Lochleven Castle, Scotland

On December 31 the central streets of Edinburgh turn into the concert hall under the open sky. A lot of Scots and tourists from all over the world gather in the downtown, to enjoy and celebrate the unforgettable atmosphere of the real holiday, which reigns in the city. At midnight, colorful and bright New Year's fireworks light the famous Edinburgh Castle, which stands on top of the basalt rock. On New Year's Eve, in the center of Edinburgh, you can find entertainments and music to your liking - from concerts of classical music by candlelight in a cathedral, concerts under the open sky, live music in pubs and to national vigorous dances under bagpipe sounds. If you are the great fan of Celtic culture, then book your tickets to Edinburgh on the April 30, when Beltane Fire Festival takes place. This is the Celtic pagan festival, which is devoted to the fire and the beginning of summer; it has also very special location - mysterious Calton Hill. In the Celtic calendar, this day is considered the beginning of summer and is celebrated by the kindling of fires on sublime places. The participants of this festival jump through fires for ritual abstersion.

In August you will have amazing possibility to enjoy 20 days of the most popular and so expected event - the Edinburgh International Festival. This is one the world's largest festivals of theatrics. It takes place in the capital of Scotland every year and lasts almost for a month! The Edinburgh International Festival of arts is the unique event: it was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest event. Moreover, the theatrical, opera, dancing, and musical arts are at the same time presented here. It includes concerts of classical, band, chamber and vocal music, theatrical performances, the opera, dancing shows, ballets performed by the leading on-stage performance groups from many countries of the world. Along with the official program, during Edinburgh International Festival, passes also an "informal" part - the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is dedicated to experimental performing art. What is cool about this event that various young and amateur, as well as experienced bands can participate with it. Even you can if have something to demonstrate and perform. Traditionally, Fringe starts one week prior to the Edinburgh festival, or along with it, and finishes at the end of August.
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