Accessible & Inclusive Edinburgh International Festival

This year’s Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland will feature 43 accessible performances, including the highest number of captioned performances, at 21. 

The world-famous, annual celebration of the performing arts held every August features a curated program of top international artists and ensembles specializing in opera, music, theatre, and dance.

Also providing early-career musicians with high-level professional development opportunities, the Festival’s Rising Stars mentorship programme has expanded its scope in 2026 to include jazz musicians for the first time. 

This new strand welcomes five talented Scottish pre-professional jazz musicians, currently studying at conservatoire level, offering them the opportunity to develop their craft on an international stage.  Working alongside renowned drummer Domo Branch and pianist Joe Webb, the Scottish Rising Stars of Jazz will perform at the Festival’s home, The Hub, as part of the Jazz Jam, in a programme devised by them and their mentors. 

Alongside this, the cohort will perform with Discovery and Participation Associate Artist Lucy Drever in two dementia-friendly concerts, designed to give people living with dementia, along with their families and caregivers, a relaxed, welcoming space to enjoy live music.

The Festival’s continued commitment to create accessible, affordable and inclusive events and formats in 2026 also includes; 

• An updated, free Access Pass, to provide a tailored Festival experience for anybody needing additional support, by enabling members to share their access information in more detail  

• An Access guide, which equips audiences with accessibility needs with detailed knowledge so that they can feel confident attending the International Festival, from foyer seating to lift dimensions. This year, it’s available in plain text, improving access for blind audiences.    

• New Access Animations, a series of commissioned animated videos, which give greater clarity on the International Festival’s access provisions  

Further information on Accessing the Festival, which runs from August 7 – 30, is available at www.eif.co.uk/access 

Photo credit: (c) Jess Shurte