Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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Name	Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Location	Edinburgh, Scotland
Founder	Rudolf Bing, Henry Harvey Wood
Start date	1947
Frequency	Annual
Genre	Theatre, Comedy, Music, Dance

Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The festival is the largest arts festival in the world, featuring a diverse range of performances, including theatre productions by companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre of Scotland, comedy acts such as Eddie Izzard and John Cleese, and music performances by artists like Ed Sheeran and Amy Macdonald. The festival has been held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland since 1947, and has become a major platform for emerging and established artists, including Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, and Rowan Atkinson. The festival has also hosted performances by renowned companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the London Symphony Orchestra.

History

The festival has its roots in the Edinburgh International Festival, which was founded in 1947 by Rudolf Bing and Henry Harvey Wood. The first Edinburgh Festival Fringe was held in 1947, with eight companies performing at the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the Bedlam Theatre. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and scope, with performances by artists like Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan. The festival has also been attended by royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, and has been supported by organizations like the British Council and the Scottish Arts Council. The festival has been influenced by other festivals, such as the Avignon Festival and the Salzburg Festival, and has in turn influenced festivals like the Adelaide Fringe and the Brighton Festival.

Organisation

The festival is organised by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, a charity that aims to support and promote the festival. The society is led by a Chief Executive, who is responsible for overseeing the festival's operations, and a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from organisations like the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government. The festival is also supported by a team of volunteers, who help with tasks like box office management and venue coordination. The festival has partnerships with organisations like the BBC, Channel 4, and the The Guardian, which provide media coverage and support. The festival also works with companies like Virgin Money and Festival Foods, which provide sponsorship and logistical support.

Venues_and_Events

The festival features a wide range of venues, including theatres like the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the King's Theatre, comedy clubs like the Gilded Balloon and the Pleasance, and music venues like the Usher Hall and the Queen's Hall. The festival also includes outdoor events, such as the Royal Mile street performances and the Edinburgh Castle concerts. The festival has hosted performances by companies like the National Theatre and the Royal Opera House, and has featured artists like Bjork and Radiohead. The festival has also included events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Awards and the Fringe Central industry events, which are supported by organisations like the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Theatre and Performance Research Association.

Participation_and_Attendance

The festival attracts a large and diverse audience, with attendees from all over the world, including Australia, Canada, and China. The festival has been attended by celebrities like Stephen Hawking and J.K. Rowling, and has been supported by organisations like the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The festival has also been recognised for its contribution to the Scottish economy, with an estimated impact of over £100 million. The festival has been studied by researchers from universities like the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, and has been the subject of books like The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: A History and The Fringe: A History of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Impact_and_Legacy

The festival has had a significant impact on the arts industry, with many artists and companies using the festival as a platform to launch their careers. The festival has also been recognised for its contribution to the cultural heritage of Scotland, with the Scottish Government providing funding and support. The festival has been awarded several honours, including the Theatrical Management Association's Theatre Award and the Herald Angel award. The festival has also been named as one of the Top 10 Festivals in the World by publications like The Times and The Guardian, and has been featured in documentaries like The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: A Documentary and Fringe: The Story of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The festival continues to be an important part of the Edinburgh cultural scene, with support from organisations like the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. Category:Arts festivals in Scotland