Since their inception in 1996 The Bank of Scotland Herald Angel Awards have been an integral part of the Edinburgh Festival scene, celebrating and rewarding the diverse range of talent from the various festivals including: The International Festival; The Fringe; The Jazz & Blues Festival and The Edinburgh International Book Festival. The awards have been bestowed upon some of the world's most recognised names such as Hollywood star Alan Cumming and Irish playwright Enda Walsh.
The award ceremonies which take place in the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday mornings throughout the festival period are eagerly awaited by writers, directors and performers alike. Each week the winners are revealed by a celebrity guest, while the audience makes up a who’s who of the arts world.
Herald Angels are awarded to the best of the festival’s performers, venues and backstage crew who have managed to impress The Herald's distinguished panel of arts critics. In outstanding cases, the panel may award an Archangel - the highest honour presented at the ceremony, while little Devils are awarded to those who have overcome adversity, or in the true traditions of the festival, have demonstrated a 'show must go on' attitude.
Weekly these awards help provide the festival loving public with a definitive guide to what’s hot in the capital city.
This year we are delighted to see the return of the Cherub Award, which is awarded to the overall winner of The Herald and Edinburgh International Festival’s Young Critic scheme. This initiative was launched last year and introduces high school students to the process of arts criticism through reviewing performances at the Festival with the top four reviews being printed in The Herald.
For the past seven years, The Herald Angel Awards have been sponsored by the Bank of Scotland, continuing their reputation as a major supporter of the arts in Scotland. This partnership between The Herald and the Bank of Scotland promises to keep the tradition of The Herald Angels alive, recognising those who play a part in delivering a memorable festival experience for us all.
