The Edinburgh International Festival is the most loved performing arts festival in the world. After a turbulent 18 months, we are in desperate need of some fun. High entertainment is top priority for the organisers behind this year’s event. The line-up for Edinburgh International Festival 2021 is unmissable. Read on to discover an outstanding array of acts set to perform this summer. Whether you prefer music, theatre or dance, the all-inclusive life celebration guarantees there is something to suit everyone.

Moses Boyd, £21-£26, 17th August, www.elf.co.uk

Edinburgh International Festival has united people in collective honour of the human spirit for 70 years. The programme for 2021 is truly impressive. Taking place from 7^{th –} 28^th August, it marks the beginning of positive change for Scotland’s cultural sector. The Edinburgh International Festival enables a much-loved platform for artists to return to the stage and wow us with their live performances. Continuing with the age-old tradition, the celebration can return. Outdoor venues and new safety procedures ensure everyone can re-ignite those sorely missed connections once again.

Festival Music FAQS:

Caribou: £21-£26, 28th of August, www.elf.co.uk

We are so excited to see such a diverse mix of musical heroes signed up for the show. From cosmic jazz to subversive folk and unbeatable indie, not one will be disappointed.

Contemporary music programme will show in a custom built outdoor venue in Edinburgh Park. Imagine sitting with your loved ones in the beautiful park grounds and breathing in the beautiful atmosphere, music and scenery.

Meanwhile, the University of Edinburgh’s Old College Quad will be the setting for enjoying more traditional music. Edinburgh International Festival is a pioneer for inclusivity. Therefore, audiences can experience an unforgettable showcase of incredible international talent to join some of Scotland’s finest artists.

Edinburgh International Festival Line-Up Features:

Damon Albarn (Blur and Gorillaz Frontman), 24^th August, £21, www.elf.co.uk

The hugely talented Damon Albarn will be taking the stage (and our hearts). Following up his Mercury-nominated first solo album, he will be performing a brand-new show. With tracks from across his songbook, this artist is certain to steal the show. You will be able to enjoy work from his current project, The Nearer the Fountain, More, Pure the Stream Flows. This was inspired by the breath-taking landscapes of Iceland. He spent the lockdown completing and perfecting this, with focus on the themes of fragility, emergence and rebirth. Damon, you rock!

The Staves, 10^th August, £21-£26, www.elf.co.uk

If Indie folk is your thing, you will likely be a fan of the famous English Indie folk sister trio, The Staves. This awesome and highly-acclaimed band will be appearing to play songs from their new album, Good Woman. Yay!.

Sam Shepherd (Floating Points), 14^th August, £21-£26, www.elf.co.uk

Should high energy and ethereal transcendence be the name of the game, then head over to the dancefloor and immerse your senses in the Floating Points live show.  Borne from the UK bass scene, this outstanding electronic musician is also a highly talented composer and producer. You won’t want to miss this!

The Edinburgh International Festival Line-Up Includes:

Anna Meredith / Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Ségal / Black Country, New Road / black midi / Breabach  / Caribou / Dàimh / Damon Albarn / Duncan Chisholm / Erland Cooper / Fara / Fatoumata Diawara / Floating Points / Jenna Reid & Harris Playfair / Karine Polwart / Kathryn Joseph / Kinnaris Quintet / Kokoroko / Laura Mvula / Moses Boyd / Nadine Shah / Neu! Reekie! / Richard Dawson / RURA / Siobhan Miller / Sona Jobarteh / The Comet is Coming / The Snuts / The Staves / The Unthanks / Talisk / Tune-Yards ​

General bookings are open. For more details on individual concerts, visit www.eif.co.uk/music

Join the Conversation on Social Media:  #edintfest / @edintfest

Tide Lines, £21-£26, 9th of August, www.elf.co.uk

Check Out the 2021 International Festival Video On YouTube

Have fun!

For more reading inspo, “For More Holiday Guidance Look To The Stars (And Insure My Trip).”