Fringe Benefits
Written: Aug 21 '04
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Pros: Huge choice of shows from a medley that includes the abysmal and the truly sublime
Cons: The weather is a lottery, as is finding accommodation
The Bottom Line: Scotland's fairest city at its best, hosting the world's largest arts festival with something for everyone: from military tattoo, opera, jazz, theatre, dance and comedy to film and books.
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| denni's Full Review: Edinburgh |
Edinburgh in August... The sun is shining through blue holes in the clouds, colourful banners flutter in the breeze and scraps of music sound above the general bustle. Thousands of people mill on the cobblestoned streets along the Royal Mile, among buskers and street entertainers, past tiny shops, cafes and pubs; on the lookout for a spot of lunch, sightseeing between shows or simply catching their breath and deciding where to turn next. Performers, many in fancy costumes, thrust flyers into my hands to promote their shows. The town is vibrant with the crowds that have come for the largest arts festival in the world -- incorporating the Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe Festival, Military Tattoo, International Jazz Festival, International Film Festival and Book Festival.
The Edinburgh Festival was launched in 1947 as a post-war initiative to re-unite Europe through culture. It was a huge success. The fringe was born that same year when some performers turned up uninvited and had to find their own venues, promoting their shows to the existing festival crowd. The fringe society, and a joint box-office, was established in 1959.
The fringe is open to all performers, with no selection process. This openess ensures that it never grows old or stale. Every year brings fresh talent together with established acts. The fringe experience is a democratic one; the greatest comedians of today and tomorrow are vying for attention with the truly awful. But this also means that many shows from the unknown stars of tomorrow are within the budget of students and backpackers. You could be among the first to spot the next Perrier Award winner.
This year, over 10,000 artists will perform in 200 venues dotted all over the city. The 2004 Festival also sees the 10 year celebrations of Freedom in South Africa: 'South Africa in the Gardens' will bring together top South African musicians and artists for a weekend of dance and celebrations on 21st-22nd August.
In December 2002 a fire grazed through Cowgate, destroying many historical buildings at the centre of this world heritage site, including some of the traditional fringe venues in the heart of the old town. The fire razed the Gilded Balloon and led to the closure of La Belle Angele, the Living Room, Loca and the Bridge Jazz Bar. However, fringe veterans need not despair -- new venues are opening up, including Cowgate Central in the back of the historic Wilkie House which overlooks the site of the blaze. The heart of Edinburgh is once more alive with the buzz of the fringe.
Information:
The fringe takes place from 8th-30th August. The official website: http://www.edfringe.com is packed with details on the shows and venues as well as information about the city and accommodation. It has an on-line ticket booking service so you can plan your visit ahead.
Accommodation during the festival can be a nightmare, but why not stay in nearby Glasgow and enjoy the benefits of both of Scotland's greatest cities, just 40 min apart by train? There are also places to stay in the towns and villages surrounding Edinburgh.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
denni
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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