Edinburgh Festival Fringe, “the greatest cultural event on the planet,” will take place from 1 – 25 August 2014 in, where else, Edinburgh in Scotland of course!
The Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and features thousands of performers from around the world sharing their passions on a variety of stages all over Edinburgh. There’s something for everyone at the Fringe; from comedy, musicals and music to operas and exhibitions. World-known entertainers will strut their stuff as will up-and-coming artists that you won’t want to miss.
Since 1947 when eight theatre groups performed at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe has hosted thousands of storytellers, dancers, and artists, sharing their love of arts and entertainment with the world.
Don’t miss out on wonderful Cabaret performances by award-winning magician Paul Dabek and Samantha Mann. No ticket is required for either show. If you have children with you, do not despair. The Fringe features wonderful children’s shows this year including the “I Hate Children Children’s Show,” “Greek Myths for Kids,” and “Hoof Hoof” among many others. Your children will have just as much fun as you will at the Fringe this year! You may actually have to drag THEM home. Tickets for the shows can be booked online.
Musical aficionados will be pleased to hear of the several excellent musical performances available this year. From a journey back to the 40’s with Play Pen Productions, to a youth musical featuring a 13 year old in the midst of Bar Mitzvah preparations, the Fringe will satisfy your musical appetite.
The exhibitions are also worth checking out. Catherine the Great: An Enlightened Empress, will run from August 2 to the 31 and will showcase the life of this fascinating woman. The exhibition includes costumes, jewelry, snuffboxes, porcelain and much more. This exhibition will be a real treat for history buffs.
A true veteran of the Fringe, Roger McGough, will present his new book on poetry. His wit and unique wordage will appeal to many a-poet.
The streets of Edinburgh also come alive during the festival with may free street performances on offer from buskers, living statues (such as the one pictured to the left), caricaturists, traditional Scottish bagpipers and circus performers.
The Fringe strives in connecting with a world-wide audience, and prides itself on providing signed, captioned and audio described performances, for those patrons in search of such services. Captioned performances include Appointment with the Wicker Man, Picasso and Modern British Art, and Salome. For a complete list of captioned, audio described and signed performances head to the Fringe’s website.
The best way to get to the festival is either by car or rail. Travelling through Scotland to Edinburgh is a beautiful trip, and from London’s King’s Cross a mere four-and-a-half hours. If you prefer flying, there are also domestic flights arriving to Edinburgh International Airport.
Of course, no Fringe is complete without the proper apparel. Check out the e-commerce store at www.edfringe.com. It is your one stop shop for one-of-a-kind shirts, hoodies, prints, posters, postcards and stationary.
While you are on the website be sure to download daily guides to the festival, children’s programmes, mobile and android apps and iPad apps as well. Mobile apps are a convenient way for you to check out program information and purchase tickets. They also come in handy on the days of the festival, as you can simply check on your mobile for show updates.
Whatever your heart desires, the Edinburgh Festival has something in store for everyone this year. Check out their website for more information on shows, performers, and venues. Be a part of the “greatest cultural event on the planet.” You will not regret it.
