Event details

2026 edition

Friendly organisers, they know what they’re doing. It was friendly, welcoming, and all levels danced with everyone. I really enjoyed this event. Feedback: The music was a bit loud at one point, but they reduced it immediately once it was mentioned. The floor was a bit sticky. Awards were done late on Sunday, after a lot of people had left, I would recommend doing comps on Friday / Saturday and awards daily. Aware the location is changing for next year, I would go back based on the friendliness of people.

2026 edition

I loved that dancers were so open to dancing and socializing with everyone, regardless of one's "level" or where they came from. This was true with the pros and teachers as well! As a traveling Westie who loves social dancing, I really appreciated how warm and friendly everyone was. Thank you for creating a relaxed and calm atmosphere both on and off the dance floor 🫶 Competitions ran on time and organizers were nice and approachable. I also enjoyed the DJ sets, which helped set the tone of the socials. The venue was right in the middle of Edinburgh's Old Town so there were plenty of F&B (ehem whisky) options close by. Edinburgh is a gorgoeus gorgeous city, so the party pass and sightseeing combo was perfect for me. A few things to consider: - Role balance at parties was not the best. Followers had to be quite proactive in asking leaders to dance - Socials ended fairly early (2/3 am) - The floor is sticky. Bring appropriate shoes/talc/tape or risk sore joints after a lot of rides...

2026 edition

Everything ran on schedule, and the music was excellent throughout the event. The dance floor was a bit sticky, and the role balance was uneven, with significantly more followers than leaders, especially at the first and last parties. That said, the venue's location is fantastic - right in the city center, with plenty of options for food, groceries, and sightseeing within walking distance. Edinburgh is an absolutely amazing city, so if you're looking to combine dancing with a city trip, this is a perfect destination.

2026 edition

Second visit to venue City and with this ED. Lee and Taryn are great EDs. Excellent staff: Having John Lindo visit was stupendous, and Paul & Coleen as always deliver top quality instruction and choreo. Was also good to see new AS like Dario visiting and instructing. Very welcoming community and visitors, very inclusive. Edinburgh itself also has lots of food options and things to see outside of the event. Lee who also tends to be the last DJ standing is very flexible with his sets, and is so welcoming - on Sunday morning we finished at just after 4am and on Monday we hit 6, and Lee was still accommodating us dancing.

2026 edition

Festival City Swing was a great excuse for me to visit Edinburgh and Scotland in general. Apparently it is the last year it will be hosted in Edinburgh, with a move to Newcastle on the cards to reduce the cost of accommodation, and food. The event attendance was a little skinny but it was a friendly crowd. I had plenty of fun dances. The dancefloor was installed on top of the venue floor. Unfortunately the panels started coming apart in some areas of the floor, and the sharp edges could catch. So had to pay attention to the nicer parts of the floor.