Edinburgh International Children’s Festival announces 2026 programme
This year’s edition will focus on disabled-led shows, multi-sensory installations and a variety of entertaining, educational pieces for children of all ages
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This year’s Edinburgh International Children’s Festival programme has been announced, featuring 15 productions from nine different countries, with work which spans the mediums of circus, dance, music, puppetry and theatre.
A particular spotlight will be placed on disabled-led work with Marc Brew’s Boys Don’t Dance (aimed at those aged 8 – 12), which reflects on Brew’s journey as a boy who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance. Aimed at those aged 10–15 is Cringe, Ross Mackay’s funny true story about standing up to bullies. Younger audiences with complex needs will be catered for in Brrr, a multi-sensory installation and live performance for ages ten years and over, it features dance, sound, video and snow within the setting of a unique inflatable dome.
In circus, The Fabulous Tale Of BasarKus will explore themes of growing up, identity and cooperation, while Gretel uses the classic Grimm fairytale as its starting point. Meanwhile, The Unlikely Friendship Of Feather Boy And Tentacle Girl, written by Sadiq Ali and Vee Smith, will make a return after it was cancelled last year due to a performer injury.
The rest of the programme includes works tailored for teenagers (It Would Be Such A Shame If You Missed Out and Toto Kerblammo!) and toddlers (Island and Wow!), as well as a strand which focuses on the children’s theatre scene in Belgium.
Festival director Adjjima Na Patalung, who joined Imaginate in October, said: ‘I’m very excited to be launching this 36th edition of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. This year’s Festival brings together 15 productions from nine countries, with an exciting five productions from Scotland, including two new works by disabled artists. By presenting work that is deeply engaging, innovative and inspiring, the festival upholds that it is every child's right to develop their creativity. As I step into this role, I’m excited to begin this journey with the Children’s Festival and to meet many children and the adults who nurture their love of live performance.’
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, various venues, Edinburgh, Saturday 30 May – Sunday 7 June; picture: Tom Duffin.