We should only regret chances we didn’t take
It’s been another tough year but there is still so much to see and get out of a visit to Edinburgh in August, even if you can only spare a few days.
A good first move would to read BTG Editor David’s guide, book accommodation and sign up to get the programme as soon as it becomes available.
There is lots of help available for those who need it.
The Festival web site provides a list of shows that offer BSL interpretation, captioning, audio description and relaxed performances, and there are sensory backpacks which are available to borrow (free of charge) for autistic children and adults.
There is an access ticket service and The Fringe Changing Places toilet providing an adult-sized changing bench and hoist for people who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet. This year, 60% of Fringe shows were in venues accessible to wheelchair users.
The number of types of shows can be dazzling but it does mean that there is something to suit every taste. There are lots of free shows, and discount ticket opportunities—and fingers crossed the app will be back in 2023. Theatre blogger Flora Gosling is amongst those who can prepare a bespoke programme of events if it all gets too much.
For those of us who can't make it to the Festival from one year to the next, we can enjoy it vicariously by watching the concurrent online events and going to Edinburgh previews and post-Festival transfers. Those I've spotted so far include Ruckus playing Southwark Playhouse next month and award-winning Wreckage playing Turbine Theatre in the new year, both of those are in London but after Edinburgh shows do also tour—it’s not just about the capitals.
Next year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 4 to 28 August 2023.