Edinburgh Fringe 2024 is officially approaching: August is creeping up on us sooner than we thought (where has the time gone, seriously). Whether you’re looking to see all the shows and drink at all the pop-up bars, sub-let your flat to earn some bank (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone), or leave the city altogether to avoid the crowds, preparation is vital.
Edinburgh Fringe is described as “the greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet”, and it certainly lives up to the name. Edinburgh comes alive every year in August and is filled with positive vibes, pop-up bars and plenty of shows on and off the streets for everyone to enjoy. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy theatre shows, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events from all around the world.
Edinburgh Fringe will mark its 77th year honourably showcasing European, and now worldwide, cultural life. The Fringe was first founded in 1947 just after the Second World War to give people something to look forward to after an incredibly challenging time. By 1958, the festival had launched the box office and had seen tremendous growth ever since.
When is Edinburgh Fringe 2024?
This year, the festival will take place on August 2 – 26, with some shows already starting from August 2 and 3. Registration for this year’s Fringe acts began in January. If you would like to register your show, you can do so here.
The first batch of the programme and tickets were released on February 22 for 276 shows from 12pm, while the second release of shows will go live on April 4, and a third batch was published on May 9.
The final announcement and the full programme of the shows will be released on June 12.
Where is The Fringe taking place?
The full list of locations has not yet been confirmed, but we expect all the familiar spots like George Square Gardens, Bristo Square, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly, The Stand Comedy Club, The Pleasance Courtyard and multiple venues and bars across the city. We also expect (or rather hope) lots of free shows will be returning to The Three Sisters.
Edinburgh Fringe line-up
Tickets for the first shows are are going live at 12pm on February 22, so it’s a great time to start planning your experience.
Some theatre highlights include Hagar: War Mother at theSpaceUK, A Time Traveller’s Life, “a Fringe show about the Fringe”, at Greenside and Margolyes & Dickens: The Best Bits at Pleasance.
The comedy side is back with the top three acts from the 2023 edition of So You Think You’re Funny? – Samira Banks, Christopher Donovan and Lizzie Norm at the Gilded Balloon, Fern Brady at the Edinburgh Playhouse or Geoff Norcott and Rhys Nicholson at Underbelly.
As usual, guests are also going to be able to also see musicals, cabaret, dance and physical theatre performances, as well as spoken word and children’s shows.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It is always special to see the first batch of shows that will be performing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Those working across the Fringe have been preparing for this moment for months – laying the groundwork for artists to come to this year’s festival and the creative explosion that is August in Edinburgh. Being able to browse the first set of shows always adds an extra level of excitement.”
“It’s a reminder that the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe is just around the corner, and it feels a lot more real for the whole Fringe community. I encourage audiences to support those performing at the Fringe this August by browsing shows and booking tickets as early as you can.”
“It’s no secret that the cost of putting on a Fringe show can be a barrier to attending, and our role is in supporting artists in every way that we can, whether that’s keeping registration fees affordable, sourcing low-cost accommodation, seeking out direct routes to funding, or simply providing advice and information. Our Artist Services team is on hand to offer advice around every aspect of putting on a show, so please do reach out to us.”