Whether you're joining us for the first time or you've been with us for decades, we strive to create an exceptional and truly distinctive experience for all International Festival audiences. Here are the guiding principles and commitments you can count on us to deliver when you're attending Edinburgh International Festival performances.

Our Audience Manifesto

• Live performance is most thrilling when audiences and artists are in communion with one another. What we each bring into the room matters.
• We invite you to listen, gather, seek, and feel with us. Sometimes we listen so deeply we hear every breath in the room; at other times we gather with a joyful roar! We’ll make sure you know what to expect.
• We want you to feel truly welcome at our events. We ask and listen to what you need, aiming to remove barriers through our Access Pass, range of prices, concessions and friendly staff.
• There is always something new to discover – we hope our audio introductions, post-show talks and ‘inside out’ concerts will reward your curiosity, whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve been with us through the decades.
• There is no singular view on why a symphony matters, what makes opera relatable, or how dance makes us feel. If you seek context and depth, we will connect you with the human stories behind these works of art.
• We present you a window to the world. Encounter familiar stories in other languages or from radically different perspectives. Bring an open heart and mind, and we’ll provide specific guidance for those who want to feel more prepared.