Edinburgh International Festival· An Unparalled Performing Arts Journey

Edinburgh International Festival· An Unparalled Performing Arts Journey

The world's leading performing arts festival

August 3 to 11, 2024

Edinburgh, Scotland

Be part of the world's leading performing arts festival by presenting wonderful performance, including but no limited to Chinese pieces, certificates will be issued to support future application
Open to all young talents aged 7-18 who are passionate about arts, covering music, dance and other performing arts, solo or group performances are acceptable
The PRIOR instructional system combines five modules that run through the entire journey: Perform, Research, Inspire, Observe and Relax, which comprehensively develop participants' artistic and literacy skills
Watch world-class performances in Edinburgh, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the prestigious University of Edinburgh, discover the place that inspired the Harry Potter series and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands

About

About Edinburgh International

About Edinburgh International

Edinburgh Art Festival is the world's largest annual celebration of music, theatre, opera， dance, and visual arts performed across Edinburgh, Scotland, spread over the final three weeks in August, and also positions the city via creativity.
The festival has taken place every year since 1947. The idea of creating an international festival within the UK was first conceived by Rudolf Bing, the General Manager of Glyndebourne Opera Festival, who conceived of the festival to heal the wounds of war through the languages of the arts, cooperated with several celebrities and directors during a wartime tour. The first Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) was then born in 1947.
About Edinburgh

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. Built in 1329, it is renowned for its heritage, culture, and festivals. The city has long been a centre of education, particularly in medicine, Scottish law, literature, philosophy, the sciences and engineering. Edinburgh's Old and New Towns became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. In 1583, the University of Edinburgh was founded and now is considered one of the best research institutions in the world. The city's contributions to the world of literature are so rich and well-recognised that in 2004, Edinburgh became the world's first UNESCO City of Literature. Nowadays, Edinburgh is the most popular visitor destination and second-largest financial centre outside London in the UK.

Festival Theme of 2024

 
The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival will return in August, exploring the theme of Rituals That Unite Us. The aim is to bring people 
from all over the world to share the value and significance of arts. You will discover the power of the arts and be inspired by its 
diversity and creativity. Whether it's music, theatre, dance, or any other arts you've never heard of, the Edinburgh Festival brings you 
more than just audiovisual enjoyment - it creates an invisible link that binds people to the arts. Welcome to the Edinburgh International 
Festival and find out more!

The Goal of the Journey

In 2024, ASDAN China launched the Edinburgh Festival program. Young talents from all over the country who are passionate about music, dance, or other performing arts are invited to join this program in August this year. To promote international exchanges, audiences will enjoy those wonderful programs that reflect the uniqueness of Chinese culture by our young talents. Besides, certificates will be awarded at the end of the showcase.
Now, we sincerely invite all the talented young artists to join the Edinburgh art journey to showcase, feel, exercise, enjoy, and lift your voice.

St. Cecilia’s Hall

St Cecilia’s Hall, located off the iconic Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town provides contemporary facilities and comfort, within the stunning 1763 heritage building, uniquely home to a world class collection of musical instruments. The hall was the first purpose-built concert hall in Scotland. It is a Category A listed building.
Today, the building consists of a modern entrance, a visible conservation studio, four museum galleries, an education room, and, of course, the eighteenth-century concert room, which is the perfect size and setting for performances. It is used for music concerts and, during summer, as a venue for the Edinburgh International Festival.



Why Us

This program integrates Perform, Research, Inspire, Observe, and Relax to form a PRIOR course system, which allows students to learn more about Edinburgh through the journey and even the British culture from the aspects of humanities, history, nature, and culture. From watching world-class performances to performing by themselves, participants will be immersed in an artistic atmosphere to enhance the overall quality.

Academic Values

Tailored Itinerary

Led by an experienced tour leader, students will experience an unbelievable journey in just one week. Not only will participants watch a selection of shows at the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe performances, and the Royal Military Tattoo, but there will also be exhibitions at the Edinburgh Book Festival. From music to theater, tradition to the avant-garde, you will feel welcomed to this unparalleled celebration as you stroll through the city streets.

All students participating in this program will receive authoritative certificates: A certificate that accredits up to 60 hours of their expressive arts activities issued by ASDAN UK, and the Participation Certificate of Edinburgh Festival officially certified by Cognia®, the world's largest nonprofit organization with the knowledge to help schools improve so that all learners have the opportunities they deserve.

Remarkable Achievements

Further Progress

Being part of the festival to perform and share Chinese culture will surely enhance the students' artistic skills and qualities, thus accumulating more stage experience and boosting their self-confidence. Students' social and communication skills will be continuously practiced. In addition, the program will also cover the six core competencies of international quality education to develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed for life and work: public speaking, communication and collaboration, practical research, leadership, and problem-solving.

