Edinburgh Fringe

[RabbitsRock]

Anyone been? I have wanted to go for years but never have. And what is the main festival like?

I’ve been going for about 10 years now. It is manic, overcrowded, accommodation costs are crazy, so many acts to choose from that you get completely overwhelmed and always have a vague sense of missing out.

Did I mention that I absolutely love it? 😀

I've been once and going again this year.
It's like nothing else I've ever experienced.
Would agree with everything the pp has said. And Edinburgh really deserves a visit when the fringe isn't on, amazing city.

Stay out of Edinburgh on one of the train lines such as the tweedbank line or Glasgow

Cheaper , late trains , get away from it

It is fantastic and exhausting and overwhelming and getting through the crowds bingo wavelerly station is a thing of nightmares

You will see dud stuff and hopefully great stuff and you can just wander

Do you want the answer the fresh to Edinburgh 30 years ago me would have given you? Or do you want me to describe the living hell Edinburgh in August has become in the time since? 😛

Definitely worth it - as others have said it is absolutely chaotic but like nothing else I've ever experienced! I moved to Edinburgh a few years ago but prior to that still used to travel up for the fringe every year.

Shows are always hit and miss, but lots are worth a gamble as that's part of the fun. I've actually seen a couple of great things already this year if you need recommendations.

In Loyal Company (on at the Pleasance Courtyard at 1.30pm) - based on a true world war 2 story. Incredibly acted and moving, we were gripped and haven't stopped telling people about it since.

tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/in-loyal-company

Quality of mercy (surgeons hall 5.35pm) - a play about Harold Shipman, quite dark (obviously) but really well done and very respectful of the victims.

tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/quality-of-mercy-concerning-the-life-and-crimes-of-dr-harold-frederick-shipman

For comedy / musical, we see showstopper at the pleasance grand every year - a big production, v funny and an easy watch!

tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/showstopper-the-improvised-musical

If anyone is looking for a great show for children there’s one called TeachRex -A Dragons Tail on at The Fringe this week. There are huge ‘life size’ dragons and children help to train the dragons.

Just reviving this for 2024 - considering going with DD (10). Is it worth it for one night (two days)? I guess we are quite late to book accomodation. Any tips about places to stay that are easy to commute into Edinburgh in less than 30 mins? I heard about premier inn Edinburgh park but that is still £190 a night for 3 of us…

Just look on the train line into Edinburgh eg Falkirk, Larbert, polmont. These aren't touristy places so should be cheaper. Check how close to station any hotels are. One in Larbert is ten minutes walk, another is one minute. If only one night doesn't matter if not amazing quality, you'll only be sleeping there as will likely leave first thing and return late evening. Look at air BnB. It's a scourge in Edinburgh but further out people are less bothered by it.

Thanks @horseymum we’ve always wanted to go but time/money etc has been a barrier. Will have a look. I see that train prices are well inflated for that time too. Looks great for older kids though.

This page lists some of the shows that are about to sell out (down the bottom) — https://fringe-sold-out.humfreybrandes.com — can help find shows that are popular

I've been several times , I'm going again this year.
It's absolutely brilliant. I can't wait. There is something for everyone. Such a great atmosphere. Accommodation is expensive
in the city centre but cheaper outside it. Public transport is very good.
I can't wait, I'm so excited!!