Teams across NHS Lothian are preparing for the annual influx of visitors during Edinburgh’s world-famous Festivals.
The city’s population doubles to around a million throughout August as people from across the world enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and more.
NHS Lothian has a number of arrangements in place to make sure visitors can access healthcare if they need it, while continuing to provide routine and planned care for local residents.
Visitors are being urged to take the same route as locals and call 111 if they have an urgent injury or illness.
Experienced NHS 24 advisors will direct them to the most appropriate service to make sure they get the right care in the right place. NHS 24 also has an interpretation service for those whose first language is not English.
Depending on a patient’s circumstances, they may be given an appointment for a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), be asked to attend a local pharmacy, or be given an appointment at a GP Practice which provides care and treatment for visitors who are not registered with a GP in the city.
Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We want everyone visiting Edinburgh during the Festivals to enjoy their time here, but if they become unwell or suffer an urgent injury, the best thing to do is call NHS 24 on 111. They should not turn up at a hospital.
“It’s important to stress that there is no walk-in service for visitors, but by calling 111 they will be able to access necessary healthcare 24/7.
“They will also be seen sooner than walking into a busy hospital A&E department that will prioritise patients and work in order of clinical urgency.
“The message is the same for visitors and local residents alike. If you need urgent healthcare, call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.”
Gilded Balloon has returned to its beloved home at Teviot Row House for the first time since August 2023.
Scotland’s leading producer of live comedy and entertainment year-round and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has opened its doors to the public today across its four venues: Gilded Balloon Teviot, The Gilded Saloon, Gilded Balloon at the Museum, and Gilded Balloon Patter House.
Teviot, The University of Edinburgh’s student union, and the world’s oldest purpose-built student union, reopened its doors in March following a two-and-a-half-year refurbishment. The venue has been home to Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2001.
Gilded Balloon’s exciting 2026 programme features 225 shows spanning comedy, theatre, magic, cabaret, musicals and more from today until Monday 31st August.
Famous faces taking the stage include Graham Nortonand Maria McErlane, Gregor Fisher, Rich Hall, Deborah Frances-White, Mariella Frostrup, Gina Bellman, Phil Nichol, Fiona Allen, Fred MacAulay, Jack Docherty, Grace Campbell, Mhairi Black, Jimmy Rees, Paul Black, Jamie Kilstein, Tom Read Wilson, Kim Blytheand many more.
At the heart of the programme are several flagship Gilded Balloon productions and co-productions, showcasing the very best of comedy, theatre, conversation and live events. Highlights include the return of five-star hit Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas; the world premiere of Lois-Amber Toole‘s powerful new playSLAY; acclaimed US comedian Jamie Kilstein’s Can’t Tie Knots; reigning So You Think You’re Funny? champion Madeleine Brettingham‘s debut hour Legend.
Jack Docherty will also return with his eagerly awaited Butterfly;Mhairi Blackreturns withDifficult Second Album; broadcaster Mariella Frostrup will presentCracking the Menopause; the award-winning podcast The Guilty Feminist will take to the stage; iconic Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay’s showcases In Conversation as well as his new stand-up showGood Evening!; Wanging On – Livewith Graham Norton and Maria McErlane will have its stage debut; the next generation of storytellers will tread the boards in Story Platform; and the ever-popular Comedy Night at the Museumalso returns.
Beloved Gilded Balloon institutions also return to Teviot, with an iconic line-up of comedians taking to the stage every night for Late’n’Live, the legendary late-night showcase that has become a cornerstone of the Fringe. Meanwhile,So You Think You’re Funny? continues its search for the next generation of comedy stars through its competition heats and grand final, as well as celebrating its brightest new talent with Best of So You Think You’re Funny?
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “Coming home to Teviot is a really emotional moment for all of us. It has been at the heart of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe story for more than 25 years, and while we’ve loved creating new homes across the city during that time, there is something truly special about returning to the place where so many unforgettable Fringe memories have been made.
“We’ve spent the past three years looking forward to this moment, and we’re returning with our biggest and most ambitious programme yet.
Underbelly announces 8 acts for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Nish Kumar, Rhys James, Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.
Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit takes place on Wednesday 19 August, 7pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square.
All box office income (less VAT and commissions) will be donated to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s Lab at The Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge, helping to fund new treatments for the most aggressive forms of brain tumours in children.
