Arts & Entertainment: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012

The Scottish capital is awash with amazing entertainment throughout the year. No matter when you choose to escape for a weekend break here, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to fill your time. If you’re venturing across the border this August, make sure you make some time for the awesome Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Running between the 3^rd and 27^th August, it’ll be sure to provide you with entertainment aplenty and help you appreciate not only some of the biggest names in showbiz but new faces too.

Plan your days so that you can spend more than one day or evening as part of the audience. Take a look into Edinburgh hotels so that you’re never too far from the action. Find accommodation that is not only value for money, but somewhere that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort or security.

As the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe was established in 1947 and showcases artistes spanning all aspects of performing arts, in particular theatre and comedy which has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years. It prides itself on presenting all types of art, particularly the more experimental performances that may otherwise be frowned upon.

Last year’s Fringe was the largest on record; with over 40,000 performances in 258 venues, we can only hope that this year, we’ll see even bigger festivities.

Wander the Royal Mile and catch sight of the street performers it holds. These acts know exactly how to stand out and be counted.

This year’s programme includes cabaret acts such as Blues & Burlesque; a rare chance to see the West End trio away from their London home. Remember the television show about the Lady Boys of Bangkok? The Fringe is hosting a Carnival Queens tour, available between the 4^th and 26^th August. Also be sure to check out one of the pioneers of neo-cabaret, Hampshire-based Joe Black who will whisk you away on his journey of sex, drugs and vaudevillian antics.  

For the kids, Baby Loves Disco – the coolest party for the half pints along with many adaptations of classic children’s books, such as Grimm and Dahl works, will ensure your offspring will appreciate the festival as much as you will.

Infamous in recent years for its comedy circuit, this year is no different. Catch comedic veterans including Alan Davies, Al Murray, Greg Proops and Jimmy Carr along with some side-splitting sketches and theatre productions. Be musically enthralled with some amazing acts on stage throughout the event, including classical ensembles, indie rock with The Charlatans or traditional Scottish ditties. Catch a musical with Bugsy Malone, Cinderella or Sweeney Todd or opt instead, for theatre in the form of 1984 or The Stranger among many, many more.

The Edinburgh Fringe is a perfect way for creativity to flourish. This August, why not be part of it. It’s completely open access – absolutely anyone can apply to participate, which on this scale, is one of a kind. Tickets can be absolutely free but premium shows will cost you – it’s definitely worth watching some of the lower prices shows too – you never know, you may get to see the next big name in showbiz.