Edinburgh Fringe can be a really daunting event as there is so much to see and so much to do that sometimes it can be hard to prepare as an audience member as to what you need to take with you or what you should do whilst you are there. I have only been a couple of times with an aim to go many more times in the future. The one thing I have realised is that I really wish there was something I could have read to prepare for the days I was there.

So, I thought this year let’s change that! For all those performing, we will have great advice throughout the month in our Funny At The Fringe interviews for what you should take, prepare etc. This article is for the audience member – newcomer, a regular, there for a day, there for a week – I hope this article will be able to help you over the next month get prepared for fringe.

Flyers and Street Shows

I think out of everything there is one thing that is highly underrated at the Fringe when you speak to people about it and that is the street entertainment and leaflets. Now, I am one of those people that hates being given a leaflet in the street but at the Edinburgh fringe there is an element of magic to it that actually can impress. 

I think the one thing that you learn very early on at the Fringe is that people and acts can be incredibly creative when it comes to selling their show. The best place to see some of the best promotions is the High Street, at peak Fringe it is absolutely buzzing and the free entertainment is mind blowing. 

 Some of the acts perform mini free sets to promote their show and it gives you an in depth glimpse at the talent that is included in the festival. Also, if you do not have time to see a lot of shows it can also give you an insight into the other shows that you may be missing out on.

Let’s talk about the people who are giving you the flyers – now I know they can be annoying but try and spend a little bit talking to the people that are handing out the leaflets, they can be really interesting. They can give you some key advice for the festival as well.

The one thing that you will notice is that the effort to promote a show is a lot and it is a lot of hard work for those who have been hired to help out. You never know you may even find a few shows you never thought about or even knew existed until you read a leaflet.