Underbelly’s Big Brain Benefit shows have to date raised over £200,000, contributing to over £800,000 raised by Underbelly and Ed & Lucinda Bartlam’s Angel Child Fund since its inception.
Underbelly announces a line-up of comedy acts for the 8th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit. The event will take place at 7:00pm in the McEwan Hall on Wednesday 19 August.
Starring in this year’s show is critically acclaimed comic Nish Kumar, Mock the Week regular Rhys James, award-winning stand-up comedian Rosie Jones, comic and SNL UK cast member Larry Dean.
They will be joined by Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show nominees, Emmanuel Sonubi (Live at the Apollo) and Irish stand-up comedian and radio host Catherine Bohart (TL;DR, BBC Radio 4). Australian comedian and actress, Felicity Ward (Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here) will also make an appearance. The event will be hosted by stand-up comedian and radio DJ Justin Moorhouse.
The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, three days after the end of the festival in 2019.
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “It’s always such a special moment for us to announce the line-up to Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the brilliant comedians and audiences for continuing to generously support this event. This year’s show marks the start of an incredibly exciting new fundraising drive for us, supporting the work of world-leading oncologist Professor Richard Gilbertson and his lab at the Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge.
“Underbelly and our wider Angel Child Fund will be fundraising for two new, groundbreaking projects that Professor Gilbertson and his team are working on to find cures for brain tumours in children. There is genuinely no better person for us (and you the audience!) to be supporting in this field and we’re thrilled to launch this partnership at the show this year.”
PICTURED: Rosie Jones (Top Left), Nish Kumar (Credit: Matt Stronge, Top Right), Rhys James (Credit: Matt Crockett, Bottom Left), Catherine Bohart (Bottom Right).
From Liz Truss and Keir Starmer to JFK conspiracies and razor-sharp satire, theSpaceUK’s political programme proves that truth is still stranger than fiction.
Politics has never been short of drama, but at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, theSpaceUK is inviting audiences to look beyond the headlines – or, at the very least, beyond the latest Truth Social post.
Leading the line-up is broadcaster and political commentator Steve Richards, whose hugely popular Steve Richards Presents Rock and Roll Politics returns to the Fringe. With the halls of Westminster continuing to deliver twists that few could have predicted, Richards superb show combines forensic political analysis with his trademark “unreliable” predictions, making it a new show every day as events continue to unfold.
Current politics also comes under scrutiny in The Unsolvable Case of Keir Starmer, from Chasing Rainbows. Through a series of imagined therapy sessions, the play charts Starmer’s journey from respected lawyer to Prime Minister, asking where it all began to unravel.
Political history comes under the microscope in The Umbrella Man: What We Talk About When We Talk About the JFK Assassination, written and performed by Martin Fitzgerald. Rather than simply retreading old conspiracy theories, the show shines a light on the ordinary people who happened to be in Dealey Plaza on that fateful day.
A show that should last longer than a lettuce is The Last Days Of Liz Truss?, from Oxia Theatre Company and Emma Wilkinson Wright. Set on the former Prime Minister’s final morning in Downing Street, the award-winning production is part comedy, all tragedy. Following a West End transfer to The Other Palace earlier this year, the show comes to Edinburgh with Emma Wilkinson Wright’s acclaimed portrayal of one of Britain’s most extraordinary political figures
Meanwhile, The Painted Revolutionary, presented by Tip Top Theatre Collective, approaches politics from an entirely different angle. In this biting new satire, abstract political concepts become flawed, recognisable characters, with Struggle, Order and others navigating questions of responsibility, power and change. This is an imaginative examination of political ideals and the messy reality of putting them into practice
Closer to home, Cubicle Dialogue, presented by the University of York Drama Society, relocates political conflict to the fluorescent-lit offices of a struggling local authority. As Labour falters nationally and Reform rises locally, civil servants and councillors find it increasingly difficult to maintain neutrality. Part workplace comedy and all political satire.
If the news has left you bewildered, exhausted or simply looking for something different, these shows prove there’s still no better place than the Fringe to argue, laugh and wrestle with the big political questions.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary as the world’s first purpose-built home for live storytelling, the Scottish Storytelling Centre (SSC) is marking Fringe 2026 with one of its most ambitious programmes to date – presenting 33 shows spanning storytelling, theatre, music and spoken word and becoming the first venue on the Craigmillar Tapestry’s city-wide exhibition tour.
