MUSIC, comedy, talks and family entertainment by the seaside – there is plenty on offer at this year’s Fringe by the Sea, with the full programme now available.
This year’s festival in North Berwick is held between August 6 and 15, with live audiences being entertained at several venues across the town.
More than 200 events have been scheduled, with tickets now available.
A number of high-profile names have already been confirmed, including Lulu, Basement Jaxx, Gail Porter, Irvine Welsh, Ed Byrne, Reginald D Hunter, Janey Godley, Lemn Sissay, Eddi Reader and Sir Vince Cable.
Now confirmed as joining them in this year’s line-up are soul singer Mica Paris, who has also starred in EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing and recently released her first album for more than 10 year, as well as teenage singing sensation Connor Fyfe, Neu! Reekie! with Liz Lochhead, and legendary folk duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham.
Families will be able to enjoy Brainiac Live, child-friendly performances by comedians Phil Kay and Murray Lachlan Young, circus skills from Alexander the Great and children’s entertainer Mr Boom.
Those wanting to learn new skills can enjoy a hip hop and street dancing session with Room 2 Manoeuvre or try hula hooping with Rowanbank.
The Drama Mill will address environmental issues with its interactive ocean conservation show What A Waste!, suitable for those aged five to nine.
The Search sees a community-driven treasure hunt held in Lochbridge Road by Ben Winger, Kerry Cleland and Catherine Wheels Theatre Company. Residents are being asked to keep an eye out and help get to the bottom of the mystery, give the unexpected visitor the help they need and find whatever it is they have lost.
One of the UK’s top comedy clubs, Just The Tonic will present mixed bill comedy line-ups. One will be headlined by Ed Byrne and the other by Reginald D Hunter. Simon Evans will also be bringing his latest show to the town.
As well as performances and activities, talks will be held by Jennifer Crichton and Brian Taylor. Jennifer will be speaking to Sam Baker and Gail Porter, while Brian will meet up with Denise Mina, Sir Vince Cable, Richard Demarco and Jim Sillars. Other talks include Maggie O’Farrell, Richard Holloway and last year’s The Great British Bake Off winner Peter Sawkins.
And on the final day of the festival, Scotland’s largest puppet Storm will be making an appearance. Standing at 10 metres tall, she is made from recycled materials. People wanting to see her need to pre-register their interest on the event listing at fringebythesea.com
Rory Steel, Fringe by the Sea director, said: “Putting together this programme has been invigorating. So many performers are keen to get back out in front of audiences and people are excited to see live shows.
“From a strong music line-up to a host of family-friendly shows, we’ve got a programme which offers something for all ages and tastes.
“We’re working closely with East Lothian Council and our partners to safely and carefully plan our events in-line with Covid regulations, and we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic 10 days in North Berwick this August.”
Several local groups are also involved in the festival, including North Berwick in Bloom, the town’s harbour trust and Stepping Out, with other support, funding and services coming from a number of avenues, including the Courier. The festival also welcomed TooFar Media as an affiliate partner.
A late-night train from North Berwick to Edinburgh will also be running, with details on the ScotRail website. All events will be run in line with Covid guidance, with ticket holders receiving detailed information prior to attending events.
For more information and tickets, visit fringebythesea.com
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