The Edinburgh Fringe is a three-week long festival that kicked off today, Friday August 5, and will last until Monday August 29.
The festival is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022, with the event finally back to its former glory following its cancellation in 2020 and scaled back programme in 2021.
Musicians, artists, comedians, actors and many other talents are making their way to the Scottish capital to take part in, and enjoy, the unique festivities.
Its origins began as an act of defiance against a larger event and its scrappy, underdog approach to celebrations continues to this day.
For anyone in the UK or further afield, it is an event you need to attend at least once.
What is the Edinburgh Fringe?
As the festival states itself: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet.”
For three weeks, across the city of Edinburgh, the streets are filled with performances and artists providing entertainment for the masses.
There are hundreds of stages all over the capitol, offering a wide variety of entertainment that caters to almost anything you can think of.
Big name talent often attends, but it is mainly known as a way for up-and-coming artists to help build their careers and make their name.
Some of the stars that rose to fame through the Fringe include the late Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Steve Coogan, Noel Fielding, Graham Norton, Miranda Hart and Russell Brand, and many more.
Where did the Edinburgh Fringe get it name from?
The origins of the Edinburgh Fringe festival date back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up to the Edinburgh International Festival, though they weren’t invited.
The Edinburgh International Festival was an initiative created to celebrate European following the events of the Second World War.
As stated on the Fringe website: “Not being part of the official programme of the International Festival didn’t stop these performers, they just went ahead and staged their shows on the fringe of the Festival anyway, coining the phrase and our name – the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”
After that spontaneous act of defiance, millions more have flocked to the Fringe since, making it one of the biggest festivals in the UK.
Is the Edinburgh Fringe free?
The Edinburgh Fringe is free for all to attend as it is simple taking place across the streets of the city.
There are also plenty of free stage performances you can attend, with the full list of shows at The Fringe Box Office when you arrive.
There are also ‘pay what you want’ shows, meaning you can claim a ticket in advance and pay what you feel it was worth after the performance.
Many shows do cost before entry just like a usual gig, with them either bought at the box office or at the door.
Full ticketing information can be found on the Edinburgh Fringe website.
