In the midst of uncertainty, something to look forward to and celebrate is as much a necessity as a cause for joy. So welcome back, Fringe by the Sea (8-14 August), the Edinburgh Fringe’s smaller but perfectly formed country cousin.
Now in it’s ninth successful year of entertaining locals, seaside visitors and those simply in search of entertainment outwith the frantic confines of the ‘big yin’ up the road, Fringe by the Sea continues to punch above the usual weight of East Lothian’s principal resort, North Berwick.
With a strong musical emphasis, this year’s programme features South African acapella group Inkanyezi Zezulu, performing on Sunday 14th August, Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band on Thursday 11th August, the seemingly indefatigable Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, celebrating 30 years of touring, and the quite wonderful Bombskare, winners of BBC 4’s ‘Best Part Time Band in Britain’.
All of these will play in one of the two Spiegeltents that have become regular features of this most unique of festivals.
Other events include appearances by novelists Ian Rankin and Denise Mina, new author Arran Johnston, talking about his history of conflicts in east Lothian, ‘Blood Stain’s Fields’, the festival-within-a-festival that ‘Fabulous Food Fest’ offers for the chronically culinary-addicted, plus a ceilidh session featuring Ceilidh Minogue, making Fringe by the Sea the pace to be that won’t have quite the frenetic rush of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, but will have fresh sea breezes, a laid back, not to say chilled atmosphere, as well as ample diversions for a summer’s afternoon or evening.
As previously, both First Bus (timetable) and ScotRail (see Edinburgh trains) are providing late-night transport for those returning to Edinburgh.
Fringe by the Sea info
Fringe by the Sea runs in North Berwick from 8 - 14 August, 2016
Getting there: North Berwick is about 25 miles south of central Edinburgh on the A1. It takes 33 minutes by train (Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick), 40-50 minutes by car, and around 70 mins by bus.