The spectacular Virgin Money Fireworks Concert brings together unforgettable orchestral classics from Edinburgh’s own Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and awe-inspiring fireworks, specially choreographed by international fireworks artists Pyrovision to enhance your musical experience – all set against the magnificent, historic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Join the city of Edinburgh for this joyous celebration of summer festivals, inspirational music and breathtaking fireworks – marking the resplendent conclusion to the 2018 Edinburgh International Festival. Conducted by Clark Rundell, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra celebrates the centenary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein with a specially chosen selection of his foot-tapping, flamboyant music from West Side Story – with special guest artists Nicky Spence and Lucy Crowe.
After the interval, join the Orchestra for a mind-expanding journey into deepest space, with music from Gustav Holst’s visionary The Planets – from the overwhelming power of ‘Mars’ to the eerie beauty of ‘Venus’; from the seething energy of ‘Saturn’ to the majestic grandeur of ‘Jupiter’. All accompanied by a jaw-dropping display of fireworks from the Edinburgh Castle ramparts.
Over 400,000 fireworks launched from Edinburgh’s imposing Castle make this one of the biggest fireworks concerts in the world. Around a quarter of a million people gather across the city and beyond to share in this annual grand International Festival finale.
The pre-show music is expected to start at 9pm on Monday, 27 August with around 100,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky from 9.30pm.
Thanks to the tram, it’s easy to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a thrilling show, with fast, frequent service to the West End from locations such as Ingliston Park & Ride, Saughton and Balgreen.
Amy Witherspoon, Assistant Marketing Manager at Edinburgh Trams, commented:
“Every year we help thousands of people enjoy this resplendent conclusion to the Edinburgh International Festival that attracts visitors from across the world.
“Once again we’re gearing up for one of our busiest nights of the year as thousands of visitors glide into the city by tram to avoid the traffic and the hassle of finding a parking space.
"With the West End tram stop expected to be very busy, we recommend purchasing the great value return ticket to make your journey easer.”
To make way for the celebrations, Princes Street will be closed from 7.30pm. From this time, trams will be running to and from the West End and Edinburgh Airport only. The last full route departure from Edinburgh Airport will be 6.35pm. The last full route departure from York Place will be 7.18pm. Trams will run from the West End until approximately 11.38pm.