This year for Fringe, audiences can journey from Shetland to Ancient Greece and beyond through contemporary retellings of myths, legends and traditional tales while acclaimed theatre explores Scottish language, identity, history and culture with exciting new work from home-grown and international artists.
The community-created Craigmillar Tapestry will take pride of place in the SSC’s exhibition space from 24 July to 31 August before continuing its tour across Edinburgh to Portobello, Craigmillar, Newcraighall and The Inch.
The Craigmillar Tapestry has been stitched by over 500 residents of Craigmillar and Niddrie, documenting the rich history of the area with makers weaving in elements of their own experience and cultures into the work – including traditional Syrian stitching, names of local activists and important landmarks around the area.
Each panel has been designed by Craigmillar-born artist Andrew Crummy MBE in consultation with communities around the Greater Craigmillar area. Crummy has also worked on the Great Tapestry of Scotland, now housed in a purpose-built venue in Galashiels, and several other community-stitched tapestries.
The Craigmillar Tapestry is a particularly personal project, as the artist returns to his roots in Craigmillar and honours the legacy of his mother, the extraordinary activist and founding leader of the pioneering Craigmillar Festival Society, Helen Crummy MBE.
Andrew Crummy said: “All the tapestries I am involved with, like The Great Tapestry of Scotland are based on Community Arts ethos developed by The Craigmillar Festival Society.
“A way of using the Arts that has inspired and travelled the world. It is an honour to be involved in developing this Tapestry, with many involved, telling fantastic stories from an amazing community.
“It was originally an idea from my mother, the late Helen Crummy in 2010, who wanted to celebrate not only the history of Craigmillar, but all those who helped Craigmillar become a vibrant and rich community. As Helen’s favourite song says “History will be made, when the people play their part.”
The twenty tapestry panels celebrate the area’s history – with many illustrating historic sites that can be visited today such as the Neolithic ‘Niddrie Standing Stone’ on Greendykes Road, the remarkable, Medieval Craigmillar Castle.
Other highlight pivotal historic contributions local people have made to Scottish life over the centuries, such as a panel dedicated to Agnes Moffat, a child coal-bearer who gave evidence to a national inquiry into child labour practices by the ‘Children’s Employment Commission’ in 1842.
Local stitcher Heather Henderson said:“I have been involved with the Craigmillar Tapestry since the start. I have enjoyed watching, taking part & teaching in helping to bring Andrew’s drawings for every panel, come alive with the stitches.
“I am so proud when I see every panel finished. It’s such an honour to see them. It’s done leaps and bounds with my mental health and it gives me a purpose to go out.”
Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Interim Head of Programming, Lauren Paterson says:‘Our Fringe 2026 programme explores the connections and common ground we share across time, language and culture and it is therefore fitting that for Fringe 2026 and for the Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, we can house this wonderful piece of art that champions community connection and collective local history.
“We’re so looking forward to welcoming the Tapestry and all those who will come to see it. The Tapestry will be displayed in the Storytelling Court, where every single audience member attending a show will get to see and engage with it, making it the real heart of our programme this year.”
Families who fled the war in Ukraine and arrived in Scotland will take to the Edinburgh Fringe stage this August in a moving new performance exploring freedom, identity and belonging.
On 21 August, Mission of Innocents will present Liberty at C Aurora at Lauriston Halls for one night only. The production has been created and directed by Tetiana Hordiienko, an award-winning Ukrainian choreographer and director who built a career of more than two decades across theatre, television and film before rebuilding her own life in Scotland.
Drawing on both her professional experience and personal experience of the war, Liberty brings together Ukrainian families to tell a story of freedom, identity and belonging through dance, music and projected visuals.
Spanning the 1990s to the present day, Liberty reflects the history of Ukraine and its people, highlighting the strength they have shown through decades of fighting for freedom.
Featuring performers as young as eight-years-old, it draws on the performer’s own experiences of displacement following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
From living aboard temporary accommodation ships in Leith and Govan to finding friendship, confidence and a sense of belonging in Scotland, the production traces a journey from uncertainty and upheaval to hope and opportunity.
Tetiana Hordiienko, Creative Director of Liberty said: “When I came to Scotland, I wanted to create something that would help Ukrainian children reconnect with their culture while giving them confidence in their new home.
“Liberty has been created with and for the families taking part, and every scene reflects their own experiences.Ukrainian culture runs through every part of the show, from the music to the movement.
