The Edinburgh Festival 爱丁堡文化节

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A City of Culture 一座文化名城

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland , and has long been a favourite destination of tourists from all over the world, as well as an important cultural and political centre. With its museums, shops, wonderful historic castle, and many pubs and restaurants, there are many things for visitors to enjoy all year round. And of course, as it is in Scotland , there is a wide range of whiskies to try!

A performance of Swan Lake at the Edinburgh Festival

However, there is more to Edinburgh than historic monuments and tourism. Each year, the Edinburgh Festival takes place in the city. In late summer, for three weeks, the festival presents classical music, theatre, opera and dance at six major theatres and concert halls – and several smaller ones – throughout the city. Whatever your cultural tastes , you are sure to find something to enjoy.

Local talent is always represented at the Edinburgh Festival giving Scottish composers and playwrights the opportunity to showcase their work and gain recognition from a wider audience.

In addition, orchestras and theatre companies come from all over the world to perform at the prestigious festival. Last year saw the arrival of orchestras from the United States and Germany.

The festival has now become an important part of Scotland 's economy as well as its culture. Last year's festival generated over £130 million expenditure in Edinburgh alone, and across Scotland nearly 2900 jobs exist as a direct result of the festival.

The festival is so popular that it has become, in some ways, a victim of its own success . The huge interest in performing there led to the setting up of a rival festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Fortunately, demand for live entertainment during the summer is so great that both festivals continue to thrive.

The Fringe tends to feature mostly comedy and experimental works. Yet it can lead to great things - many famous and successful comedians and artists, such as Rowan Atkinson, better known as TV's Mr Bean, started their careers in small venues at the Fringe.

GLOSSARY 　词汇表（收听发音，请单击英语单词）
capital city – 首都	pubs – 小酒馆
wide range – 品种繁多的	whiskies – 威士忌
cultural tastes – 文化品味	local talent – 本地人才
composers – 作曲家	playwrights – 剧作家
showcase – 展示	prestigious – 有名望的，有声誉的
economy – 经济	expenditure – 开支，花销
victim of its own success – 自身成功的牺牲品	setting up – 设立，成立
to thrive – 兴旺，茁壮成长	comedy – 喜剧

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