"Edinburgh"

Returning for their third year, Ron Butlin (Edinburgh’s Makar) with acclaimed jazzer Dick Lee and flautist Anne Evans have updated their five-star show with generous helpings of Edinburgh science. This unique and very off-beat celebration of Edinburgh is witty, satirical and highly entertaining – guaranteed! ‘The…

Edinburgh's world-famous Hogmanay celebration ushers the new year in with a bang. A Torchlight Procession winds through the historic Old Town and onto a son et lumiere on Calton Hill on 30 Dec, a massive street party with live music from the highest calibre acts culminates with Midnight Fireworks from the ramparts of…

Sketch comedy from triple Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominee and BBC Two's Hyperdrive star Dan Antopolski, writer and radio regular Tom Craine and 2008 Chortle Best Newcomer nominee Nat Luurtsema as acclaimed trio Jigsaw.

Surreal observational humour from Joe Rowntree.

Luke Benson and Grainne McGuire try out new material.

Nat Luurtsema and Patrick Morris work on new material ahead of the festival.

Energetic physical comedy and intelligent one-liners from 2006 Scottish Comedian Of The Year runner-up, Paul Pirie.

Storytelling and upbeat anecdotes from Sheffield-born stand-up and Chortle's Best Show Award winner 2010, Tom Wrigglesworth.

Surreal and energetic humour from inventive Canadian stand-up and 2012 Chortle Best Breakthrough Act award-winner, Tony Law.

Sharp anecdotes and storytelling mixed with topical gags from Matt Green, plus observational character comedy and anecdotes from Joe Bor.

Bubbly banter and energetic, upbeat wit from former contestant on ITV's Show Me The Funny, Ellie Taylor. Also featuring imaginative musical comedy from 2009 Laughing Horse Semi Finalist, Paul Sweeney.

All unplugged, all original music, hosted by Paul Gilbody.

World music, dance, fashion, food and fun spread over four areas: the Main Music Stage, the Mela World Dance Feste (newly established in 2012), the Mela Mix stage and the Kids Mela. The Mela Global Food Village is on hand to replenish your energy after taking in all the sights and sounds.

An informal weekly 5k run along the promenade at Cramond. Everyone is welcome, no matter how fast or slow (you're welcome to walk the route, bring your dog or push a buggy), so you can use it as a one-off fitness test, a chance to get some fresh air or come every week to try to beat your personal best time. It's friendly…

Composer Tod Machover, conductor Peter Oundjian and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra take us through the creation of a new piece of music celebrating the City of Edinburgh and its Festival and co-created by members of the public.

The Edinburgh Book Fringe takes place in Word Power Books and brings together writers and activists from around the world for a host of daily events of readings and discussions, all of which are free.

Join Allan Foster, author of The Literary Traveller in Scotland: A Book Lover's Guide, as he reveals the curious and hidden literary tales – from Conan Doyle to Muriel Spark – that make Edinburgh the most storied of cities. Tickets include one delightful cocktail.

Drawing classes with experienced tutors from the Edinburgh Drawing School.

Edinburgh Book Fringe / Word Power Books. Free readings and talks with writers and activists from around the world in Word Power Books, Scotland's independent and radical bookshop. Full programme can be viewed on our website www.word-power.co.uk and is opened by James Robertson who reads from his new novel on Friday…

Catch the Gunners against Saracens.

LIP Theatre Company. Join LIP Theatre Company for a journey through times past, present and future in the streets of Auld Reekie as they return for their 17th year with another exciting original play.  . All ages.

Underbelly Productions and Fine and Dandy Productions. Underbelly present four of the biggest and brightest comedy stars in the majestic McEwan Hall. Get your late night comedy fix in the beating heart of the festival. Check underbelly.co.uk for our cracking line-ups. Ages 16+.