Edinburgh International Children’s Festival 2024 programme revealed

20 March 2024

14 productions that represent work from 9 different countries unite in a programme that spans circus, dance, music, storytelling and theatre
The programme explores timely topics such as the environmental crisis, consumerism, war and racial discrimination, in a way that make them accessible to children
A new Expo-funded commission, early years circus show So Far So Good by SUPERFAN, will be touring Scotland including in a number of small rural venues in Strathspey
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival opens with the accessible Free Family Encounters day at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 25 May 2024

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival launched its programme, with an exciting line up of performances. The Festival which runs from 25 May to 2 June, will offer a jam-packed programme of circus, dance, storytelling and theatre for young people, their schools and families.

As the place for the celebration of quality theatre and dance for young audiences, the Festival will once again push boundaries, exploring the highs and lows of the human condition, while always considering the perspective and viewpoint of the child.

Highlights include:

Intimate sensory works for babies Univers and Be Kind, that will delight young audiences with their beautiful design and gentle interactions.
Family pleasers By Trial and Error, where a couple of hapless acrobats will have children roaring with laughter at their circus antics.
A focus on the environment with TRASHedy which humorously looks at freedom of choice and our consumerist behaviour, An-Ki, an immersive promenade experience performed in a tent exploring greed and deforestation, and Shō and the Demons of the Deep, the tale of a river poisoned by nightmares which explores the impact one generation can have on the next.
Black, an emotional dance performance chronicling the freedom movement and reflecting on the violence of being Black today, which will give teenagers food for thought and an opportunity to discuss and reflect. All school pupils attending the show will take part in workshops exploring African urban dance styles and explore some of the themes of the show including racism and its relevance to Scotland.
A regional focus on Catalonia, with three stunning productions representing the unique vision of artists from this region, as well as four new works and premieres from Scottish companies.
A new Expo-funded commission, early years circus show So Far So Good by SUPERFAN, which will be touring Scotland including in a number of small rural venues in Strathspey.

Festival Director, Noel Jordan said: “I am delighted to be unveiling this year’s programme which once again pushes the boundaries of what’s expected of children’s theatre and dance. Themes of curiosity, connectedness and care for the environment abound, with characters learning to communicate across languages, cultures and borders to establish friendship and play. We also investigate what to do with our nightmares, our losses and witness the impact of racial discrimination. From babies to teenagers, there is something for everyone this year and I hope the Festival is full of special moments for children and their families.”

Dana MacLeod, Executive Director of Arts, Communities and Inclusion at Creative Scotland commented: “Edinburgh International Children’s Festival presents an enriching opportunity for children and young people to be immersed in world class performance. It’s a testament to the skill of the artists and producers that such bold and complex themes are explored in ways that are accessible and educational for young audiences. The festival also runs a highly-regarded industry programme which brings international programmers, producers and artists to Edinburgh to connect and collaborate.”

Culture Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is an annual highlight with an array of entertaining shows and performances that bring joy to young and old alike. In line with our belief that the arts are for everyone, and in recognition of the festival’s ongoing success, the Scottish Government is proud to continue our support for this year’s fantastic programme with funding through our Expo fund, which aims to raise the international profile of Scotland’s festivals and help enhance their programmes through innovation collaborations.”

Festival tickets are now on sale.

For full programme and booking information, visit: www.imaginate.org.uk/festival.

Tickets can be booked online or by calling 0131 226 0019.

Background

Header image is by Julie Howden.

Partners and Funders Info

Imaginate is the national organisation in Scotland, which promotes, develops and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people. As well as supporting artists making high quality work for children with a year-round creative development programme, the organisation runs creative learning projects, artist residencies and a national tour of performances in schools.

Imaginate produces the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival which showcases the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world and is recognized as one of the best places for international programmers to see work of the very highest standard.

For more information about Imaginate please visit: www.imaginate.org.uk @ImaginateUK #EdChildrensFest

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot.

The Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund is supported by The Scottish Government through Creative Scotland. The Festivals Expo Fund was established in 2007 to help maintain the global competitive edge of Edinburgh’s Festivals and £19m was invested across the Edinburgh Festivals up until 2018. In that year the Festivals Expo Fund was extended to include Celtic Connections and Glasgow International. The Festivals Expo Fund is aimed at supporting: work by Scottish-based artists and arts companies; collaborative work between Scottish and international artists; and touring within or out with Scotland of works presented as part of the Festivals.

The PLaCE [Platforms for Creative Excellence] programme is funded by The Scottish Government - through Creative Scotland - the City of Edinburgh Council, and the Edinburgh Festivals. The PLaCE programme will provide £15 million over the next five years for a range of creative and community projects. The introduction of the five-year commitment of the PLaCE Programme creates a strategic approach to evolving the future direction of the festivals through long-term developments and collaborations with global as well as Scottish partners thus renewing the Festivals' ambition and purpose after the defining moment of their 70th anniversary.