An experienced tour leader professionally trained in international education organizations will be with the team throughout the journey and meet all kinds of students' needs. Students will stay in a rated hotel featuring safety, cleanliness, and comfort amenities. They will also learn how to order food and develop the ability to live abroad by recognizing it for what it is and finding ways to cope. In addition, travel insurance with a maximum payout of 500,000 RMB that offers several travel medical and travel health insurance plans for international visitors is included.

Logistic Support

5 PRIOR Modules

Perform

Perform

Perform

Presenting performances on the professional stage of St. Cecilia's Hall to interact with the local audience and share your art thoughts with each other.
*The Edinburgh Festival program is recommended to include elements of Chinese or British music.

Research

Attend a music or art workshop to explore the performing arts scene in Edinburgh. The festival had 'taken over' the sidewalks with small stages and street performances every few yards. Participants will be divided into small groups to link with artists or performances that impressed you the most under the guidance of your tour leader and present it to the other members at the closing ceremony.

Research

Research

Inspire

Inspire

Inspire

Watch world-class performances of the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo to inspire and improve creativity and performance skills.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland and the Edinburgh Festival's art exhibitions to learn about art history and the basics of art appreciation, cultivate artistic tastes, and enhance aesthetic ability.

Observe

Stroll through the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and observe the contrast between neoclassical architecture and medieval fortresses. Visit Edinburgh Castle and the University of Edinburgh, the most prestigious university in the world, to find the mark of history and humanity.

Visit the birthplace of the Harry Potter series and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movies in the world's first City of Literature.

Observe

Observe

Relax

Relax

Relax

Discover the beauty around you as you stroll up Calton Hill for an unmissable sunset view! We will enjoy the stirring scenery in the unique adventure to the Scottish Highlands. Explore the stunning Glencoe village and uncover the mysteries of Loch Ness. Also, we will travel through stately Fort William to visit the highest peaks of the British Isles in the distance. Experience the quiet beauty of nature and draw spiritual strength from it.

Art Journey

Art Journey

Art Journey

Opening Ceremony
Ice-breaking session will be conducted to help participants facilitate communication in a group, especially with new people. The lead teacher will introduce the daily itinerary and course system, explain the culture and customs to help quickly integrate into the local life, assign the research tasks and teach the methodological essentials to start the wonderful trip.
1 Performance
Participants will perform on stage during the Edinburgh International Festival, presenting unique Chinese musical works to local audiences, thereby showcasing their creativity and passion and gaining new performance experience.
2 Natural Adventures
Appreciate the scenic landscape of the Scottish Highlands on a sightseeing tour to discover the Loch Ness Monster. The tour also includes a Calton Hill walk, hailed as one of the UK's top sunset-watching spots and Jay Chou's music video site.
3 Artistic Explorations
Participants will work in teams to engage in cultural research on street performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, attend local music and arts workshops, and discover the fascinating types of art.
4 World-Class Performances
Watch world-class performances at the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Music Festival, and Edinburgh Festival of Visual Arts under the supervision and guidance of your tour guide.
5 Discovery Visits
Must-visit tourist spots in Edinburgh include the United Nations World Heritage Site, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh's Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland, and the place where the Harry Potter series was inspired.
Closing Ceremony
Each group will present their art research to share their thoughts, review the whole journey, and share their experience and insights, which indicates the wonderful art journey come to an end.
Morning Afternoon Evening
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh and check in
Day 2 【Opening Ceremony】
Ice-breaking: Get to know each other and warm up the conversation among participants
Itinerary explanation: Introduce the program and the five modules of this activity.
Cultural orientation: an introduction to British culture and customs
Assignment: Divided into small groups and assigned research tasks, and research methods will be explained		 【Research】
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Research 1
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture. Students will hit the streets under the guidance of their mentors, enjoying various outdoor stage performances, interviewing and researching their favorite artists in groups, and collecting pictures and video materials to present at the closing ceremony.		 【Inspire】
Watch performance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh's historic streets and squares are transformed into outdoor street performance arenas during the Fringe events. Various theater performances will also be presented indoors, including drama, dance, stand-up comedy, musicals, and more. Students will watch fringe performances to discover the charm of performing arts in different scenarios.
Day 3 【Observe】
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, founded in 1583. Alumni of the university include naturalist Charles Darwin and several heads of state and government among its graduates, including three British prime ministers. Students will join the campus tour with a guide to learn more about student life and campuses.
 【Research】
Music and Arts Workshop
Participants in this journey fall into different categories of the performing arts, and it is assumed that the students will also have a strong interest in other categories. The workshop is interactive in the truest sense, focusing on the process of art or musical creation and collaboration from concept to concert, which will help them develop their talents and enhance their knowledge and abilities in themselves.
 Rest
Day 4 【Observe】
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales.
 【Observe】
Edinburgh Old Town Guided Walking Tour
On this walking tour, your friendly, professional guide will help you explore the most historic neighbourhood in Edinburgh.
You’ll hear about warlocks, witches, local battles and uprisings, public executions and a few peculiar local traditions still practiced to this day.		 【Relax】
Calton Hill Sunset
Walk up and admire the views from Calton Hill Edinburgh at sunset after dinner. Amongst the iconic buildings in view are the National Monument, Arthur’s Seat, and the Nelson Monument, to name a few. You will relax amidst the nature and beauty of the city as the colors are spectacular.
Day 5 At your leisure and get ready for the afternoon show. 【Perform】
Performance
Head to the historic St. Cecilia's Hall to perform for enthusiastic audiences. There will be a 30-minute preparation time for your stage performance, and the show will be recorded.		 【Inspire】
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces since 1950. Each performance begins with a fanfare, and the Massed Pipes and Drums are then performed, marching through the castle gatehouse and performing a traditional pipe band set. It is a unique and memorable celebration of music, dance and military pageantry, and it will probably blow your socks off!
Day 6 【Research】
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Research 2
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture. Students will hit the streets under the guidance of their mentors, enjoying various outdoor stage performances, interviewing and researching their favorite artists in groups, and collecting pictures and video materials to present at the closing ceremony.		 【Inspire】
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
We will take you on a journey of discovery through the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology, and Scottish history, all in one amazing building. The collection includes but is not limited to an Egyptian mummy, a Scottish king's crown and scepter, the world's first cloned sheep, the oldest trombone, and more.		 【Inspire】
Watch performance at Edinburgh International Festival

