Did you know Edinburgh has hosted several music festivals ever since the 19th century, with the first event held in early November 1815? Our town is also home to Scotland's oldest concert space, St Cecilia's Hall on Cowgate.
Since then, millions of people have enjoyed diverse music events in Scotland's capital city. That, of course, until lockdown put the world on pause for a few months.
2022 is the first year after the pandemic when almost all the music festivals we were used to are back on schedule. We have listed the main ones taking place this summer, but if there are any we missed, please let us know by clicking here, and we will add them to this blog.
15th – 24th July 2022
Edinburgh Jazz Festival was set up in 1978 by banjo player and guitarist Mike Hart. Mike's initial focus was on traditional jazz and a host of events taking place for free admission in pubs. By the mid-80s, the Festival had added ticketed events and had broadened its musical policy to encompass swing and mainstream jazz and occasionally some more modern groups. This year's programme doesn't disappoint, so clear your schedule and add a few of these in https://www.edinburghjazzfestival.com/whats-on.
7th – 14th August 2022
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is an almost sold-out event that will take place at the Ross Bandstand within the iconic Princes Street Gardens in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle. The event features a selection of specially curated shows alongside the Edinburgh International Festival in August. See the line-up at https://smmrsessions.com/edinburgh/line-up
5-29 August 2022
This year marks the Festival's 75th anniversary so it will be an even more remarkable event. We love the diversity of the events and artists, especially those in the musical scene. There are, wait for it….413 musical events, and 28 are free!!! Have a look at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#fq=category%3A(%22Music%22)&q=*%3A*
5-27 August 2022
Established in1947 as a world-class cultural event, this is one of the most well-known festivals in the world. Although not directed at music only, EIF will host several must-listened music events. This year there's a fantastic selection of classical, contemporary, traditional music and opera. You can see what's on at https://www.eif.co.uk/whats-on.
From 26th – 28th August 2022 at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre Showground, Connect will feature the best in left field talent, from grassroots to award-winning headliners. Learn more at https://connectmusicfestival.com/news
We hope this list will help you plan a musical summer in beautiful Edinburgh!
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