Latest news with #EdinburghFestivalFringe
STV News
38 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Thousands of artists descend on capital as Edinburgh Fringe gets under way
The 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe begins on Friday, bringing thousands of performances and international artists to Scotland's capital. Running until Monday, August 25, this year's programme features 54,474 performances from 3,853 shows, with 3,352 of those included in the printed guide. Since the programme launch on June 3, an additional 501 shows have registered and are now available to browse on and via the official Fringe app. Artists from 63 countries are set to appear at venues across the city, including 1,118 shows from Scotland and 829 from Edinburgh itself. The Fringe Street Events programme also got under way on Friday morning – running daily from 11am until August 24. Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, is attending his first Fringe in the role. He said: 'It's taken a lot of people a lot of work to get us to this moment, so I'd like to thank everyone who has a hand in making it happen. 'I encourage any and all prospective audience members to go out, enjoy the festival and dare to discover the amazing work on offer.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The full scale revealed as 501 new acts sign up for 2025 spectacle
The biggest ever Edinburgh Festival Fringe was in 2019. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The number of shows at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe is at the second highest ever level after 501 acts signed up at the last minute. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said this year's event will feature 54,474 performances from 3,853 shows. Since the official programme launch on June 3, a further 501 shows have registered. The figure is the second highest since 2019, when a record 4,105 shows were performed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Artists from 63 countries will be represented on the Fringe's stages, with 1,118 shows from Scotland and 829 from Edinburgh itself. Tony Lankester is the new chief executive of the Fringe Society. | Fringe Society Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: 'This is my first Fringe as the Fringe Society's chief executive, so this is an incredibly exciting moment – I've attended the Edinburgh Fringe before, but never in such a front-row seat. 'It's taken a lot of people a lot of work to get us to this moment, so I'd like to thank everyone who has a hand in making it happen. That includes the venues around the city; the local businesses, stakeholders and officials; the wonderfully warm and welcoming people of Edinburgh; the members of the media and the arts industry who make this festival such an important part of the calendar for participating artists; and, of course, the indefatigable and undefeatable artists themselves, without whom there wouldn't be a Fringe at all.
Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 7 best whisky shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe - including drams under the stars
From immersive tastings to live music and whisky and comedy, there's something for all dram fans at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Whisky Fringe Festival Dates: 8-10 August Venue: Mansfield Traquair The whisky fringe as it's known is a must-visit for whisky lovers. Held in the stunning Mansfield Traquair, the weekend event is host to over 40 exhibitors from across the industry including classic drams from well known brands as well as new releases and independent bottlings. New for this year is the Whiskies of the World Zone. The popular Highball Hut, two glass masterclasses and half time oranges will make a welcome return. There will also be some whiskies launching exclusively at the festival. Find out more and book tickets here. Two Guys, Three Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience Picture: Two Guys Three Drams Dates: 4-21 August Venue: Big at theSpaceTriplex Following three consecutive years earning the coveted Edinburgh Fringe sell-out laurels, 2 Guys, 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience storms back into the Edinburgh Festival Fringe promising more whisky-soaked swagger, raucous blues, and riotous charm. Created and performed by blues and whisky duo The Rhythm and Booze Project, Felipe Schrieberg (vocals, lap steel guitar) and Paul Archibald (drums/percussion) host a 65-minute sensory spectacle blending a world-class whisky tasting with foot-stomping live music. Each show serves three exceptional whiskies, paired with stories, humour, and blistering live blues. More than a concert and more than a tasting, this is a truly full-bodied experience, and a Fringe show like no other. Previous years have sold out, but luckily this year the guys are in a larger venue but you're best to still book early to avoid disappointment. Backed by an impressive range of whisky sponsors including legendary Speyside distillery Benromach as well as newer players including Glasgow Distillery and Edinburgh's own Holyrood Distillery, 2 Guys, 3 Drams is as much about education as it is about entertainment. Felipe and Paul make the whisky world accessible, fun, and unforgettable. Felipe, who is also an award-winning whisky writer and author, says: 'We make a solemn promise: if you come to the show, you'll leave knowing how to sound clever about whisky for the rest of your life.' Find out more and book tickets here. Whisky Under the Stars Dates: 