Our Guide to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, founded in 1947, is the largest arts festival in the world. It began as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, when eight uninvited theatre groups turned up and performed on the fringe of the main festival.

Over the decades, it has grown exponentially, welcoming performers from all artistic disciplines and from every corner of the globe.

With thousands of shows in various genres and venues spread across the city, the Fringe is a vibrant celebration of creativity and expression.

And here’s our comprehensive guide to making the most of your experience, including top tips and advice on booking chauffeur-driven transport for a stylish and timely arrival and departure.

Planning Your Visit

Dates and Venues

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 runs from August 2 to August 26. Shows take place across hundreds of venues in Edinburgh, ranging from large theatres to intimate bars and street corners. Key venues include:

The Assembly Rooms
Pleasance Courtyard
Gilded Balloon
Underbelly
The Space UK
Booking Tickets

Tickets for shows can be booked online through the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's official website or at various box offices around the city.

Book Early: Popular shows sell out quickly, so book as early as possible.

Day Tickets: If a show is sold out, check for day tickets, which are often released on the day of the performance.

Free Shows: Many shows operate on a 'pay what you want' basis. These can be a great way to experience the festival without breaking the bank.

Making the Most of the Festival

Plan Your Schedule

With thousands of shows to choose from, planning is key:

Research: Look up reviews and recommendations online.
Mix It Up: Experience a variety of genres, from comedy and theater to music and dance.
Be Flexible: Leave some gaps in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries.

To enhance your experience consider using the Bloomberg Connects App. This free app provides access to a wealth of information and resources for festival-goers including:

Show Listings: Browse through the full list of shows, read descriptions, and check schedules.
Venue Information: Get detailed information about each venue, including maps and accessibility options.
Artist Profiles: Learn more about the performers and their previous work.
Interactive Maps: Navigate the city and find the quickest routes to your next show.
Personalised Schedule: Create and manage your own schedule, ensuring you don't miss any of your must-see performances.
Real-time Updates: Receive notifications about last-minute changes, ticket availability, and special events.

Otherwise visit the Fringe Festival website for listings.

Explore Beyond the Shows

Edinburgh has much to offer beyond the festival:

Historic Sites: Visit Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile.
Parks: Relax in Princes Street Gardens or hike up Arthur's Seat for stunning views.
Dining: Enjoy Scottish cuisine at local pubs and restaurants.

Arrive and Leave in Style

To ensure you arrive and leave the festival in style and comfort, consider booking one of our luxury, chauffeur-driven cars. This will ensure you arrive at your shows on time without the stress of navigating public transport. You’ll also be able to make a swift exit, beating the crowds, so you can make any onward travel connections.

And finally, our top tips:

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: With so much to see and do, it's easy to forget to eat and drink. Keep a water bottle and snacks handy.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Carry a Portable Charger: Keep your phone charged for maps, schedules, and staying in touch.
Network: The festival is a great place to meet like-minded individuals and industry professionals.
Be Open-Minded: Some of the best experiences come from unexpected places and performances.

By planning ahead, staying flexible, you can make the most of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 and enjoy an unforgettable experience.