August was a whirlwind of excitement. World-class performances of theatre, opera, music and dance, not to mention local community projects, pop-up gigs and open rehearsals at our home, The Hub.

This year, it was all about bringing you, the audience, closer to the art. So, here are some of moments from behind the lens - both literally and figuratively - of the 78th Edinburgh International Festival.

Preparing for a live performance

There is always something new to discover at the International Festival, as highlighted in our audience manifesto, and gaining context on a performance helps us delve deeper into the live experience. This year, you may have tuned into The Warm Up, our mini audio series which offered insight into a performance or venue before attending.

Of course it's not just the audience who benefit from pre-show preparation. We caught up with some of our International Festival performers to learn about their pre-show rituals.

Members of Fèis Rois’ Ceilidh Trail shared how they prepare for a live show—and for them, a moment of silence often sets the stage.

Watch more videos.

Debriefing after a show with artist talks

Ever leave a show and need to talk about it for the next hour?

Building on last year, at the 2024 International Festival we hosted a range of post-show talks. These intimate talks offered you an insight into the creative minds behind the performances, allowing a deeper connection with the artists and their work.

An exclusive clip of a post-show talk will be shared on our social media this autumn.

You became part of the performance

Whether you were immersed in a beanbag performance at Usher Hall, singing in the audience choir at GRIT Orchestra, dancing in The Hub, or rising to your feet in a standing ovation at Queen’s Hall, you, the audience, are an invaluable part of live performance. You bring the energy.

"There is no festival without an audience. There's no virtuosic playing without somebody to witness it and appreciate it." - Katy Fuller, Creative Director of the Opening Event

At the Opening Event: Where to Begin, you were truly immersed in the performance, participating in a ritual that summoned the Festival spirit of Edinburgh.

Become part of the Festival with the Edinburgh Festival Chorus

This year the Edinburgh Festival Chorus performed several outstanding concerts. From Verdi’s Requiem with the Philharmonia Orchestra to their late-night beanbag concert at Usher Hall, where they performed Alexander Grechaninov’s hypnotic Passion Week.

Auditions to join the Edinburgh Festival Chorus for 2024/25 take place on 5, 6, 7 and 13 Oct 2024 at The Hub.

Backstage at The Playhouse

Take a peek backstage and into the mind of Greg Lawson, conductor of GRIT Orchestra, as he prepares for a performance in a large venue like The Playhouse.

Watch more videos.

Onwards

As we begin preparing for 2025 Edinburgh International Festival (yes, already!), we look forward to sharing more stories from beyond the stage with you.