1,2 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 August Venue: Dynamic Earth This event gives whisky fans the chance to taste some local Edinburgh drams while learning more about our night sky. Curated by astronomer Dr Alastair Bruce for Dynamic Earth, attendees will be guided through a journey through the solar system in Dynamic Earth's 360° Planetarium while enjoying three whiskies - Embra, Ambir and Pitch - from Holyrood distillery. Guided by in-house astronomers Dr Alastair Bruce and Antonia Newell, journey through the Solar System and discover the surprising links between whisky and space. Find out more and book tickets here. Whisky and Witches Picture: whisky & witches Dates: 1,2, 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24 August Venue: The Cave at The Mother Superior This sold-out show is making a welcome return to this year's Fringe. The award-nominated, immersive whisky tasting is ideal for those looking for something a bit different when visiting Edinburgh. Expect five drams from sponsor The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) as well as stories, women's role in the history of alcohol, links to witches and live music during this two hour show. The event also includes a day pass to a SMWS venue. Find out more and buy tickets here. Whisky For Dafties Dates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24 August Venue: Just Up The Road at Just the Tonic at The Caves This hour long hour combines whisky tasting with comedy, and has been a global sell-out since 2010. Performed by Alan Anderson, this is a five-star show about whisky and comedy. Expect whiskies, history, methodology and lore along with a lot of laughs. 'Inventive, fun, light-hearted way to learn about whisky' (Scotsman). ' Find out more and buy tickets here. Single Malt Sessions Holyrood Distillery. Picture: Contributed Dates: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25 August Venue: Production Space at Holyrood Distillery If you love Holyrood distillery, or just want to find out more about their journey to putting Edinburgh back on the whisky-making map then these evenings of whisky, storytelling and live music are a must-book. The first single malt producer in the city for 100 years, Holyrood is one of the new whisky distilleries shaking things up. At the Single Malt Sessions, visitors can learn about the team's innovative approach to distilling, inspired by Edinburgh's brewing past, as well as enjoying live entertainment at the bar. Tickets include a welcome drink, cocktail and dram. Find out more and buy tickets here. Whisky and Folklore Dates: 1-25 August Venue: Lounge at Hot Toddy Expert guides will talk attendees through tastings of four whiskies that explore Scotland's rich whisky history. Whisky fans can enjoy 'fascinating, entertaining stories told by expert guides, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. A memorable journey into Scotland's whisky.' Find out more and buy tickets here.
STV News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
'Rising costs are pricing Scottish performers out of the Fringe'
Rising costs are pricing performers out of the Fringe, and there's not enough support for Scottish artists, or artists in general, a comic has said. Edinburgh is preparing to welcome millions of people from around the world for a month of art and culture, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Edinburgh Art Festival. Comedian Ayo Adeneka has said rising costs and the expense of producing and promoting a full-length show are making it 'less and less possible' for homegrown talent. 'The Fringe should be oversubscribed by Scottish performers – you shouldn't be able to move for Scottish performers,' he said. 'But this year, in one of the big four [venues] there's only three Scottish acts. It's really impossible if you don't have financial backing or if you're not fortunate enough to come from money. He added: 'If you're a regular person, which is where art comes from, you can't perform, you can't create without that money. There's not enough support for Scottish artists, or artists in general.' However, Mr Adeneka described himself as 'lucky'. He's been sponsored by Red Bull UK to bring his show Black Mediocrity to the Festival Fringe this year. Brass Tacks Comedy, run by Edinburgh local Katie Palmer, spearheaded the funded Fringe idea after speaking to comics in the Scottish industry who felt the Festival was not an option for them due to costs. She worked with Red Bull UK to invite applications to win a funded debut. Comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street also joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor. Ms Palmer said the idea came to her during Fringe 2024 when a Glaswegian comedian said he would not return in 2025 because he was 'completely priced out'. 'All of up front costs like venue deposits, marketing, and tech are unaffordable for so many people,' she said. She added that's it's also like a 'full time job' to produce and write a Fringe show. Those challenges are something the First Minister and his Government are hoping to address with more funding. Speaking to invited guests at the headquarters of the Edinburgh International Festival on Thursday, John Swinney said it's his and his Government's role to assist artists in any way they can. The Scottish Government previously promised to increase arts and culture spending by £34m this year, which includes increasing festival funding by £4m. It's part of the Government's wider commitment to invest at least £100m more annually in arts and culture by the end of the decade. 'We've acknowledged that there's more we could do to support festivals than has been the case in the past,' the First Minister said. 'This fund is designed to put in more public expenditure to ease those pressures and difficulties.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'Strong concerns' after Edinburgh Fringe venue built in city centre without planning permission
