What is the Edinburgh Fringe?

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (also known as the Edinburgh Fringe, the Fringe, or by other names) is the world’s largest arts performance festival, taking place over three weeks every August in Edinburgh, Scotland. Thousands of shows in hundreds of venues attract a vast number of both performers and tourists to the city. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the arts, bringing unbelievable vibrancy and atmosphere all around. It includes everyone, from the biggest names in the industry to artists just starting out, in a variety of genres, including comedy, theatre, spoken word, musicals, dances, and more. Similarly varied are the venues, scattered all around the city. The majority of them include pre-existing spaces, such as theatres or halls. However, they also include re-purposed places such as bars, tents, vehicles, and even normally open spaces. A lot of street performances are also happening around the most popular places.

History and Origin of Edinburgh Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe was established in 1947, when eight theatre groups crashed the Edinburgh International Festival, created post Second World War, to try and celebrate European culture. Not being invited to the festival did not stop those artists from performing, who set up on the fringe of the festival, giving the Fringe its name. The idea was a success, growing so much over the years that in 1958, the Festival Fringe Society was created. Founded by artists, they are responsible for upholding the Fringe’s values, providing information to participants and publishing the festival’s programme. The society does not determine who is allowed to perform, keeping Fringe an open-access festival for any artist and a venue willing to host them.

For a first-time visitor trying to experience Fringe, it can be a little daunting. It certainly was for me. With so many shows and performers to choose from, it was difficult to know where to start, where to look at and where the venues are. The festival’s website offers a great guide and tips on preparing to attend your first Fringe, and I recommend you check it out here.

Having now attended it myself, I thought I’d share with you some of that advice that worked really well for me, and which might also help you to get the most out of the amazing, vibrant experience that is Edinburgh Fringe.

Top tips for Edinburgh Fringe first-time goers

1. Book early

There are thousands of people attending the Fringe every year, and as a result, everything sells out fast. This includes accommodation, the most popular shows, and also restaurants. With so many people visiting the city of Edinburgh at the same time, it is important that you book in advance everything you know you don’t want to miss out on. One of my primary reasons for going was to see the most amazing improv group called ‘Shoot from the Hip’, that I’ve been a fan of for years. However, I am not their only fan, and with that in mind, I ended up booking tickets for their shows months in advance. I couldn’t be happier I did that, because they were all sold out by the time their turn on Fringe came around. Most popular shows do sell out quickly, so if you’re set on seeing a particular artist or show, secure your spot early on!

2. Remain spontaneous

Having said that, I think it’s important to also keep some free time for any unplanned activities. With thousands of shows throughout the whole festival, every day presents an amazing opportunity to go and find new artists or shows that you might not have attended otherwise. Who knows, you might find the next big upcoming thing! One such show for me was the Lady Boys of Bangkok Glow Up Tour, which my friends purchased the tickets for on the day of. Incredible performance all around, filled with laughter and glamour, which I would have missed out on otherwise. So remain open to everything that’s out there, and you might get positively surprised!

3. Download the official Fringe app

The EdFringe app is a must-have free guide to help you navigate the festival grounds and shows. With so much happening at any given time, the app helps with everything, from show searching, ticket booking, to venue location, and much more. I can’t overstate how many times I found myself going back to it over the course of my days in Edinburgh.

4. Pack appropriately for the Scottish weather

Despite the fact that the festival is taking place in August, good weather is never a guarantee. Check the weather forecast in advance and pack appropriately for it. Remember to pack a pair of comfortable shoes to walk within venues and to stroll the city of Edinburgh and see all the amazing things it has to offer! While you’re at it, throw a rain jacket into your suitcase too, you never know when a rainy cloud can catch you. I had fabulous and warm weather on my second day, even though it was rainy all day prior, so you truly never know!

5. Check out some discounted performances

This is something I wasn’t aware of before going to Fringe, but a lot of the shows offer discounted tickets if you’re looking to attend something on a budget! Preview performances carried out on the first few days of the festival, 2 for 1 tickets offers during the festival’s first Monday and Tuesday, as well as the half price hut, are all great options to check out, if you’re looking for something a little bit cheaper!

6. Pace yourself and take breaks

Let’s be honest with each other. Fringe carried with it a lively atmosphere and vibrant and energetic crowds. And with that, you get a lot of easy and convenient fast food options and alcoholic drinks. So while you’re out and about, running between venues, in a hurry to catch some shows, make sure to grab a bottle of water and some nutritional food too to help keep you going!

7. Pick up a city map and the Fringe programme book

With so many people in the city, I did have a little bit of a struggle with the cellular network. It was a little bit patchy in the busiest spots and venues, so it’s never a bad idea not to fully rely on technology. When you’re walking around, there are a few spots to find yourself free city maps as well as the official Fringe programme! Even if you don’t end up using them, they’ll make for an amazing souvenir to bring home with you.

8. Respect the locals

Edinburgh was packed with tourists for the Fringe, and I’m not joking, there were folks all over the place—I was one of them, of course. It got a bit overwhelming for me, so I can only guess that the locals might be feeling the same way. So, hope it goes without saying that as tourists, we should always remain respectful to them and their beautiful city!

Those are some of the most important key points for me, but I’m sure I probably missed some! If you can think of any more friendly advice for other Fringe goers, please let them know down in the comments section!

If you do get to attend the next Fringe, I hope you have a fabulous time filled with incredible, one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and hopefully see you there!