The 29th Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is set to break its sales record this year across all its audiences including families, schools and industry professionals with 87% of the festival already sold.
The school programme is a sell-out with over 5,680 school pupils attending during the week. While many schools are based in and around Edinburgh, the Festival also attracted schools from the Borders and Inverness, and a school group from Moscow even made a surprise booking.
Thanks to the Festival’s strong international reputation, continues to attract industry professionals and artists – this year 306 delegates are coming from 24 different countries including Canada, China, Egypt, Chile, New Zealand, and all over Europe to see, discuss and book work.
Imaginate Chief Executive, Paul Fitzpatrick said, “It is a conscious strategic objective to get more children through the door during the Festival to experience more high quality work from around the country and world. We are delighted the Festival is resonating so strongly with schools, public and industry and will continue to deepen these relationships and further establish the festival’s stellar reputation.”
The Festival will finish this weekend with some exciting family shows including raucous family romp Expedition Peter Panfrom Netherlands Company Het Laagland(for 7-12 yrs), Eddie & the Slumber Sisters (for 8-13 yrs) from Scottish award winning company Catherine Wheels Theatre Company and Ogo by Théâtre des Petites Âmes (Canada) (for 2.5-6 yrs) that is “a charming, gentle piece that hits the top spot of the giggle and gasp barometer”.
There are still public tickets for sale for most shows, especially over the final weekend (1-3 June). For full programme and booking information, go to www.imaginate.org.uk/festival or call box office on 0131 228 1404.