© Edinburgh Fringe

One of the largest arts festivals in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe has over the years even outgrown its parent event, the Edinburgh International Festival, which runs in tandem. Its origins go back to 1947 when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to the International Festival and were obliged to find alternative venues 'on the fringe' in order to perform. 'The Fringe' has grown to immense proportions and with many organised and impromptu events, it often gives unknown artists their first break. Claiming to be the world's largest festival, the organisers sell well over a million tickets each year for exhibitions, theatre, music and, the largest category of all, comedy acts. Performances are spread over hundreds of venues including many of the city's pubs and clubs.

Times
Various. A full festival programme is available from the organiser website.