The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the Biggest Comedy And Revue Festival of it's kind in the world and is held every August in Scotlands Capital City. Last year’s Fringe was a bit of a nightmare (ticketing system wise) but still the most successful ever, selling close to 1.7 million tickets.
“It’s absolutely fantastic! One of the reasons I like to stay alive is going to
the Edinburgh festival. When you think, why not kill yourself,
well — the Edinburgh festival. I’d miss that.” - Stewart LeeThis years Fringe dates are 7th - 31st August '09
Hi, I'm Mandy. I'm 38 and live in Tyne & Wear. This is my site - a homage to the Edfest.In 1999 I went to my 3rd Fringe alone. I had my usual brilliant time seeing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and altho I never felt lonely or scared walking round Ed into the wee hours, other people I spoke to (who were also doing the Festival by themselves) did. I also found very little personal info about the Fringe online (at that time) that was specifically aimed at aloners, first-timers or people unfamiliar with the city during the fest. So I started MyFringe.co.uk for them. Since then this site's developed into a general Edinburgh Fringe/comedy site to offer everyone a little insight into the Fringe and comedy stuff I like. And, after doing 6 Fringes alone, I now take H with me :0)
I have always been a big fan of stand-up comedy, and this years Fringe will be my 12th in 13 years. My first was awe-inspiring. The buzz took my breath away, and as I sat in the Pleasance Courtyard, half a cider shandy in hand, and the hazy sun began to set, I knew I'd found my Utopia.
I have, in the past, been lucky enough to stay at a friends house in Whitburn when I went to the Edfest, and there was nothing quite like legging it down to Waverley Station (Happy Meal in hand) after a long day of 'fringing'. When the last show I'd seen went on past 11.20pm, and I'd missed the last train, I'd always felt perfectly safe and found hanging out at easyEverything (when it was open 24/7) and Gilded Balloon's 'Late n Live' were just fab!
But for those of you not lucky enough to have somewhere free to stay or, like me, having a NEED to now stay in Ed so I can cram in as much Fringing as poss....and you need accomodation, or travel info about the edinburgh Fringe, take a look at my plentiful LINKS page.Many other festivals run concurrently with the Fringe including The Book Festival and the International Festival - and their info, dates and sites can be found/reached on my OTHER FESTIVALS page, along with many other worldwide Comedy festival info/dates.
There really is so much to do in Edinburgh during the festival, from Music/Musicals/Opera and Dance/Physical theatre to Poetry Readings and Meditation/Healing Workshops. Not to mention all the Visual Arts Exhibitions in various galleries and museums through-out the city. The festival is also very kid friendly and there are plenty of Childrens Shows to see.And on Sunday 9th August 09 the annual Cavalcade will kick off the festival season featuring a number of Fringe acts, as well as performers from other festivals ... all entertaining the crowds along the length of Princes Street. It starts around 2.30pm so be sure to get there early to get the best view!
You'll be amazed how many faces you'll recognise as you walk just about anywhere. From The Offices Gareth and Melvin Hayes from It Ain't Half Hot Mum, to Dame Judy Dench and the gorgeous Craig Ferguson. Paul Merton is taller than I thought he'd be and David Baddiel shorter, but both cuter :o) And although some celebs like the scrummy Stew Lee (Fist Of Fun, TMWRNJ), Waen Shepherd (Hyperdrive, Gary Le Strange) and the lush lads from THE TRAP are open, friendly and gracious when approached by 'joe public', some are not always so nice so don't burst your bubble by expecting every 'him off the telly' to be polite. They're up here doing a job and are most prolly sleep deprived and hung over - teehee!
Check out MY TOP TEN recommended shows for last years/this years Fest. There's also the FRINGE AWARDS page with a list of other shows I've seen and enjoyed.
As well as checking out todays/this weeks weather in Edinburgh, you can also read My Fringe diaries for the last few years on the THIS WEEKS HOT TICKET page. Where you'll see who's getting rave reviews and selling fast.
The latest Buzz from the Fest can be found on my NEWS page...most of the info here will have been stolen..err I mean borrowed from other Fringe/Entertainment sites so don't be suprised if the spelling and grammar are immaculate :0) Thru-out the rest of the year I'll post snipits of news from the world of comedy and anything interesting that's going on in my life/I'm going to see live...enjoy!
My lovely little MAP OF THE FRINGE offers you plenty of info about the major venues/places and is enough to get you festival virgins started if you're thinking of 'doing the Fringe' ;0)
My lovely little GALLERY has some pics on from many a fringe gone by but because I've lost the Flash bit to change it.....it's going to have to stay as is for a while. (EDIT - have found it now so will change it soon)
ED's not just host to the Fringe it's a magnificant city in it's own right. Check out some of the fab non Fringe related stuff to do on the ED THE CITY page.
If you'd like to comment on any part of this site, feel free to e-mail me and/or as I'm interested in - who's interested in my site, fill in your stats. Or if you feel you have something to say about the Edinburgh Fringe and want somewhere to say it, I'm looking for (free) reviewers/writers/ideas for the site so get in touch.
Unfortunately - what was the notice board page has been hijacked by a very naughty, and overly opinionated hare called Hartley (or Phil as I like to call him) so he can share his musings with you all. Enjoy :0)Anyway - Thanks, and hope you enjoy my site :o)
Mandy xxx