Looking to escape Edinburgh’s hustle and bustle in August? In search of some sand between the toes? Head to the glorious seaside town of North Berwick from August 10–16 for a taste of the Edinburgh Fringe in miniature as the town’s annual Fringe By the Sea Festival returns with its usual impressive line-up of performers.
Located just a 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh Waverley, performances are hosted both harbour-side and throughout the town in venues including the impressive Parisian style Palais des Glaces and La Gaiete Spiegletents, which are imported especially for the event.
Here are just five of the 2015 festival highlights:
Global superstar Joan Armatrading
She'll be making her debut appearance at the festival in what promises to be a very special performance of her unique brand of world-class folk-rock-blues music and song. Over the course of the evening she will open and share her songbook penned throughout her four decades at the top of the music game in this intimate setting.
Family entertainer Mr Boom
By popular demand, he's returning to the festival this year to delight and entertain the smaller members of your family. A regular visitor to planet Earth since 1984, Mr Boom (who lives on the moon) promises to get your little ones up singing and dancing along with him from start to finish. Funtimes for anyone aged three and up.
Tribute Thursday
An evening not to be missed with two of Scotland’s top rated tribute acts on stage to entertain the Spiegeltent masses. This year sees the Scottish Super Troopers and Dirty Harry perform hit after hit by pop icons ABBA and Blondie respectively.
Big Comic Friday
Friday night in the Palais des Glaces Spiegeltent is home to the festival’s comedy store, this year featuring BBC heavyweight Alan Davies, legends Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden and award-winning Canadian comedian Sean Cullen on the bill. A great value comedy line-up exported straight from the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Saturday Ska
Scottish ska band Bombskare are a feat of live entertainment that should be experienced at least once in any gig-going career. Even if you are not familiar with the genre, the challenge is to try and not find yourself bouncing around wildly with the crowd by the end of the first number. A truly awesome tour de force of live music – don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes!
Other events on during the festival include: Eddi Reader, Elaine C Smith in conversation, intriguing crime authors the Mulgray Twins, chef and cookery demonstrations, Chai Tea and Thai Chi workshops and much, much more for all the family.
Once again, there will be dedicated bar areas operating from early 'til late at the Spiegeltent enclosure, along with a street food and picnic area offering up a tasty selection of locally sourced morsels and beverages to visitors, regardless of whether you have tickets for a show.
With special late night buses and trains running between Edinburgh and North Berwick all week, this bijou festival provides Edinburgers with the perfect excuse to go coastal.
Tickets can be purchased via the festival’s website, or in person at the Harbour Hub, beside the Spiegeltents.
Fringe by the Sea, August 10-16, North Berwick.
Heading to the Fringe? Here's Time Out's pick of 74 comedy shows to see at this year's festival or if you fancy more time by the sea, here's some great beaches within easy reach of Edinburgh.