Each year at Edinburgh Fringe is more exciting than the last and builds on a rich heritage – the festival dates back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival without an invite. Increasing numbers of performers descended on the city every year, until in 1958 the Fringe Society was set up to help with development but not vet the festival’s programme – a policy which is key to the incredible diversity of the festival to this day.

Artists and performers will take to stages all over the city and you can create your own entirely unique schedule incorporating ticketed, free and street performances. There are big names of course but it’s also the perfect place to discover artists at the start of their careers – and from comedy and theatre to spoken word and dance, there really is something for everybody to enjoy with more than 3,300 shows announced so far!

Sara Pascoe (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and Frankie Boyle's New World Order) first performed at the Fringe in 2010 and returns this year with her show ‘Sara Pascoe: I Am a Strange Gloop’ at Monkey Barrel Comedy, inspired by her experiences after having two babies and very little sleep.

Fringe improv regular Paul Merton (Have I Got News for You?, Whose Line is it Anyway?) descends on Pleasance Courtyard with his wife and fellow comedy star Suki Webster for their appropriately named show, ‘Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show’ – expect improvised games, deadpan delivery and surrealist notes.

Experience a work-in-progress show from Nish Kumar (The Mash Report, Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo) as he presents ‘Nish Kumar: Nish Don’t Kill My Vibe’. It’s set to be politically charged and absolutely silly in equal measure. 

Following a sold-out world premiere in Mexico City, Comala Comala travels to Zoo Southside with its Day of the Dead-inspired theatrical experience. The musical is an imaginative and intimate reimagining of Pedro Páramo’s novel by playwright Conchi León – book now for copious amounts of folklore, revenge and mezcal.

Drum at Underbelly, Cowgate follows two Ghanaian creatives navigating identity and success and sold out its critically acclaimed run at Omnibus Theatre in 2022. Storytelling, music and dance come together to capture the spirit of the swinging sixties. 

Enjoy the talent of the Scottish Dance Theatre in their show The Flock and Moving Cloud at Zoo Southside. Inspired by the migration of birds, it’s choreographed by Roser López Espinosa and Sofia Nappi, two of the most exciting female choreographers in the European dance scene.

If you’re seeking something light-hearted, the Sushi Tap Show at Greenside is a joyful combination of tap dance and comedy from Japanese group Tokyo Tap Do. The high-spirited show is bound to become a Fringe anecdote to remember.

Intellectual spoken word offerings include a reimagining of the myth of Achilles by storyteller and classicist Jo Kelen. Titled ‘Achilles, Death of the Gods’, it will be presented at Paradise Green.

Familiar Fringe faces David Harmer and Ray Globe of The Glummer Twins return to present The Beat Goes On at theSpaceUK, with stand-up spoken word comedy inspired by the decades that made them who they are today.

You’ll want to book as far in advance as possible to reserve a room for the Fringe, as guests from around the world visit the city especially for the festivities. Opt for a suite at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, which is made up of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses. It’s a quintessentially Scottish hotel with modern touches – we recommend unwinding with a drink in the glass-topped central courtyard.

With its landmark clock tower at No. 1 Princes Street, The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel was built in the Scottish baronial style at the fin de siècle. If you happen to have time to spare after the Fringe events, you can experience a complimentary Scotch tasting or a private tour of the heritage silversmiths Hamilton & Inches.

Of course, you can book these and other Edinburgh hotels with the ASMALLWORLD Collection.