Arts & Culture

The Edinburgh Festival, the term for what is largely heralded to be the biggest arts extravaganza in the world, though it is in fact several festivals.

For local residents there's a mixture of anticipation among those who love to see the celebration of all things artistic and cultural in Auld Reekie and those for whom the month of August brings a sense of dread and foreboding. 

Anyone who has ever battled through the crowds on Princes Street whilst going about their daily business knows that you brace yourself for the onslaught. Some will tell you that they try to avoid the centre of town as much as possible as the artisans and Festival-goers take over the city.

Don't even think of nipping out for a quick sandwich at lunchtime if you're in the heart of the action and there's no such thing as a leisurely stroll in Princes St Gardens. For much of August it's just not going to happen in the 'Festival City'. 

Tales of tenants being asked to leave rented accommodation for the month as lets command a higher revenue for landlords at this time are not unheard of. 

Other citizens relish the whirlwind calendar of social events as bars are packed with possible love interests, not to mention the extended entertainment licences which means that there's no shortage of over-time for those who work in the drinking establishments.

Often the cut and thrust of life in Edinburgh is followed by a sense of 'what now?' once the Festival acts pack their bags and depart for another year. Even those who dislike the coming of the Festival miss it once it's gone.

What are your experiences of the festival? Do you love to get away from it all? Share your tales of life in the Capital at Festival time, whether it's a story of delight or misery.