Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, in August has traditionally become a melting pot of classical musicians, stand-up comedians, street entertainers, authors and executives from the world of film and television. This year this rich and varied pot has an extra ingredient in the form of the first ever Edinburgh International Games Festival (EIGF) which will see computer and video games take their place alongside the more traditional arts which have dominated the various Edinburgh Festivals since 1947. Will this be the start of another traditional event during Edinburgh's Festival season? Only time will tell.

 

The EIGF has been devised to increase the awareness and understanding of interactive entertainment and to highlight the growing bond between video games and other entertainment industries including music, literature, television and film.

 

Running from 11 August to 18 August 2003, the EIGF will consist of two separate, but related events: an eight-day public exhibition (taking place at the Royal Museum of Scotland) and a one-day conference for members of the industry and other interested parties (at Edinburgh's International Conference Centre). The climax of the Festival will be the inaugural presentation of an award for excellence and innovation at a ceremony on the evening of 18 August. The recipient of this award will be chosen by a worldwide panel of judges drawn from all areas of the interactive entertainment industry. The event is being financially supported by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian and by sponsorship from some of the biggest names in interactive entertainment, including Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and NVIDIA.

 

One event which has already joined Edinburgh Festival tradition is Fringe Sunday which takes place this Sunday (10 August). Free an unticketed you can enjoy the best of the Fringe at Royal Bank Fringe Sunday from 11am on The Meadows, Melville Drive. A unique open-air extravaganza for absolutely everyone which showcases Fringe music, theatre, comedy and dance.

 

Hopefully the sun will shine on The Meadows and everyone can enjoy the party atmosphere whilst this week's recipe allows you to enjoy your very own Party Slice tray bake.

 

Party Slice

 

Ingredients : 2 oz (50 g) margarine; 1 cup chocolate bits; 1 cup chopped mixed nuts; 1 cup biscuit crumbs; 1 cup coconut; 1 large tin condensed milk

 

Put margarine in tin and place in oven to melt. Then sprinkle on top, biscuits, chocolate bits, coconut, nuts and pour condensed milk over all. Bake in moderate oven for 25 minutes.