Notable figures and best artists from opera, music, theatre & dance on the world's greatest stage from the international world are invited to join the festival. Students will follow the schedule and watch the finest performances, experiencing the highest-performing arts on the spot.
Day 7 【Relax】
Loch Ness and the Highlands - 1 day tour
Enjoy a fantastic full day adventure in the Highlands, visiting mysterious Loch Ness, where you can go monster spotting on the shores of the loch or on a boat cruise. Discover the highlights of the Scottish Highlands on this epic tour from Edinburgh. Start your day with amazing views of the Forth Bridges, then head to beautiful leafy Perthshire. After climbing through the Grampian Mountains, meander through the Cairngorms National Park. The total trip is about 12 hours.
Day 8 【Observe】
Harry Potter Locations that Muggles will love
Edinburgh, the world's first city of literature, is also the birthplace of the Harry Potter series. Students will stroll through the town, visiting the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the saga and the behind-the-scenes stories of other story scenes such as Diagon Alley and the places that inspired Hogwarts.
 【Inspire】
The Edinburgh Arts Festival is the UK's largest annual celebration of visual art at the heart of the city's festivals, featuring Scotland's leading museums, art galleries, and art spaces. Together, we will visit student-friendly art exhibitions or get involved with the Edinburgh Book Festival to watch authors & Thinkers share Their Stories & Ideas.
 【Closing Ceremony】
Presentation:Each group will present the results of their street art research and score each other, and the group with the highest score will have the chance to win an exquisite art gift.
Review and Sharing:Each person will share his/her thoughts on the journey, leaving behind good memories.
Day 9 Check out and back to China

* The itinerary is subject to change.

Application

Registration deadline:

May 31, 2024

Who Can Enroll

Students aged 7-18 with specialties in music, dance, other art forms, etc.

Performance Requirements

Programs for the Edinburgh Festival are recommended to have Chinese or British musical elements, e.g., Chinese songs, folk dances, operas, folk instrumental music, etc., or Scottish dances, Welsh ballads, works by British composers, etc.
Programs should be less than 8 minutes

Information Submission

Students must send the program information (title and performance type) and videos of previous performances to the organizing committee at music@seedasdan. org before May 31, 2024, after completing the registration and payment steps.

Application Fees

  • Included: Festival participation fees, venue and certificate fees (students only), Festival performance tickets, accommodation, breakfast during the stay, transportation, and logistics, entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary and English-speaking tour guide, Edinburgh airport pick-up and drop-off, international medical and accidental insurance, and the services of a full-time tour guide.
  • Not included: international round-trip airfare, which can be purchased on your own or as a package by ASDAN China(please contact us), UK visa application and service fees of RMB 2,400, entrance fees to sightseeing spots not listed in the itinerary, lunches, and dinners, musical instruments rentals and transportation (ASDAN China can be reached for assistance with rentals).

Regular Participation Plans

1. Scan the QR code to register
2. ASDAN China will send the project agreement 1 month before departure to sign and confirm the acceptance
3. If you apply for a UK visa service through ASDAN China, you will be guided by a visa instructor. Those who do not require the service should ensure they have a valid UK visa before departure.
4. An online pre-departure meeting will be launched 2 weeks before departure to prepare for the trip and learn about all aspects of entering the UK in advance.

Regional Consultants


North China

Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, JIlin, Liaoning

Ms. Zhang 13269709296


East China

Shanghai, Jiangsu

Ms. Zhou 13127836096


East China

Zhejiang

Ms. Wang 15618633087


South China

Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas

Ms. Ou 18620386975


Central China

Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi, Xinjiang

Ms. Pan 13086629260


West China

Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet

Ms. Li 18502808484