Edinburgh International Book Festival

Every August, for just over two weeks, the world’s largest celebration of the written word takes over Charlotte Square; the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a fortnight of fantastic events with writers from around the world. Where better to celebrate the written word than Edinburgh, the first city in the world to be named a UNESCO City of Literature?

Admire the cultural landmarks and atmospheric streets that have inspired literary greats such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Arthur Conan Doyle and bestselling authors such as Ian Rankin and JK Rowling.

With hundreds of author events, debates and workshops taking place, the book festival brings writers and intellectuals from across the world together. Part of the wider Edinburgh Festivals programme, the book festival is renowned for bringing in big names as well as uncovering the poets, thinkers and novelists of tomorrow.

In 1997, Charlotte Square welcomed an unknown local author named JK Rowling who read from her debut novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to 30 encapsulated children.

The majestic Charlotte Square Gardens sit within the elegant Georgian New Town, a truly beautiful setting. The book festival converts the gardens into a magical tented village which welcomes around 220, 000 visitors each year.

A highlight of the programme of events is the high profile debates and discussion series. Writers from across the world gather in this unique event to discuss and engage on the world’s most pressing issues.

The Children’s Programme is also extremely popular with a range of workshops, panel discussions and author events. Perfect for the family, it is now the world’s premier books and reading event for young people. The 2013 festival will run from the 10 - 26 August.