THE curtain has come down on Fringe by the Sea’s 16th festival, after 10 days of sunshine, music, laughter, food, books, art... and occasional rain.

The crowds of residents and visitors to the town who flooded into North Berwick’s Lodge Grounds have dispersed, leaving mere echoes and memories of an incredible community festival.

Rory Steel, Fringe by the Sea director, said: "I can't believe that our magnificent team of organisers and volunteers have done it again and pulled off another 10 days of superb events.

“We had so many packed houses, from Del Amitri and The Jacksons to the amazing double header of Idlewild and Ash; all of North Berwick seems to have fallen in love with Richard E Grant and it was great to see so many children enjoying themselves.”

Big hits with audiences were headliners Ash and Idlewild on Saturday evening; Friday evening’s performance by global soul stars The Jacksons; The Stranglers, who dropped by as part of their 50th anniversary European tour; Musical Mill’s two productions of Matilda; festival regulars Bombskare; and Freedom & Form Dance Training’s Pure Imagination show – especially the dads dancing…

One visitor commented on Fringe by the Sea’s social media page: “FBTS adds so much to our wonderful town and this year was fantastic. Clive Myrie was great, The Jacksons and House Gospel got me dancing, Sister Sister allowed me to contribute, Lighthouse Stage enabled me to watch new acts, and the food and drink areas gave me a social area to meet friends. Loved it.”

Another said: “Loved the partnership of Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham but also loved The Stranglers and author and journalist Hugo Rifkind! The variety of entertainment is what brings me back year after year!”

And another added: “Beyond the shows, loved the crafts for kids and the whole setup of food trucks, live music and chill beanbag area.”

But it wasn’t just the big names that visitors flooded to see.

With a vast programme of local acts, guests were delighted by Fringe by the Sea’s inclusion of community groups.

East Lothian talent included North Berwick Pipe Band, Voices and Sister Sister choirs, D&M Brass Band, The Mill Youth Theatre and Side Hustle; and local artists who opened their doors to the public.

One visitor said: “The support and encouragement that FBTS gives to community groups and grassroots music by giving them the space to perform alongside the bigger names is what I think helps to make this such a special festival.”

National winner of last year’s Scottish Thistle Award for outstanding cultural event or festival, what can the Fringe by the Sea team bring to the town next year?

Rory said: “Of course, there's no rest in doing Fringe by the Sea and the work in programming for August 2025 is already under way.

"People should put August 1 to 10 in their diaries now."