What's the difference between Edinburgh Festival and Fringe?

It's called the Fringe because when it started in 1947, performers who weren't invited to the main Edinburgh Festival, put on their own shows around the edges - or the fringe - of the main event.

Is the Edinburgh Festival the same as the Fringe?

(In the case of Edinburgh, the Fringe is an addition to the Festival proper, being officially known as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is Edinburgh Fringe a big deal?

The Edinburgh Fringe is one of my favourite times of the year. The city is always special to visit, but during the fringe, there's a special dose of magic, as artists, comedians, actors, writers and their audiences gather to celebrate the world's biggest festival of arts.

What is the Fringe festival in Edinburgh?

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and welcomes artists and performers from all over the globe each August.

What does Edinburgh Fringe stand for?

The Fringe is a three-week festival of performing arts that takes place in Edinburgh every August. Its story dates back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival.

What's Great about Edinburgh Fringe | What is the Edinburgh Fringe?

What is the dress code for Edinburgh Fringe?

The dress code for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is casual, as the festival is designed to be accessible and inclusive to all. You'll see everything from casual streetwear to quirky costumes, especially if you're attending a more eclectic or experimental performance.

What is the purpose of a fringe festival?

It's a Fringe of a Festival or a Festival of Fringe Arts made possible by the people who take part. Developed organically across the globe, they are unique in style and form every time they open. A Fringe Festival exists to serve the participating artists and audiences through building awareness.

How many festivals are there in Edinburgh?

Scotland's capital brings together a huge collection of cultural, artistic and entertainment events across 11 major festivals throughout the year.

How to flirt with Edinburgh Fringe?

Produced by Häus of Dons, May's alter ego Guildfordian Steve Porters teaches the audience how to flirt in this hilarious one-person show, which examines gender binaries, toxic masculinity – and how to spoon. Want to learn how to be the ultimate ladies man?

What is the largest theatre festival in the world?

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city.

How many days do you need for Edinburgh Fringe?

From my experience as a spectator, 3 shows is my optimum, providing room for meals and reducing the time pressure when navigating the city centre streets between performances, but most people find their optimum after a couple of days of being there.

How crowded is Edinburgh during Fringe?

The Numbers Don't Lie: The Inevitable Crowd Density

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest performance arts festival. With over 2.6 million tickets sold in 2024 for more than 51,000 performances , the crowd density is not just a possibility—it's a certainty.

Which famous person was once in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

Not just reserved for British talent, did you know that funny man Robin Williams made his name at the Fringe? In 1971, the late American star attended the Fringe with his student theatre company.

What is the best week to go to Edinburgh Fringe?

Why is it called a Fringe festival?

Even though they hadn't been invited to perform in the International Festival, eight theatre groups came up to Edinburgh anyway and put on their own productions outside the regular programme. These shows became known as the “Fringe” of the festival – and the name stuck.

What should I wear to the Edinburgh Festival?

Scottish weather is predictably unpredictable and Edinburgh can experience multiple conditions, from sun to rain to hail, in just one day. So pack accordingly. Bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket, as well as warm layers. And don't forget, Edinburgh is built on seven hills, so wear comfortable footwear.

How much do Edinburgh Festival tickets cost?

We're committed to making the Festival accessible, which is why: More than half of our tickets – that's 50,000 seats – will be £30 or less. Every single performance has £10 tickets available for those that need them. We offer a range of generous discounts on our full-price tickets.

What's the best time to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warmer, there's less rain (although this is Scotland, so don't bank on it!), and the days are longer. There's also the renowned Fringe Festival held every August, which attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

What is the difference between fringe and festival?

In unjuried theatre festivals, also known as fringe festivals or open-access festivals, all submissions are accepted, and sometimes the participating acts may be chosen by lottery, in contrast to juried festivals in which acts are selected based on their artistic qualities.

What exactly is fringe?

Definitions of fringe. noun. an ornamental border consisting of short lengths of hanging threads or tassels. edging. border consisting of anything placed on the edge to finish something (such as a fringe on clothing or on a rug)

Does London have a fringe festival?

The London Festival Fringe is a festival that promotes art and entertainment in London, England. In addition to helping artists and performers stage their work, the festival runs the London Awards for Art and Performance each year in various art categories including Jazz Music, Theatre, Comedy and Film.

Why is Edinburgh Fringe so famous?

As the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a transformative experience for everyone involved. For university students living in the city, the three-week festival can be launchpad for personal growth, creative exploration, and future opportunities within the arts sector.

Can anyone do Edinburgh Fringe?

Anyone can take part in the Fringe

Find out about performing at the famous Fringe Street Events.