The Edinburgh Fringe is now officially in full swing with millions set to descend on the capital this summer.
More than 3,360 shows across 52,000 performances will be staged as part of the world’s largest performing arts festival, which draws to a close on Monday August 26.
The programme includes work tackling themes ranging from politics, the environment and sport to LGBT+ and neurodiverse-led work, capitalism and AI.
Performers from 58 countries will take part in the Fringe in Edinburgh this August in shows including theatre and cabaret, comedy, dance, circus, musicals and opera.
Shows will take place everywhere from conventional venues to yurts and a bookshop, while one show will take place in a bathtub.
Shona McCarthy, chief executive of Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: “After months of planning by a cast of thousands, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome everyone to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024!
iStock“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get to this point, including artists, venues, producers, promoters, staff and too many more to mention. Now it’s time to enjoy this amazing festival you’ve created.
“The Fringe Society exists to support the artists, media and arts industry taking part in the Fringe. Our team will be at Fringe Central throughout August with on the ground support, advice and a fantastic programme of events for all participants.
“Now it’s over to the Fringe audience, please get ready to Unleash Your Fringe and experience work from established names or first time and emerging performers. The best way to support artists over the coming weeks is to go and see shows.”
The skyrocketing cost of accommodation in the city during the Fringe has again been brought into sharp focus.
Participants have shared stories of being “priced out” or being forced to pay “over double” the usual price.
In April, Jason Manford and Gail Porter branded the soaring costs of hotels and AirBnbs in Edinburgh during August “greed”, with both announcing they would not be performing at the festival.
STV NewsThe Fringe last year announced its Keep It Fringe bursary scheme would provide 180 bursaries of £2,500 to support artists in 2024 and 2025.
Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University has also partnered with the Fringe Society to open a festival village to offer nearly 500 affordable rooms to performers.
David Stephenson is Dean of the university’s School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management.
He said: “It’s so important to be able to come and take part in the festival in an affordable way.
“Our history is in culture and creativity. We have had a performing arts department for over 50 years and know how important the Fringe is for new performers. A lot of our students will be performing there for the first time.
“The Fringe Society works hard so that anyone who wants to perform can come and perform. it’s beholden on all of us to make sure that commitment, that value which was there at the beginning of the Fringe continues today.
“Performers don’t go for the money; they go to be creative, have the experience, to explore their careers.
“It’s really important to the Fringe that there’s a route to them expressing themselves, and taking part in one of the greatest art festivals in the world, in a way which makes sure they don’t go home with no money.”
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