First experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe
This is what happened to us the first time we did the Edinburgh Fringe! Look away now if you lack a strong stomach!!
Our introduction to Edinburgh (otherwise known as 'Auld Reekie' because it used to be a bit smoky on account of the steam trains) came in 1997. The Festival Fringe had been running for years but we had chosen the event's fiftieth birthday for our 'baptism of fire'. Thrown in at the deep end, with little clue of how things worked, we muddled through to the best of our abilities. If you are a first timer to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, these words go out particularly to you.
Edinburgh is a magical city to us, in more ways than one. For several years now, we (me and my multi-tasking husband, workmate and chief bottle-washer) have found ourselves joining the festival revellers up high on the magnificent Royal Mile.
It was during our very first visit to the excellent Edinburgh Fringe that we enjoyed an hour at the mercy of the scarey but brilliant close-up magician, Jerry Sadowitz. My Edinburgh companion being a magician has never been capable of resisting a show by his 'Close-Up' hero. Ever since, we have managed to coincide our trip with Jerry's often all too limited performance run.
Almost the minute you land in the city centre, you find yourself instantly trancelike clapping in unison with a lovely cheery 'crowd circle'. Throughout a magnificent display involving chainsaws and unicycles, the star artiste in the centre generally barracks his audience into a deafening clap-crescendo (leaving us wondering who is behaving the most like a performing seal) when we are rewarded with a fantastic finale.
Armed only with wide eyed enthusiasm, we had very little knowledge of what to expect when we got to Edinburgh. For added drama, we searched for accommodation days rather than months away from landing.
Don't be put off attending the Edinburgh Festival at the last minute for it can be enjoyed on the spur of the moment. Your options, however, are somewhat limited.
For a kick off, accommodation hunting, the nearer to the festival you leave it is more down to luck than charm. On our first visit to Edinburgh, we stayed with the daughter of charming guesthouse keepers in her private home in nearby beachy Musselburgh.
Additionally, on this occasion, our flights were a king's ransom (about four times the cost we would later pay in the future with advanced planning). Bad news for us for this left us with a much smaller budget for shows and refreshments.
Rate this article:
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 | |
| Poor | Great |
See Also
Surviving the Edinburgh FringeHow to make life easier for yourself at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Edinburgh International Book FestivalWelcome to the 2008 Edinburgh International Book Festival! This year, the festival is set to run for three weeks from the 9th to the 25th August and promises to be even bigger than last year. Find out how successful writers use their inspiration to compose prize winning novels, how they overcome ‘writer’s block’ and learn how you too, can write for a living! Readers of the world step forward, for one of the best literary events of the year!
Three cheers for the street performers!Edinburgh is packed with talent inside and outside the venues. If you didn’t book up for a single thing, the street performers will keep you entertained throughout the festival. Never failing to cultivate a lively crowd, these talented entertainers are world class. Hailing from many international locations, these street performers are flawless entertainers and we are so lucky to have them.
The HogmanayEvery year Edinburgh opens its doors to the best New Year’s Eve party in the world.
The best New Year's eve party in the world!Not even Mother Nature was able to spoil Edinburgh Hogmanay festivities in 2006. New Year celebrations continued in full swing despite stormy weather!
Edinburgh International Film FestivalEurope's longest running film festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival was to set the silver screens alight in the month of June instead of taking its usual slot in August. Would it turn out to be a huge success or a resounding flop? The 2008 Edinburgh International Film Festival removed of the usual August festival commotion, I'm glad to say, went on to be a resounding success. Box office figures were up 5% on 2007 proving the film festival can stand on its own two feet and doesn't need to rely on large volumes already visiting the city to fill its auditoriums. Good news film fans, the new June EIFF date seems to be jolly well here to stay!
Edinburgh Mountain Film FestivalThe preparations for the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival are currently underway. In its sixth year, the EMFF is set to be even bigger with brand new mountain film screenings, lectures by esteemed world class climbers and, as has become tradition, a world class party. The EMFF is set for 17th to 19th October 2008.
Countdown to the Festivals!The sun is out, the days are longer, chilly mornings are behind us and the good old Edinburgh Festival season is about to burst into life for its 62nd year!
What to watch at the Edinburgh FringeThis year a record level of shows are (as we speak) rehearsing and preparing to take the stages of Edinburgh by storm. Now that the official Edinburgh Fringe programme is out, what delights shall I pick out in 2008?
'Fringe Sunday' at the MeadowsDon't miss 'Fringe Sunday' at the Meadows, Edinburgh. Set to take the box offices of the Edinburgh Fringe by storm, it is set for Sunday August 10th 2008. There are no tickets for this event and what is more, it is free of charge! A brilliant annual event - long may it live!
Tracey Emin 20 YearsThe Young British Artist is currently exhibiting in Edinburgh in her exciting new show "Tracey Emin 20 Years". Pop over to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to satisfy your curiosity! The show ends November 9th 2008.
Latest ArticlesTracey Emin 20 Years'Fringe Sunday' at the MeadowsWhat to watch at the Edinburgh Fringe |
