Place: The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), Scotland, Edinburgh
Every August, the Edinburgh International Festival transforms one of the world's most beautiful cities, presenting three exhilarating weeks of the finest creators and performers from the worlds of the arts - for everyone. Edinburgh's unique natural landscape houses a mass of spectacular architecture. Calton Hill, with its panoramic views and unfinished acropolis, towers over the east end of Princes Street. To the south, Holyrood Park's six hundred and fifty acres of parkland stretch from the new Scottish Parliament building towards the Palace of Holyrood House and on to Arthur's Seat - a craggy, glacier-carved remnant of the city's volcanic past.
At the top of the Royal Mile on another volcanic peak, stands Edinburgh Castle, with views across the whole city. Beside it is The Hub, home of the Edinburgh International Festival.
During the peak festival period in summer, the population doubles as it plays host to hundreds of thousands of visitors and performers from all over the world. The huge range and number of artistic events, performances and exhibitions makes a trip to Edinburgh unforgettable.