The Edinburgh Festivals has been granted £8.6 million from the UK government’s spring budget.

The festivals are a major financial contributor to the UK – raising more than £300m a year. The funding was designed to help boost Scotland’s festival economy, create jobs, and increase “global status.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said in an article that “millions of people flock to Edinburgh from all over the globe for its festivals, creating opportunities for incredible comedians, musicians, artists and more, as well as thousands of jobs each year – all contributing immensely to the UK’s shared economy.”

This August, the Edinburgh International Festival will present a variety of artistic exhibitions, including operatic performances. Last year Edinburgh audiences heard Dvořák’s “Rusalka.”

The 2023 Edinburgh International Festival will run August 4 – 27.