What is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Have you ever seen someone juggle fire, tell silly jokes, play musical instruments - all in the same day? Well, all of that can be found at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, often just called the 'Fringe' for short.

But, what is the Edinburgh Fringe and why is it called that?

It's called the Fringe because when it started in 1947, performers who weren't invited to the main Edinburgh Festival, put on their own shows around the edges - or the fringe - of the main event. Now, it's grown into the biggest arts festival in the world!

It's a huge deal for Edinburgh, bringing in visitors and tourists from all over the world and filling the streets with music, laughter, and creativity.

Read on to find out all about the festival and what's there for children...

When and where is the Fringe Festival held?

The Fringe happens every August in Scotland's hilly and historic capital city of Edinburgh.

The festival usually runs for three weeks, and the whole city turns into a giant stage - from theatres and schools to parks, streets and even people's living rooms!

In 2025, the Fringe will take place from 1 to 25 August.

Whether it's raining or sunny - and let's be fair in Edinburgh, it can be both - hundreds of thousands of people come out to enjoy lots of different shows.

What kind of performances are at the Fringe?

A juggling performer on Edinburgh's Royal Mile during the city's Festival Fringe in 2024

At the Fringe, you can see comedy, music, theatre, circus acts, magic and even puppets!

From famous actors and comedians to students, street performers, and even kids. There are special family-friendly shows and kid-led performances.

The Fringe is so big that it can feel like a magical maze of performances - just walking down the street, you might bump into a pirate doing magic or someone in an animal costume handing you a flyer.

How big is the Edinburgh Fringe?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held at the castle and includes marching bands, bagpipes, drummers, and fireworks

During August, Edinburgh's population nearly doubles to around one million people.

It's not just tourists from around the world coming to watch the over three thousand shows available to see during the festival, there's performers from 63 different countries also taking part.

And away from the street acts and comedy, there's also the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is part of the wider Edinburgh festivals. It's held at the castle and this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

It includes marching bands, bagpipes, drummers, and fireworks.

So, if you're visiting Edinburgh this August get ready for the buzz of creativity, colour, and fun.