How to Plan a Weekend at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a performing arts festival that takes place in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. It lasts for well over 3 weeks, and takes place between July and September The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a fractional part of the Edinburgh Festival which takes place at the same time, in the same place.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get involved. From its inception the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has inspired people to put on shows of their own, outside of the more restrictive official Edinburgh Festival structure. Why not put on your own show?!
2. Find a place to stay. The Edinburgh Tourist board can help you find a bed and breakfast or a hotel. Cheaper options include staying at a University Halls of Residence or looking for accomodation in private homes in the city itself and the surrounding area.
3. Book your travel in advance and travel early. Getting there can be a problem, as so many other revellers are making the same journey. Trains from London leave frequently but are very long (8 hours approximately). Driving is an option, but again, travel is long and tiring and you may not arrive in very high spirits! Flying may be a good choice for many people, with cheap flights available from London to Edinburgh and other airports in Scotland.
4. Get the Official Fringe Programme as soon as you can. With over 1,800 shows and over 260 venues, the Fringe bible is its official programme. Circle all the shows on your Fringe show wishlist and carry it everywhere you go! Find out how many bands are coming to T on the Fringe, which celebs are coming, how many sexy burlesque shows there are, plus all the quirky, colourful stuff that has become the heart of the Fringe. The Fringe Programme is released early June, so watch the website to keep informed.
5. Book some early tickets. Most Fringe-goers decide on the day what show takes their fancy, though 2006 was a record year for early bookings. The Fringe Box Office opens in June.
6. Get ready to celebrate! During August, the streets of Edinburgh are absolutely heaving with people ready to party the night away. In between seeing some comedy, a spot of theatre and a band or three, make sure you've got your dancing shoes on. Most pubs and bars in Edinburgh gear themselves up especially for the fun and games of August, staying open until 5 a.m. and sharing the Fringe spirit.
7. Visit the whole city. Edinburgh is one of the UK's most attractive cities, which is what makes it such a unique backdrop for the world's largest arts festival. If you don’t see anything else, make sure you pay a trip to the Edinburgh castle.

Tips & Warnings

• The Festival began in 1947, with the aim of providing "a platform for the flowering of the human spirit".
• Violence at the festival is unlikely but possible. Remember that locals may not be so keen on thousands of jovial tourists flocking to their city for a holiday. Respect local people and customs.