Theatre News

Edinburgh International Festival awarded European prize for reinvention and inspiration

The festival celebrated its 70th anniversary this year

The Virgin Money fireworks concert which close the Edinburgh International Festival last night
The Virgin Money fireworks concert which close the Edinburgh International Festival last night
© Mihaela Bodlovic

The Edinburgh International Festival, which completed its 70th year in August, has been commended by the EFFE (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe) for its role in reinventing and inspiring the arts world.

The award was presented to International Festival Chairman Niall Lothian at a two-day symposium in Brussels, organised by the European Festivals Association to celebrate the place of festivals in inspiring artistic innovation and development across the world.

Lothian said: "We are proud to be members of the European Festivals Association and the EFFE Label, both of which are great examples of the power and impact of international collaboration, learning and cooperation. It is a great honour to receive this award, and our grateful thanks goes to the jury and the EFFE".

EFFE is composed of 715 affiliate members and overseen by the European Festivals Association, which was established in 1951 to bring together festivals from across the continent as a means of constructing trust and collaboration between countries.

At this year's International Festival, 2020 artists from over 40 nations gave performances across the city.

Read all the coverage from last month's Edinburgh Festival here