Combined, Edinburgh’s festivals are estimated to attract over 4.7 million people to Edinburgh, create over 6000 full time jobs and contribute £313 million to the Scottish economy.

Speaking at the event, UK Government Minister Lord Duncan said:

The UK is a creative nation, rich in heritage and culture. We have a wealth of world-class artists, cultural events, collections, organisations and festivals that we are extremely proud of. Culture makes a valuable contribution to our lives and brings real benefits to our people and communities.

Edinburgh’s festivals provide a strong cultural mix and wonderful energy to the city. Every year we all look forward with anticipation to an incredible August celebrating all art forms. My heartfelt thanks goes to everyone involved who have helped make this continuing success story possible.

Throughout the year Edinburgh hosts a number of annual festivals, five of which take place in August. These include:

• Edinburgh Art Festival
• Edinburgh International Festival
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• Edinburgh International Book Festival
• Scottish International Storytelling Festival
• Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
• Edinburgh Science Festival
• Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
• Edinburgh International Film Festival
• Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

Guests at the reception enjoyed a performance from the Edinburgh-based aerial dance company All or Nothing who are performing in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.