Edinburgh locals have questioned how much control the city council has over building works after construction on a major Fringe venue was started without planning permission being granted. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Famous Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square is returning to the festival after an almost decade long hiatus – and is already up and running after construction started in June. The works began without planning permission – and while a city committee is set to approve it at a meeting next week, one resident said in an objection to the application that the Spiegeltent was 'flying in the face of due process', and that the Council should force it to be dismantled. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And a response from the New Town and Broughton Community Council said it had 'strong concerns' about the application – though they said they did not believe they would be listened to. The Spiegeltent has made a return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe after a nearly decade-long hiatus | Joe Sullivan Community council vice-chair Richard Price wrote: 'In terms of the proposal itself – we would note that there appears to be significant 'footprint creep' happening. 'Each subsequent application here seems to require more facilities, more concessions and the proposals involve the occupation of an increasing and significant portion of one of the city centre's few accessible green garden squares across July and August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This application also introduces a more intense commercial and cultural event space into a sensitive setting than previously.' He also wrote that, given those factors, the community council would have expected to see a full assessment of the impact of the development on the conservation area and the World Heritage Site. But, he added, this had not happened, and due to the lateness of the application it would not happen. Mr Price continued: 'While we recognise the cultural significance of Edinburgh's festivals, this cannot come at the cost of planning integrity, public process, or the equitable use of valued civic spaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Given the above, for what it's worth, we would wish to register our objection to this proposal as presented. 'We would normally state that we trust that these comments are helpful in the determination of this application, but in this case, that comment is superfluous.' The Cockburn Association also put in a response to the application, saying they 'object strongly' to it. They wrote: 'At the time of writing, construction is visibly underway, with the event infrastructure already in place despite the fact that the application has not yet been determined. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This pre-empts the planning process, disregards due democratic oversight, and undermines public confidence in the integrity of the regulatory system.' Green fencing, interspersed with advertising hoardings, is in place on the southern and eastern sides of St Andrew Square | Joe Sullivan They also raised objections similar to those of the community council, and said there needed to be balance between cultural events and equitable use of public spaces. Both groups supported a review of Fringe and other festival venues occupying public land, and called for limits to be placed on them. Developers do not need to apply for or receive planning permission before starting on a development. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The tent missed its 100th anniversary in operation during an almost decade-long absence, but will celebrate its 105th year in existence at this Fringe. It will host events for the Jazz and Blues Festival, as well as for various concert shows during the Fringe. According to the planning application, filed on June 11, construction was to begin on June 30, with the entire structure set to be gone by September 12. Structures for a bar and dressing room were also described in the application, as were four food stalls. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The site has been hosting events for the Jazz and Blues Festival since July 12, with Fringe programming starting on July 23. Green fencing, with occasional advertising hoardings laid over it, is in place around the south and east sides of the square. During the Fringe, the tent will host cabaret and circus act La Clique until August 31, with other acts interspersed throughout the festival. A report by officers did not address the lateness of the application, or construction starting before planning permission was granted, except in a summary of public objections raised. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It says that the area is 'very busy' during the festivals, and that the proposal is 'unlikely to cause significant harm' to amenity in the area. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Council said the application will be considered at the next meeting of the Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday, August 6.
