Fringe-theatre artists are being invited to perform at a new festival which takes place in Birmingham just before Edinburgh.
Birmingham Fest will celebrate the second city’s venues and arts scene in a two-and-a-half-week programme of events.
A festival spokesman said, “Birmingham has fantastic theatres and performance venues. It has the potential to host a festival to rival and possibly better other cities.
“This festival will be great for the city and its arts scene. As well as having an eclectic programme of performances, it will introduce companies and patrons to some of the city’s venues that they may not be familiar with.
“It’s also an excellent opportunity for performers in a pre-Edinburgh slot. Artists and companies may use this festival as a taster before going to Edinburgh or as a stop-over.
“They may use it as a try-out before taking the leap. Others may use it as a less expensive alternative, especially those in the southern half of the country”.
Applications for the festival, which takes place between 12 and 28 July in venues across the city, can be submitted through the Birmingham Fest web site.