FRINGE by the Sea is getting to ready to fill North Berwick with entertainment as the much-loved festival marks its return to the town for its biggest celebration yet.
The Belhaven Big Top stage has been slowly filling the North Berwick skyline as the county prepares for one of Scotland’s favourite events, filled with music, comedy, family shows, talks, food and drink.
Festivals across the nation last year failed to take place, or were massively reduced in scale but Fringe by the Sea managed to pull off a full line-up of acts, with North Berwick becoming a hub for tourists and locals alike.
Rory Steel, festival director, was ecstatic to see the festival return in what promises to be the best edition of Fringe by the Sea ever.
He said: “This year, with no restrictions, we are promising you our best festival yet.
“We’ve moved everything to the Lodge Grounds with five venues, the best of food and drink produce from East Lothian and a team of volunteers ready to welcome all our visitors.”
From the moment that the doors of the Big Top open at 10am tomorrow (Friday) for Samsam Bubbleman, there will be a packed programme of events.
Later that day, dance fans will be grooving to Haçienda House Party with DJs from the famous Manchester nightclub.
Texas are among the bands performing
There will also be opportunities to dance to Ibibio Sound Machine and The Cuban Brothers, who have a set like no other for getting the crowds jumping, while chart-toppers Texas are also performing.
Some of the biggest names in Scottish fiction writing are also coming to North Berwick, from crime writer Val McDermid to the unmistakable humour of Alexander McCall Smith (pictured below).
With non-fiction there is Alex Renton with the story of his own family’s links to the slave trade in his highly praised book Blood Legacy, and ex-Scotland football side winger Pat Nevin with The Accidental Footballer.
There is also a packed programme of comedy, with Just The Tonic Comedy Club presenting two evenings of mirth.
The first is headlined by Milton ‘king of the one liner’ Jones on Tuesday and the second features the fearless Frankie Boyle.
Frankie Boyle is coming to North Berwick. Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Such is the demand for Fred MacAulay that his show has been moved from the Lodge stage to the Big Top next Friday (August 12).
The Lodge Grounds will also be hosting some of the tastiest local food and drink, from East Lothian lobsters to falafels, and Steampunk coffee to Belhaven beer.
Mr Steel added: “Every year, we strive to bring the best and most varied programme to North Berwick.
“None of this would happen without our team, headed by Jackie Shuttleworth, volunteers as well as the incredible support from local businesses, EventScotland and East Lothian Council.”
Visit fringebythesea.com for more information and tickets.
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