A local's guide to the Edinburgh Fringe
Every August, Edinburgh takes on a different rhythm. Familiar streets become stages, unexpected spaces turn into venues and the city welcomes performers and visitors from around the world.
For our Local’s Guide to the Fringe, we sat down with six Edinburgh locals to discover how they experience the city during its busiest month, from what to pack and what to see to making the most of our home city during its busiest month.
Nathan Rollinson
Photographer & Content Creator
Pack for a day that could take you anywhere.
Nathan keeps his camera close by to capture moments around the city, alongside a portable charger and, naturally, a cashmere jumper.
“The weather is very unpredictable, so I’d always have my cashmere jumper with me.”
Bhav Chowdary
Clinical Researcher & Content Creator
Don’t plan every moment.
Leaving the day open is Bhav’s approach to the Fringe. “Pick two to three shows and maybe leave room for exploring. You might end up loving something you didn’t plan.”
One show she discovered and recommends is Emma Holland’s Don’t Look at Me, which brings humour to a more personal story and offers something a little different from traditional comedy.
Ross Duncan
Social and PR Executive
Rediscover Edinburgh
For Ross, one of the best things about August is watching the city transform. “Edinburgh becomes a totally different city when the Fringe arrives in town. There are so many creatives buzzing about.It’s a time when inspiration can be found across the city, even in places you thought you already knew”.
Dixie Mirowski
Owner of Catalogue Interiors
Prepare for four seasons in one day.
“Edinburgh weather’s really unpredictable, so I’d definitely say a mini umbrella, your sunglasses and a little neck tie to keep you warm.”
When it comes to shows, Dixie likes to wait until later in the month and gather recommendations along the way. This year, comedian Lou Wall is on her list after seeing some of her work online.
Pippa Pirriam
Author & Content Creator
Embrace the unexpected.
Pippa loves the unpredictability that comes with Edinburgh in August. “I love that after work you can just roll into an evening, not sure what’s going to happen.” It’s that sense of never knowing where the evening might take you that makes the Fringe so special.
Hannah Robinson
Content Creator
Add these to your list.
Looking for something to add to your Fringe plans? “Going off friend recommendations is always great, because you come across things you might not normally have gone to. Two comedians that have been recommended and I really want to see are Sophie Garrod and Gary Starr.”