Scotland is striking in its diverse culture. It feels like you can discover amazing traditions there that you had only read about in books before. More at edinburghski.
Every city is a true embodiment of unique works of art, once created by the finest masters. These artists often came from various countries, allowing them to convey a piece of their homeland through their creativity.
In addition to this, Scotland hosts incredible events that have achieved international status. It’s not uncommon to meet participants from all corners of the globe.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. It is one of those very events through which Scotland successfully showcases its multiculturalism.
Artistic Rebellion as the Catalyst for Creation
The history of the festival began in 1947. The circumstances were quite intriguing, as the event essentially became an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, which was founded to celebrate European cultural life after the end of the Second World War.
As it turned out, eight theatre companies that did not receive an invitation to the official festival in that same year, 1947, decided not to give up. They chose instead to perform around the edges of the main event.
Who would have thought that such an act of artistic defiance would lay the foundation for the largest arts festival in the world—leading to the creation of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The Long-Awaited Official Format
As mentioned earlier, the initial eight groups formed the core of a festival that grew exponentially. By the 1950s, it was clear that The Edinburgh Festival Fringe had become an integral part of the city’s cultural life. The event attracted the attention of various performers, and the audience interest was high.
However, despite its considerable success and widespread interest, the festival remained informal for a long time. It was only in 1958 that The Fringe Society was established. It finally formalised the activities of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and, naturally, took on the many organisational issues that need resolving during the preparation phase. And this festival requires a great deal of problem-solving and the regulation of various nuances to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ultimately, it is much more convenient when one body is responsible for the official side of things. This also adds gravitas to the entire event and elevates it to a higher level.
Inclusivity and Variety
It is important to note that this festival significantly differs from other similar events due to its inherent inclusivity and variety. As its expansion became increasingly evident, this very trait became its hallmark.
Thus, its gradual growth allowed The Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s programme to include not only theatre performances but also circus acts, cabaret, children’s shows, dance routines, musical performances, and more.
Development and the Introduction of Modern Genres
It is worth noting separately that The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is constantly evolving. In other words, its organisers actively monitor the latest trends, aiming to make the festival programme more comprehensive and, naturally, responsive to the demands of contemporary audiences.
New styles and genres are continually added. After all, creativity does not stand still; it is constantly improving. This often happens through the combination of existing movements, resulting in something entirely new. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe strives to delight its audience with something unique as quickly as possible.
Thus, this festival can confidently be called a synonym for innovative views and creative freedom. Essentially, it is a platform for both emerging and established performers. Its audience mainly consists of people seeking new experiences. Given the event’s fan base, there are clearly many such people in Edinburgh. During the festival, the Scottish capital becomes extremely crowded and truly multinational, as a huge number of performers and spectators arrive.
The sheer variety of genres and styles presented at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is staggering. Furthermore, the open-access format allows the festival to remove unnecessary barriers between the audience and the art. Consequently, everyone can enjoy a wonderful mix of professional and amateur performances, discovering new directions for themselves or growing fonder of a particular creative format.
It must be said that an incredible atmosphere reigns at the festival; it is impossible not to be infected by this spirit of freedom, art, and talent. As a result, one might suddenly feel an urge to perform on The Edinburgh Festival Fringe stage too. This factor is likely the secret to the richness of the festival programme and, of course, the annual increase in the number of participants.