Edinburgh is in it's prime this month. Warm, lazy days and long summer nights are filled with excitement and discovery as the city's streets come to life with street performers and music. For August has brought with it Edinburgh's international arts festivals and the hundreds of shows, exhibitions, performances and activities that make it all.

Unrivalled as the largest arts festivals in the world, the first of the festivals was created in 1947, as a post-war initiative to reunite Europe through culture. From the 5^th until the 27^th of August companies representing 49 different countries from around the globe will present almost 1,500 shows and with something available for every taste, from comedy shows to physical theatre, they're guaranteed to have you laughing, dancing, crying or singing.

Scattered around Edinburgh are the 250 venues hosting a huge and somewhat bizarre variety of performances. Regarded by many as the highlight of the festival, the Comedy section of the programme offers a winning line-up sure to have you in stitches. Professionals and amateurs grace the stage using all sorts of weird and wonderful ways to put a huge smile on your face. Clive James, Joan Rivers and Trev & Simon are amongst many others taking the mike.

The Children's section of the festival has always captured the imagination of kids and adults alike and this year is no exception. Traditional fairy tales take on spectacular twists, using not only stage, but also puppetry, live interaction and video, and amazing computer animation. No need for them just to sit and watch all-day though, free dance and drama workshops guarantee happy endings.

What else is there? The Theatre section is hosting over 600 different shows this year, boasting an amazing selection of classic plays and controversial drama guaranteed to entertain and shock. 45 different galleries host an array of mesmerising Visual Arts exhibitions while an eclectic offering of Dance workshops and performances await the jivers among us.

From the classical to the classics, this year's Musical & Opera section is showing an assortment of performances including Annie and Return to the Forbidden Planet. While the Music section has a generous helping of established groups and performers - such as Supergrass, Neil Finn and the Supernaturals, it's also proud to present Darkness and Disgrace - a musical cabaret from the songs of David Bowie.

Although Edinburgh is teeming with life during August, accommodation is varied and easy to find. The Festival Fringe's official website has an extensive bulletin board with listings on bedrooms for rent right up to 5 bedroom flats. The Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board has a huge accommodation database of hotels and guesthouses that have been fully inspected by the Scottish Tourist Board (Ph: 0131 473 4880). Edinburgh is also home to some great youth hostels offering cheap beds and a lively and comfortable atmosphere. To stay closest to the action, try the Castle Rock Hostel, situated in the heart of the old town and below the castle. They offer beds at £12 a night (email: castlerock@scotlands-top-hostels.com, Ph: 0131 225 969). The Edinburgh YHA is also central and beds are £14 a night (Ph: 0131 337 1120).

So, make an adventure out of it. Edinburgh is easily assessable, only four hours by train from London or £25 with EasyJet. Better still, drive: whether arriving from the Borders or the Highlands, Scotland's scenery is certain to take your breath away. Why stay at home if you're not going overseas this summer? Come be entertained in Edinburgh. Oh and by the way, the pubs are all open till 3am.

To find out more about the Edinburgh festivals, a full listing of events and information on ticket offers, visit www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk.

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