We are delighted to announce a new Principal Partner with single malt Scotch Whisky, The Macallan. This partnership will see the creation of a new large-scale Opening Event to mark the start of festival season in Edinburgh.

Our creative union with The Macallan draws upon a combined heritage, a shared creativity and global reach, all firmly anchored in Scotland. Evoking the mythology, history and Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, the Opening Event showcases a range of artforms and performers, inviting audiences to step into a transcendent world that explores our past, present and future, inspired by Edinburgh’s iconic landscape as a city built on layers.

Central to our 2024 theme, Rituals That Unite Us, the event will be held outdoors, welcoming 10,000+ people to create a new ritual together for the International Festival and the city of Edinburgh.

The Opening Event is devised by an extraordinary creative team led by creative producer Katy Fuller at Pinwheel, whose track record includes projection festival “North of the Tyne, Under the Stars” which celebrated the landscape and legends of the region, “Land of Green Ginger” for Hull UK City of Culture which transformed all corners of the city through a series of Acts of Wanton Wonder, and a portfolio of projects with artists ranging from dreamthinkspeak to Antony Gormley.

Blending myths and reality, our partnership with The Macallan enlivens a shared history of Scottish creativity and craftsmanship, in a visually stunning opening to the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, says:

“This year’s Edinburgh International Festival will be a momentous celebration of the collective experiences that bind us closer together. We share The Macallan’s commitment to artistic innovation and collaboration, and to true mastery. This flourishing partnership will enable audiences to experience Festival traditions in new and extraordinary ways; our unmissable Opening Event will allow us to see ourselves and our history on the grandest of stages, and inspire us to think differently.”

Jaume Ferràs, Global Creative Director, The Macallan, says:

“2024 marks The Macallan’s 200th anniversary through a celebration of time. As part of this milestone, we are delighted to be working with the Edinburgh International Festival and draw upon our combined heritage, creativity and artistic power. Edinburgh International Festival is renowned as the world’s leading arts festival bringing a rich tapestry of Scottish stories to the global stage. We look forward to combining our creative talents and connecting local and global audiences with the highest quality of Scottish storytelling through this exciting new Opening Event for Edinburgh International Festival.”

Our full Edinburgh International Festival programme will be announced on 7 March, with tickets going on sale on 21 March. Become a member today to access priority booking.