Christine Jardine: Return of Edinburgh Festival Fringe ‘much needed boost’ for Capital

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The festival, which contributes more than £1 billion to the local economy, has been given the go ahead to return by organisers and is scheduled to run from August 6 to August 30.

It was announced on Tuesday that more than 200 performances will be staged at pop-up “pavilion” venues which are being planned to give the event the best possible chance of going ahead in August.

A mix of Scottish, UK and international artists will feature in the EIF’s programme of music, theatre and opera productions.

The full line-up will be announced in the first week of June ahead of tickets going on sale later in the month.

It is understood that the Edinburgh International Festival will be able to accommodate audiences of up to 800, depending on official guidelines.

Liberal Democrat MP, Christine Jardine heralded the announcement as a “much needed boost” after last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “This is fantastic news for Edinburgh. The return of the fringe will provide a much needed boost for everyone in the city after many tough months of living under restrictions.

“We all know the importance of the Fringe to businesses and jobs so it is such a relief that the festival will take place this year.

“It is now up to the Scottish Government to issue clear guidance so that organisers and businesses can properly plan for August.”

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