Navigating the Fringe: The 2024 Guide by Someone Who Knows It
Foreword
We’re coming up on August again, and you know what that means—Edinburgh is about to get busy. Hundreds of thousands of people will soon arrive for the second largest ticketed event in the world; The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Navigating the Edinburgh Fringe Festival can be daunting, with over 3,500 shows in the official programme last year and hundreds of ‘Free Fringe’ performances across the city. Luckily, Huckleberry has someone who knows the ins and outs of the festival. Meet Euan, our digital intern who’s here to provide you with some tips ahead of the 2024 festival.
The Fringe is an extraordinary event that transforms Edinburgh into a bustling hub of creativity, and last year I dove in headfirst with the Fringe Society Marketing Team—catching over 40 shows, exploring venues of all sizes, and interviewing countless artists, industry pros, and award winners.
With a festival the size of the Fringe there’s no way you’re going to see it all, but I’ve curated this guide with the hope that it will help to streamline your Fringe experience.
- Euan | Digital Intern
Go See a Fringe Show
My first suggestion, and it may seem obvious, is to go and see a show. It’s easy to say, but there is so much choice when it comes to deciding what you’re going to see. There are performances 24/7, so much so that the Festival actually has its own dedicated ‘Fringe time zone’ that starts at 5 am and ends at 4:59 am the next day.
You can start off by picking up the official programme for free at many locations across Edinburgh. It contains all of this year’s festival performances and tells you when and where they’re happening. Alternatively, there’s the official Fringe App which handily contains a map of the hundreds of venues across Edinburgh.
You might want to check out the Box Offices of Assembly Rooms, Underbelly, Gilded Balloon, and Pleasance, i.e. the ‘Big 4’. This is where you’ll often find the Fringe’s most popular shows, including some household names. Be quick though, because these shows have a habit of selling out for their entire runs.
Alternatively, you can check out the Fringe box office, which can be found just off the Royal Mile. They’re likely to be a bit less biased in their recommendations than the box offices of the ‘Big 4’. Plus you’ll likely find some hidden gems in the Half-Price Hut, where you can purchase tickets for performances that day at, funnily enough, half-price.
Get Lost on Purpose
Ok, so don’t actually get lost. What I mean is go for a wander and explore the sights of one of Europe’s most historic cities. Edinburgh really bursts into life during August, something to do with the population almost doubling in size I’ll wager.
Why not start at the Castle and stroll down the Mile, taking in the many street performers while you’re at it. Depending on the time of day you might catch a fiery acrobatics show, a mystical magical act, or somebody who’s just really good at covering your favourite songs on the bagpipes.
Head into town, and you’re likely to find performances in the unlikeliest of places. From violinists on the Victoria Street steps to a comedian performing on the stage you didn’t know your local pub had. These acts are part of the ‘Free Fringe,’ a group of performers who showcase their shows at smaller venues across the city. They perform for free, believing that if the audience enjoys the performance, they will contribute to the artist’s donation bucket. The Free Fringe is a fantastic way to see shows you wouldn’t typically go for, and most importantly, it’s very economical.
Got a break between shows? Why not book a tour? Edinburgh's Old Town has a history stretching back hundreds of years. With much of it still intact, it’s gained a reputation as one of the world's most haunted cities—or so the tour guides would have you believe. Some of these tours will even take you under the streets into old Edinburgh, a great way to beat the crowds!
For The Hotels
Who would we be if we didn’t share some tips for the hoteliers too. For those hosting visitors, a little extra effort can turn a good stay into a great one, making sure everyone leaves with memories they’ll cherish long after the last curtain call. So, here’s some tips to help you stand out from the crowd.
Step Up Your Social Media:
Thousands of people descend on Edinburgh each year for the Fringe, and each is a potential customer. Elevate your social media to show why they should choose you over your competitors. This could include daily updates on the Fringe, stories highlighting nearby events, or show recommendations.
Themed Offers & Packages:
Offer your guests festival-themed packages during August. This could include simple perks like later checkouts so guests can enjoy late-night shows or Stay-And-Play packages that come with tickets to popular events.
Team up with smaller venues:
While you probably won’t be lacking for guests, why not try and offer that little bit extra? Smaller venues throughout Edinburgh are always working hard to fill seats. Maybe they'll offer discounts to your guests? Guests will appreciate the directions and discounts, while the venues get an audience. It's a win-win!
Now that you’ve read this guide, you’re ready to dive into the vibrant chaos that is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Embrace the spirit of spontaneity, soak in the historic charm of Edinburgh, and let yourself be swept up in the festival’s infectious energy.
See you at the shows!
