The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is back with a live programme for young people and their families. The 2022 programme offers a rich mix of artforms including theatre and dance, as well as circus for babies, acrobatic painting, musical explorations and productions that incorporate beautiful video projections and soundtracks.

The festival opens with Family Encounters, a day of free-pop-up performances and activities to celebrate the opening of the Festival in the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 7 May.

For information and tickets go to www.imaginate.org.uk/festival

Don’t miss the 3 shows featured at the Traverse Theatre:

Birdboy
by United Fall
(for 8-15 yrs)

A funny, high-energy trip inside the whirring head of a young boy who wished he was a bird. This kaleidoscopic show, includes comical lip-syncing, stunning imagery, toe-tapping music and one incredible performer.

Watch the trailer >>

I am Tiger
by Oliver Emanuel
(for 12+ yrs)

This is the story a girl who is given a pet tiger by her parents following the suicide of her big brother. Heart-breaking, comic and thought-provoking, the show explores the idea of loss and why keeping silent is not always the best solution.

Watch an interview with the writer and director >>

Family Portrait
by Barrowland Ballet
(for 7-11 yrs)

A four screen video installation combining striking imagery and choreography, capturing an intimate portrayal of family life in the splendour of Scotland’s natural environment.

Watch the trailer >>