“Blending contemporary dance with traditional influences, Liberty celebrates not only the country’s rich heritage but also the creativity and spirit of its people. Full of energy and colour, it carries audiences with it on an unforgettable journey.”
For many of the families involved, Liberty is a celebration of how far they have come since arriving in Scotland. It reflects the confidence, friendships and brighter future they have built through Mission of Innocents’ creativity-led programmes.
Nataliia Pidruchna, Director of Children’s Programmes at Mission of Innocents, said: “These children have lived through experiences that most adults would struggle to comprehend. Some arrived in Scotland unable to speak English, having left behind family members, friends and everything familiar to them.
“What audiences will see on stage is a story about friendship, identity, hope and the extraordinary resilience of our performers. Every movement, piece of music and creative decision has been shaped by their own experiences and imagination.”
The show marks Mission of Innocents’ second appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe following last year’s successful performance of Life in One Suitcase. While the company’s debut told the story of arriving in Scotland, Liberty explores what it means to rebuild a life, create a sense of belonging and continue the fight for freedom.
Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, said:“The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the world’s great stages for storytelling and these young people have earned the right to have their stories heard.
“Many of the performers in Liberty first arrived in Scotland living in temporary accommodation, uncertain what the future would hold. To see them now standing on a Fringe stage, sharing their culture, their creativity and their voices with an international audience, feels incredibly special.
“Their journey is remarkable and says so much about the resilience of these young people and the power of creativity to help those rebuild confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.”
Performers hope the audiences will leave feeling hopeful and inspired, carried by the warmth, joy and energy that they bring to the stage.
Mission of Innocents is a Scottish charity which helps children displaced by war, conflict and crisis feel safe again, rebuild confidence and rediscover hope through creativity. Since 2022, it has worked with hundreds of young people from Ukraine and other conflict affected communities, using art, music, dance and storytelling to help restore confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
To book tickets to the Liberty performance on the 21st August, please visit:
The Stand Comedy Club in partnership with The List Magazine and The Comedy Unit is proud to launch a brand-new Edinburgh Fringe award for 2026: The McTavish Award.
The McTavish Award will recognise the most outstanding Fringe show by a Scottish or Scottish-based act. The prize is sponsored by W Edinburgh and will include a £2.5k prize, a fringe run or tour in our venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Newcastle plus development mentoring with The Comedy Unit for TV or radio.
We’re incredibly excited to launch this award, however we need your help to make it happen!
We’re looking for a team of passionate comedy fans to come onboard as volunteers and help us create a longlist of shows to support our industry panel in choosing the winner. If you love live comedy and think you’d be a great at reviewing shows, apply now via the link in our bio!
This award has been established in memory of Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish.
Paul built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most original and fearless comedians, and was renowned for his kindness and generosity. He championed Scottish talent throughout his career, and The McTavish Award has been created to honour that legacy by recognising and celebrating exceptional Scottish comedians.
EH, KY, FK and G postcode residents can enjoy more than 140 Edinburgh Fringe shows for just £6
Gilded Balloon is inviting its neighbours to experience this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe for less with the launch of Postcode Pals – a special ticket initiative offering £6 tickets to local audiences.
Running from 10am on Monday 20 July until 6pm on Friday 31 July, the limited-time offer is available exclusively to residents with EH, KY, FK and G postcodes, giving them access to more than 140 shows taking place between 5–9 August, while availability lasts.
With the cost of living continuing to impact audiences, Gilded Balloon is introducing the scheme as a way of ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy the Fringe on their doorstep.
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said:“As an Edinburgh-based venue, we want to encourage our neighbours to come to our shows. The Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year, but we know that rising costs can make it harder for local people to take part.
“Postcode Pals is our way of saying thank you to the communities that support us year-round and making it easier for them to discover brilliant comedy, theatre, music, family shows and more.”
The offer covers an exciting cross-section of Gilded Balloon’s 2026 programme, including performances from Jack Docherty, Mhairi Black, Fiona Allen, Kim Blythe, Michelle Shocked, Madeleine Brettingham, Jamie Kilstein and Phil Nichol. Audiences can also enjoy acclaimed musicals includingDoris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas, HR: The Musical and Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Musical, alongside powerful theatre productions including SLAYand CADEL: Lungs on Legs, and family shows The Kobold Show!, Mama G: The Magic Bookmark and Bring Yer Bairn Comedy plus more than 140 comedy, theatre, music, family and spoken word shows taking part in the promotion.
