The largest arts festival in the world will host 50,459 performances of 3,314 shows from 49 countries in 313 sites across the city during August. The festival programme includes theatre, dance, circus, comedy, music, musicals, opera, cabaret and variety, children’s shows, exhibitions, events and the spoken word.
Kath M Mainland, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said, “Every year we think we know what it’s going to deliver, but every year it surprises, delights, amazes and inspires. The Fringe is a festival like no other.” She said the festival, which runs from 7 to 31 August, was “completely open access”, where artists don’t need to wait for an invitation to take part. “There’s no curator, no vetting, no barriers,” Ms Mainland said. “just incredible talent from almost 50 countries all over the world.”
Well known comedians at the festival this year include Jo Brand, Ed Byrne, Sue Perkins, Fred MacAulay, Patrick Kielty, Paul Merton, Alan Davies, Trevor Noah, Marcus Brigstocke, Mark Thomas and Reginald D Hunter.
There will also be 250 street performances each day on the Royal Mile and other areas across Edinburgh.
Where to stay:
Smart City Hostels Edinburgh
You’ll find us in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, just off the Royal Mile, slap bang in the middle of great clubs, pubs, shops and all of the city’s iconic attractions.
We have dorm and private rooms, all en-suite, and Bar 50 is our bar and kitchen serving locally sourced food and drinks with pool tables, wide screen TVs and entertainment on some week nights. Free wifi runs throughout the building and there’s a secure 24 hour reception with no curfew.
We’ve got a 5 star Visit Scotland award. You can be sure you’ll create great memories with us in Edinburgh!
