If entertainment is what you’re after this month Edinburgh is the place to be as the world’s top acts take to its streets and stages

THE SIXTY-FIRST EDINBURGH International Festival takes place between 8 and 31 August (www.eif.co.uk) and as usual, audiences can expect a showcase of top-flight culture, from classical music and opera to drama and dance, in venues across the city. Some of this year’s highlights are the State Ballet of Georgia’s Giselle at The Edinburgh Playhouse (Greenside Place, 9 & 10 August); the Scottish Opera production of The Two Widows, based on a French farce, is at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre (Nicolson Street, 9-12 August); and the late playwright Sarah Kane’s famous 4.48 Psychosis is at King’s Theatre (2 Leven Street, 15-17 August).

The quirkier Edinburgh Festival Fringe emerged as an alternative to its mainstream cousin and it kicks off a little earlier (3-25 August; www.edfringe.com). You too can get a head start on the rest of the action, with our pick of the best Fringe events you might not have heard about yet.

Terry Saunders, comedian
The Fringe has a reputation for stellar stand-up comedy in particular. One talent to look out for is ‘next big thing’ Terry Saunders, who is performing his show Figure 8 at Baby Belly until 24 August (excluding 11 August).

“The show is about a man who can see the future, but in a very un-superhero way that is no help to anybody,” he tells voyager. “It also includes material about Elliott Smith, a rather melancholic singer who killed himself.”

Saunders’ tip for a great Edinburgh pub is the comfortable Brass Monkey [14 Drummond Street, +44 (0)131 556 1961] and he says his most memorable Festival moment was when his girlfriend proposed to him on stage during his show last year: “I said yes!” www.terrysaunders.co.uk

The Edge Festival
New event The Edge replaces the festival’s now defunct T On The Fringe musical arm. At the Corn Exchange [11 Newmarket Road, +44 (0)131 477 3500] you can see singer Kate Nash (25 August) and pop-rockers Maximo Park (18 August). British rapper Dizzee Rascal plays at The Liquid Room [9c Victoria Street, +44 (0)131 225 2564] on 21 August. For something a bit different, Paradoxical Undressing, a multimedia poetry show by Throwing Muses singer Kristin Hersh, takes place at two venues; Cabaret Voltaire [36 Blair Street, +44 (0)131 220 6176] on 13 August and St Cecelia’s Hall [Niddry St, +44 (0)131 650 2427] between 17 and 23 August; www.theedgefestival.com

Foodies At The Festival
Foodies At The Festival (23 & 24 August) debuted so successfully last year that it has been upgraded to new venues for 2008; the Sheraton Grand Hotel and the adjoining Festival Square. A local food producers’ market, complete with temporary cafés, will transform the square, while the hotel is the venue for cooking masterclasses by chefs, including Roy Brett of The Grill at Dakota [Dakota Forth Bridge, +44 (0)131 319 3690], winner of Scottish Restaurant of the Year at the first Scottish Restaurant Awards 2008; www.foodiesfestival.com

Edinburgh hotels available to book at flybmi.com:
The Glasshouse, 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA, +44 (0)131 525 8200 Boasting a unique rooftop terrace, the only one of its kind in Edinburgh, head here to catch stunning views of the surrounding city.

The Scotsman, 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YT, +44 (0)131 556 5565 A recently reopened brasserie has original Victorian architecture contrasting with modern fittings and a new menu pairs seasonal organic produce with sophisticated cocktails. This 5-star hotel is housed in the historic former building of The Scotsman newspaper.