the unique creative post from August through October 2025.
READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh launches search for Local Legends
Forever Edinburgh is calling on residents to help shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live.
READ MORE
Matilda the Musical Cast Announcement
Casting was announced today for the upcoming tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.
READ MORE
Celebrate Tattoo with Expert Bar Crawl Guide with Glenfiddich
To mark Glenfiddich’s partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this August, the whisky has released a guide to Edinburgh’s most characterful bars.
READ MORE
Four Points Flex by Sheraton opens its doors in Edinburgh city centre
Four Points Flex by Sheraton has debuted in Edinburgh, inviting guests to enjoy a convenient, affordable and comfortable stay right in the heart of the city centre.
READ MORE
Flight Club Reveals its Line up of Fringe Festival Treats
Flight Club, the lively fairground-inspired cocktail and Social Darts bar, has a brilliant line-up of treats on offer to escape the hustle and bustle of the Fringe.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Top chef duo dive into first summer pop up on Edinburgh waterfront
Two of Scotland’s leading chefs are teaming up for the first time to stage a pop-up dining experience on Edinburgh’s waterfront for one night only on Tuesday 19th August.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
The Palmerston and Pals kitchen takeover series launches this August
This August, The Palmerston will mark festival season by welcoming chef friends for The Palmerston and Pals, a series of kitchen takeovers taking place throughout the month.
READ MORE
Oasis fans who missed out on tickets can Roll With It to Fort Kinnaird
Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by tribute band ‘Oasus’.
READ MORE
Britannia sails to triple triumph
The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has sailed to triple triumph after being named Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ visitor attraction in the UK and 12thin the world 2025/26.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links