Top 10 Edinburgh Fringe tips
- Aug 11, 2011
This year’s world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe is underway, and Virgin Money is sponsoring the Fringe on the High Street and the Half Price Hut. As well as painting the town red, we’re hoping to bring our ethos of ‘everyone’s better off’ to life with the festival visitors in Edinburgh.
We’ve been taking in everything the fringe has to offer and here are our top 10 tips for discovering the festival:
1. Pack for all types weather
You’ll need sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, jumper, rain coat, and wellies. Edinburgh can be bathed in glorious sunshine but when it’s windy and raining it’s very cold and wet… (it could be very) and the sun can switch to rain in just five mins so carry it all with you!
2. Get yourself a copy of the Fringe programme
It’s available all over Edinburgh, and from the Fringe Shop on the High Street. You’ll find listings inside for all the shows and details of the venues. If you can’t track one down you can download a daily guide.
3. Download the official Fringe app for your phone
This year it’s available on both iPhone and android phones, the app is free and gives you show listings, maps to venues, ticket availability and you can keep a schedule of your shows so you know where to get to next. Most importantly you can buy tickets in the app and then pick them up without queuing from the fast ticket machines.
4. Walk the High Street
Before you spend any money on shows take a walk up the High Street, you’ll find street performers from all over the world singing, dancing, juggling, performing magic and acrobatics. While you’re walking along you’ll be handed flyers from every show taking place in the fringe giving you inspiration on what to see.
5. Visit the Fringe Shop
In the middle of the High Street the Fringe Shop is one of the main ticket booking and collection locations, and don’t forget to pick up this year’s must have Fringe Force merchandise.
6. Surprise yourself and try something different
It’s not all about the big name shows, there’s so much to see and you’ll surprise yourself if you give a little show a go. There are improv comedy shows, and comedy musicals a plenty, but be prepared to sit in an audience with numbers less than the people on stage.
7. See the must see sold out show
If there’s an act you want to see and it’s sold out, head to the venue. Some venues will have last minute tickets available before the doors open. But booking early for the big name shows will ensure you get a ticket.
8. Half price tickets or two for one with Friend of the Fringe
You’ll find the Virgin Money Half Price Hut down on the mound. Lots of shows have tickets available half price, and if you become a Friend of the Fringe you’ll get your access to the Friends Priority Box Office (with no queues) as well as two for one offers on certain shows.
9. You’ll need a map
Venues range from 500 seat theatres to the small tents and pub toilets spread all over the city of Edinburgh. There are free maps available that will help you get from venue to venue, you’ll find these being handed out at venues or ask at the information desk in the Fringe Shop.
10. Be prepared for audience participation
Many of the street acts rely on audience participation, ranging from children helping escapologists wriggle from handcuffs and straight jackets, to adults helping to ensure acrobats don’t fall from 15 foot high poles. And after the show, don’t be afraid to go and speak to the performers to let them know what you thought of their show.
If you’ve got your own hints and tips why not let us know in the comments below...
