The free side of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
enjoying the Edinburgh International Book Festival
Fringe performer breathes fire during the Fringe
Mardi Gras dancers
look out for free comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Established in the 1940s, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world. The Fringe showcases a diverse and exciting line-up of over 2,000 shows across the city throughout the month of August, many of which are completely free.
Thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste. In 2011 more than 600 shows in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe were absolutely free, a trend which is becoming more and more popular. A lot of the free performances are comedy showcases held in pubs, often promoting a number of comedians in an hour-long slot which is a great way to decide which act you’d like to see more of.
Street Entertainment
Drama, music, comedy and dance acts advertise their shows on the Royal Mile, where they often perform highlights to the audience for free. Enjoy street entertainers and musicians as you wander down the Royal Mile picking your next show - you may even be offered free tickets!
Other free festival events
Festivals throughout the summer all offer something for free, from large installations at the Edinburgh Art Festival to the Mardis Gras parade during the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, readings at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and meditative walks during the Festival of Spirituality and Peace. Another example is the Edinburgh International Film Festival which included a free open air cinema in 2011 screening classic films in St Andrew Square as part of its programme. When the Edinburgh International Festival draws to a close around the end of August, be sure to head to Princes Street or Inverleith Park's family viewing area to see the fireworks concert which is a spectacular finale not to be missed.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
