The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is held for three weeks every August.
It is the biggest performing arts festival in the world and features famous entertainers as well as unknown artists trying to start their careers.
The festival features a wide range of entertainment, including:
theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, children’s shows, and much more.
The Fringe Festival has no selection committee, which means any kind of performance can participate. Because of this, there is a wide range of shows and performances, and it means that the festival is the perfect place for amateur performers to go and show their talents.
Many events and shows are held inside – in theatres, cafes, halls, galleries etc. – and many are held outside – in streets, parks etc. Most of the outdoor events take place on the Royal Mile, which is the main street which runs between Edinburgh castle and Holyrood Palace.
Some events and shows require tickets, however many don’t and are absolutely free.
In 2013 there were a total of 45,464 performances of 2,871 shows during the three-week festival.
History
In 1947 eight theatre groups turned up to perform at the new ‘Edinburgh International Festival’. Unfortunately, they didn’t have an invitation, so they weren’t allowed to participate.
Despite their disappointment, they decided to stay in Edinburgh and perform on the streets and in the area around the International Festival.
The small area on the edge of a big area is called ‘the fringe’ – and this is how the Edinburgh Fringe Festival got it’s name.
Every year after 1947, a small Fringe Festival was held at the same time as the International Festival. Little by little, the Fringe Festival grew, as performers didn’t need an invitation to participate.
Eventually the Fringe Festival became bigger and more well-known than the more formal International Festival!
These days, the festival is organised by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. They are a charity with 12 full time staff, who provide assistance to performers, as well as promoting each year’s events.
Here is a link to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival website. You can find information about shows and performances as well as how to buy tickets.
