Opening Event: Where to Begin
A ritual to ignite your Festival.
To ignite the Festival season, Scotland’s heritage and mythology converge in a hypnotic experience, transforming an iconic Edinburgh location into the epicentre of creative power. Gather with us to discover and share in a new ritual, hear a new myth, and play your part in summoning up the festival spirit that courses through the city every August.
As the sun sets, George Heriot’s grounds come alive with the flicker of flames. Be guided through by the artisans as they feed the fires and raise a toast. Then, witness the story of a hidden world, buried deep in the vaults and tunnels beneath our feet.
In partnership with The Macallan, exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and created by Pinwheel, Opening Event: Where to Begin draws upon the combined commitment to creativity and excellence that lies within our shared Scottish identity. Blending immersive installation, performance, spectacular video projection and captivating storytelling, this is where to begin your August adventure.
Visit Opening Event: Where to begin FAQs for additional information about venue entry and facilities.
Principal Partner
The International Festival’s partnership with The Macallan is rooted in our shared heritage, creativity and global reach, and is firmly anchored in Scotland. Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by founder, Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.
Sign up to The Macallan Society to hear exciting news and gain exclusive access to all things The Macallan.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. Do not share with anyone under the legal purchase age.
Created by
Pinwheel conceives and creates breathtaking events that inspire curiosity, spark imagination, transform spaces and transport audiences. Working across artistic boundaries, Pinwheel brings together collaborative creative teams to dream up unique and adventurous audience experiences.
Supported by
You might also like
Visit Opening Event: Where to begin FAQs for additional information about venue entry and facilities.
An Edinburgh International Festival production. Created by Pinwheel.
Creative Team
Katy Fuller Creative Director
Simon Sharkey Co Director
Yeast Culture Video Artists
Roma Yagnik Composer
Davey Anderson Writer & Dramaturg
AndNow Fire Artists
Becky Minto Production Design
Fraser Lappin Production Design Associate
Phil Supple Lighting Designer
Brigid McCarthy Movement Direction
Delivery Team
Holly Goodfellow Producer
Dan Adams Head of Operations & Production
Al Pickard Technical Production Manager
Ellen Fernley Project Coordinator
The event will feature an array of effects including:
• Fire and pyrotechnic effects
• Strobe lighting
• Laser and haze effects
• Loud music and noise
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every night.
Log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. Add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
The £10 Affordable Ticket is subject to availability and limited to two per customer per event. No proof of eligibility is required. £10 Affordable Tickets work on a trust basis and we hope that these will only be chosen by people who need them.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
Free Essential Companion tickets are available for those who need them. Select Essential Companion ticket from the drop-down menu, and the price will automatically update to a free ticket in your basket. You must purchase two tickets for the Essential Companion offer to apply.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount. Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
We have partnered with TicketPlan to offer optional ticket protection. This allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any booking fee) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, visit ticketplangroup.com/eifrefundpromise
Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.