Get ready for The Warm Up

This year, we have produced 40 audio introductions for you, called The Warm Up.

The Warm Up will help you dive deeper into a range of performances, and get more from your International Festival experience. These mini podcast episodes are hosted by International Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and BBC presenter Kate Molleson, as they speak to artists, contributors and programmers, giving extra insight before arriving at the venue.

Today you can listen to a special sneak peek of this series, as veteran Festival-goers share their Festival tips and pre-festival rituals.

Listen now to the first episode of The Warm Up.

Festival Director Nicola Benedetti explains this year's Festival theme, "Rituals That Unite Us". Highlighting the importance of bringing communities together, Nicola describes how the theme has informed and shaped this year's programme.