The Edinburgh International Festival has unveiled initial plans for this summer: taking place between August 7 and 29, it will feature performances in specially created outdoor pavilions throughout the city, including in Edinburgh Park and the University of Edinburgh's Old College Quad.

For those unable to attend, and for audiences worldwide, free streamed performances will be released each week of the Festival. Full programme details – which are set to embrace opera, orchestral and chamber music, theatre and contemporary music – will be announced on June 2, ahead of general booking opening on June 11.

‘Edinburgh’s summer festivals were officially cancelled almost exactly a year ago. Today, we are delighted to announce that in August 2021 the Edinburgh International Festival will return to live performance,’ said Fergus Linehan, Festival Director.

‘While there are still uncertainties ahead, we are confident that this programme will give us the very best chance of delivering a season of live performance from August 7–29. All our planning will be led by the advice we continue to receive from our partners in Government.'

Such steps taken to adhere to Covid safety measures will include shorter performances with no intervals, physical distancing, regular cleaning, and contactless ticketing.