The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has announced details of the Fringe 2023 street events programme.
As in past years, the Royal Mile will have a bustling programme of family-friendly performers from 11:00 every day. Street performers will bring theatre, comedy and circus skills, with magic, music and sideshows in busker pitches dotted around the area. Over 500 buskers will be performing over the festival.
In a tradition dating back decades, each day at 10 am a street events draw will define the performances which will take place that day. A list of those performing will then be published on the Fringe web site and shared across Fringe social media channels.
Working towards making the Fringe more accessible, the Fringe Society are again working with the team at Deaf Action, and BSL interpreted street performances will take place on various days throughout the Fringe, at the stage in West Parliament Square.
The Fringe Society will be running a bar on Mound Precinct with sponsor Belhaven Brewery. A large circle pitch will be central to this space, for daily street performance across a huge range of artforms. The popular Taster Stage for Fringe acts will also return this year, with an opportunity for local community groups to perform over three days of the festival.
St James Quarter will once again be joining the street events programme this year following a successful debut in 2022. Supported by Essential Edinburgh, they will be showcasing Fringe artists by programming 33 busker performances during the festival.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: "The street events programme is a must-see for residents and visitors alike, when these iconic streets of Edinburgh are host to street artists and buskers from all over the world; whether they've been performing for decades or a first timer, the Fringe street events showcases a range of talents, skills and styles guaranteed to lift your day! Bring the family, enjoy the sights and sounds, Fill Yer Boots, and don't forget to tip performers!"