In 1947, eight theatre groups turned up uninvited at the Edinburgh International Festival (instituted after WWII to celebrate European culture) and performed at the ‘fringe’ of the festival, giving birth to what is today the largest art festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2014 alone, the festival saw 49,497 performances of 3,193 shows in 299 venues, and this year’s programme promises to be even bigger and better. On the roster are stand-up comedy shows; theatre performances; photography and art exhibitions; musicals and opera; dance, physical theatre and circus; cabaret and variety; music; children’s shows; spoken word; events…phew! And these performances will be held in over 320 venues across Edinburgh. Looks like every art and artist in the world is converging in Edinburgh this August. Ticket prices vary for different shows; venue maps and programme available on the website; www.edfringe.com
What: Edinburgh Fringe Festival
When: August 7-31, 2015
Where: Edinburgh, UK