IT is time for a break. Time for a break from fear, suspicion, war, terror, fundamentalism, fascism, all that rot. And, in a not unrelated development, it is time once more for the annual Edinburgh festivals.

Art, culture and fun: these a panacea do not make, nor do they offer a foolproof escape. But they go some way to offering an antidote to the fearful developments in human affairs that have worried us over the spring and summer. At a time when there is talk of erecting more borders, The Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which got under way yesterday, welcome folk from all over the world.

Nationalities intermingle. Discussion is free and wide-ranging. Cultural ideas are debated and exchanged. New ways of seeing are explored. Note the behaviour code: say what you like, be who you are, have a good laugh. It is a celebration of all that is best in life. It is a world away from clampdowns, exclusions and proclamations of revenge.

It is a reminder that, when the headlines are unremittingly bad, life is actually quite good. It is a reminder, too, that life is out there, not in front of the television or computer. It is in the teeming streets of happy crowds, at the talks in tents and the plays in the halls.

It is about cheering all ofthe world’s thespians, painters, magicians, comedians, cellists, buskers, bagpipers, living statues and trick-cyclists, while hissing at all of the planet’s promoters of terror, division, racism, fear and fundamentalism. It is about reminding ourselves that, while hot topics such as Donald Trump and Europe may divide us, deep down there is more to unite us.

In the lingering light of late summer, let us get on with celebrating life and art and joy together. This is something that Edinburgh, over many years and with ever-growing expertise, has down to a fine art. And, this year, we welcome its festivals more than ever.