Warning: Access and participation in the arts for all will lead to actual social interaction. It will lead to a greater ability and desire to communicate, but may run the risk of inflicting among us separation anxieties about our hardware. In some cases, it may even lead to severe politicisation. Do the arts really reflect the society we live in, or do they reflect the society the artist lives in? Join Owen Logan, Research Fellow, University of Aberdeen and Stephen Stenning, Director of Edinburgh Mela and others as they discuss this issue in detail.

Martin Aelred, Scottish contemporary tenor, will perform a selection of arias from composers such as Cilea, Donizetti, Puccini, Morricone, Rodriguez, Sartori and Verdi. Martin’s recent performances have taken him from Rosslyn Chapel to New York’s Central Park

Can culture, in all its forms, help us to understand better Scotland's place in the world, as well as addressing the issues that face Scottish and global society? A panel of cultural commentators, academics and practitioners in the field of 21st century enlightenment will explore those themes in a highly interactive audience discussion. Chaired Chair Jan McDonald, Professor Emerita and honorary professorial research fellow at the University of Glasgow, is joined by Mark O'Neill, Director of Policy, Research and Development at Glasgow Life; Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive, Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce; Professor Neil Blain, Head of Film, Media & Journalism Department, Stirling University; and the playwright David Greig.

South Africa, apartheid, a story of the coming of age of white teenager, Hally, who is torn between his father's opinions and the life-affirming lessons of his surrogate fathers, black waiters Sam and Willie.

A thought-provoking look at the lives of 15 individuals grappling with the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing. The play avoids the sentimental and realistically captures the character's reaction to the tragedy.

A dusty old scholar is roused from his armchair by Shakespeare himself knocking on the door! Zounds! Witty bardic banter abounds as they delve into a satirical analysis of Shakespeare's greatest mysteries and misconceptions. www.five-one-productions.com.

Memories force Hamlet to examine his life and relationship with Ophelia. This new interpretation blends solo live action, film projections and original music, to create an intimate and haunting theatrical experience.

A deconstruction of Pygmalion that explores modern day Britain as a fairy-tale world through the eyes of Eliza Price, a common girl seeking to better herself. One woman's struggle to be heard through an already dying language.

Site-specific, downloadable virtual adventures created for the streets of Edinburgh by international artists from Momus to Alan Bissett. Curated by Fringe First winner Laura Cameron Lewis. All you need is a smartphone or MP3 player, plus headphones. Full programme at www.virtualfestival.org

Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' first performance. Choose from a huge selection of gifts, clothing, collectables and some special surprises... Beatles fans will be spoilt for choice!