Are you a Fringe veteran? Think you know everything there is to know? Or are you new to Edinburgh and want to find out more? We have compiled 10 of the more unknown facts about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
- There are limited places where performers can put up their posters.
Performing companies are only allowed to put their posters on the big red pillars found on the Royal Mile. Some cafes allow posters, but it’s best to stick to the pillars to stay out of trouble.
- Last minute cheap tickets can be bought at the Half Price Hut
Virgin Money have a Half Price Hut outside the Scottish National Gallery. Here, Fringe-goers can find last minute tickets at incredible prices.
- Why the Fringe is called the Fringe
The Fringe began when eight uninvited performing companies came to Edinburgh during the International Festival. They were not part of the official programme, so were considered as performing on the ‘fringe’ of Festival, and the name stuck from then on.
- It is largest arts festival in the world
Since it began in 1947, the Edinburgh Fringe has been growing. Last year, there were over 3000 shows to see and nearly 3million tickets sold.
- The “hush” rule in venues
Expect to hear a lot of “SHHHHHH”’s during the festival, particularly in the smaller venues. Most shows are performed in pop-up festival venues, so the rooms aren’t as sound proof as a usual theatre space. So, if you are waiting to see a show, keep the nattering down!
- There is more than one festival going on in Edinburgh during August
There are actually three festivals happening alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; The Art Festival, The International Festival and The International Book Festival.
- Most of the good venues are booked up a year in advance
If you are planning on taking a show to the Fringe, then prepare to start working early. As soon as one festival ends, the planning for the next one begins, so if you want the pick of the venues you need to be super organised.
- A sell-out show isn’t really a sell-out show
To qualify as a sell-out show at the Fringe, you don’t have to sell all of the tickets for every show. You just need to sell 95% of the tickets across your entire run.
- Anyone can perform
There is no audition or application process to perform at the Fringe. Anyone with a desire to perform can do just that.
- Comedy dominates the Fringe
Comedy performances make up over 30% of the Fringe programme. It is one of the most competitive genres at the Festival.
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