FRINGE by the Sea might be hosting big names – including The Jacksons, Del Amitri, Richard E Grant and Ash – but it also shines a light on a huge range of East Lothian talent too.
Music will be provided by “irreverent Scottish mash-up” band Yoko Pwno on August 3, while North Berwick’s amateur community choirs Voices and Sister Sister put on their foot-stomping Summer Sing show on August 4.
And whipping up the crowds will be North Berwick’s Side Hustle, who host Mass Karaoke on August 8.
Prestonpans-based D&M Brass Band provide a spectacular show conducted and hosted by musical director James Chamberlain on August 7.
And there will be lots more local talent on offer.
Rory Steel, director of Fringe by the Sea (FBTS), said: “We’re blessed to have such a talented set of artists in East Lothian, and we’re immensely proud and humbled by the efforts they put into their Fringe by the Sea performances. From young bands and powerful choirs to brilliant dance groups and wonderful potters, our special little seaside showcase just wouldn’t be the same without them.
“They are the very heart of the event.”
An open studios art trail around the town will invite visitors into the studios of North Berwick artists and creators (August 3-11).
And very talented younger members of the community will also be entertaining audiences, including The Musical Mill, whose young casts perform magical musical Matilda on August 5 and 9; and Freedom & Form Dance Training, whose Pure Imagination show on August 7 will display a mixture of dance genres.
Seven-year-old Alexandra Lawrence, of North Berwick’s Law Primary School, will be reading and talking about her debut book, Why Seagulls Love Saturdays, in the Kids Zone on August 8.
The Coulters Makers Market and Street Food Village will also be hosting a variety of East Lothian businesses selling their products.
Stalls including Between The Woods & Sea, Bonzo-Art, Trinket Pixie Jewellery, Charlotte Cadzow and Raven Botanicals will be among those selling art, jewellery, local craft and skin botanicals.
To fill hungry bellies, Steampunk Coffee Roasters, Wild At Heart, Big Blu, J’s Tiny Deli, Sri Lankan Delights and East Lothian Deli Box will also be offering the finest food and drink.
Master partner North Berwick Trust’s hub will allow people to learn more about the group’s work, while community partner The Lighthouse’s live stage will platform a variety of free music.
Cockenzie-based Heavy Sound will host free DJing sessions in The Crib, its 40-foot single-decker bus, while visitors can check out the shortlisted entries of artwork for the FBTS programme cover, or enjoy the tranquil garden created by Ocean Plastic Pots and North Berwick in Bloom.
For book lovers, Night Owl Books, from East Linton, will host a pop-up store of specially curated books, including signed copies from this year’s guest authors.
There will also be opportunities to Walk the Toun with former local councillor Dave Berry, view historical photos of North Berwick High Street in the Windows to the Past exhibition, participate in activities with North Berwick Youth Project (NBYP), and view North Berwick artist and filmmaker Holger Mohaupt’s creative works.
On August 2, join North Berwick mixing engineer Andrew Entwistle for a masterclass on mixing tracks; or have family fun with watercolours with Little Artists.
East Lothian Climate Hub will also share ideas for a thriving, sustainable future.
Or get active on August 3 and run 5k with the North Berwick Jogging Tour, or join Move Yoga with Katy.
Bring your old garments to the Fixing For A Future team; and visit Viewforth Gallery to watch immersive installation The Forecast: Imminent, Rising, Becoming Severe.
August 3 also sees Little Artists host Paint & Sip for adults, and Outdoor Adventures hold a fun session for children.
Little Artists return on August 4 with a family-friendly craft event to celebrate Lughnasadh; and families are invited to take part in Bass Rock Community Group’s sandcastle competition.
North Berwick Community Skatepark Project and Surfskate Academy stage a special training session, also on August 4, while Sustaining NB lead a panel discussion on how to regenerate soil.
Gullane comedian Emma Corbett closes the day with Five Mugs No Tea.
On August 5, East Lothian Play Association Play Rangers transform everyday stuff for children of all ages, and Katy Wakefield leads a gentle yoga flow session.
Discover amazing creatures on a rockpool ramble, then join guide Kevin Hunter for some shoreline shenanigans.
Kevin returns on August 6 for a humorous look at North Berwick’s “horrid history”; and visitors can also join an introduction to seaweeds and seaweed pressing.
County-based e-bike guided tour company Ezee Riders takes people on the John Muir Way, while Sally of Kinship Studio will offer one hour of yoga fusion.
Also on August 6, meet Seabass Vinyl, an independent county business, and chat about creative writing with the Tyne & Esk Writers group.
Parents of wee ones can bring their babies to the Baby Massage Mini Workshop; families can enjoy Pride & Prejudice (Maid By Us!) from The Mill Youth Theatre; and Night Owl Books and Wine Wednesday North Berwick host a Portuguese wine-tasting book club.
On August 7, join the Scottish Seabird Centre’s wildlife tour; Faodail Studio for a bauble-decorating workshop; or the Seabird Centre for some seaside science.
The Boozy Book Club is in conversation with author Carole Hailey on August 7; D&M Brass Band offers the chance to ‘Have a Blow!’ at a brass workshop; and Andrew Entwistle presents a host of up-and-coming singers/songwriters.
August 8 kicks off with composer Simon Heath playing the duduk in a session labelled The Calm; and North Berwick Library hosts a special festival Bookbug event. The library also welcomes families for LEGO fun later in the day.
Also on August 8, go nature journaling in the park, or join a workshop on how to write a song in the masterclass tent.
Then join a North Berwick in Bloom Lodge Walk. Or find out about Fringe by the Sea’s 2008 launch - by founders John Shaw, Eric Wales and Jane Thomson – when John ‘lifts the lid on the harbour years’ at a talk at the Lodge Stage.
Join local resident Neil Jones on August 9 for a four-mile running tour round the town, and chill out with Jo McCoy in Kundalini Yoga and Gong Relaxation. Kids can come and play with NB Project Play, or join a drama workshop with The Brunton Performing Arts Network.
August 9 also sees Ruth Hunter Pepper leading Funky Friday Zumba, and Rachael from Feathers & Stars Tarot will offer readings.
Local designers will lead a Zine Workshop and explore the art of book making, and visitors can meet North Berwick Environment & Heritage Trust.
August 10 opens with wildlife gardening hosted by Sustaining NB; or join East Lothian Yoga School in aid of MND Scotland. Kids can learn how to make a herbal first aid box using natural remedies.
The Scottish Seabird Centre holds Bioblitz by the Sea on August 10, with a day of action-packed celebration of marine and coastal wildlife.
Fringe by the Sea closes on August 11 with a North Berwick Songwriter Group Showcase, and also the local Voices singers supporting House Gospel Choir.
For a full event schedule, visit fringebythesea.com
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