How to claim the offer
Residents with EH, KY, FK or G postcodes can:
Log in to their Gilded Balloon account.
Ensure the billing address on their account includes a valid eligible postcode.
Scheme to reward Edinburgh locals returns with reduced tickets for huge shows including Jason Byrne, Scaramouche Jones, Ted Hill, Susie McCabe, Ben Hart and more
Residents across the Central Belt can also access discounts
Assembly Festival has announced the return of its hugely popular Local Residents discount for 2026 with reduced tickets now available to Edinburgh locals for some of the Fringe’s biggest and best shows.
Over 175 shows will offer £8.25 tickets for residents across Edinburgh and the Central Belt including Jason Byrne, Afrique en Cirque, Jess Robinson, Susie McCabe, Ten Thousand Hours, Scaramouche Jones and more.
Edinburgh locals in EH postcodes will have access to discounted shows, plus the scheme opens up to Fringe fans across the Central Belt in Glasgow, Falkirk and more. Music shows and food workshops taking place at Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival from 24 July – 02 August will be included.
Inviting locals to take a chance on something new and discover even more at the Fringe, discounted tickets will be available from 10am 14 July until 11.59pm 26 July (or until allocations run out) for Assembly Festival Fringe performances from 05 – 09 August for residents in EH postcodes FK, G, KY, ML and DG.
Residents across the Central Belt can take advantage of the discounts with postcodes in Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Stirling, Motherwell and Dumfries and Galloway all included in the scheme.
(T&Cs: 2 tickets per performance, max 6 tickets per transaction. £8.25 includes £1.25 booking fees Subject to availability.)
Edinburgh locals can take advantage of the offer in the Fringe’s opening days, meaning they can be amongst the first to take in shows from Ndlovu Youth Choir, Superbowl Salsa, Mythos: Ragnarök, Susie McCabe and more.
Encompassing shows across comedy, cabaret, circus, dance, theatre, family shows and more, thousands of tickets will be available within the scheme.
Comedy fans can see the hottest rising stars including award-winners from Australia Lizzy Hoo, Scout Boxall and Noah Szto making their Edinburgh debuts, plus some of the UK’s biggest comedy stars from Jason Byrne to Frank Skinner, Susie McCabe, Mike Wozniak and more.
Irish comics Grace Mulvey and Gearóid Farrelly are sure to impress, whilst cult hits ‘Underground Monk Show’ and ‘Police Cops in Space’ are all included.
Locals can bag discounted tickets for some of the Fringe’s most impressive theatre shows including ‘Scaramouche Jones’ directed by Olivier award-winning Guy Masterson, ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ starring David Westhead and directed by acting legend Stockard Channing as well as up-and-coming theatre ‘Prophets’ and ‘BearGirl’.
Families can enjoy the last days of summer holidays with reduced tickets for all the family including the Fringe debut of ‘Ndlovu Youth Choir’ whose fans include Tom Holland of Spiderman fame and Simon Cowell, as they perform hits from ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Waka Waka’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Higher Love’.
For bigger kids, families can check out jaw-dropping contemporary circus ‘Ten Thousand Hours’ and ‘By A Thread’.
Music fans can pick up discounts for hit shows ‘27 Club’, diving into the legend and lore of famed musical icons like Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and more whilst ‘Joni Mitchell: Take Me As I Am’ is a must for fans of the Canadian singer-songwriter and more.
For the best of the Fringe, check out ‘Frisky’s Remix Roulette’ and her incredible live band, or Reuben Kaye’s brand-new show. And for mind-bending magic enjoy discounted tickets for the Festival’s most acclaimed magicians Ben Hart, Kevin Quantum and more.
Plus, Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival events including family-friendly shows ‘Circus The Show’ , ‘Explosive Science Show’ and ‘Comedy Club 4 Kids’ will take part in the scheme as well as folk gigs from An Dannsa Dub, Breabach, Dlù and more.
Marking the Edinburgh company’s 45th season at the world’s biggest arts festival, Assembly will return to six venue hubs with over 245 genre-spanning shows featuring international and homegrown acts from 05 – 31 August 2026. Assembly will operate across: George Square Gardens, Assembly Rooms, Assembly Hall, Assembly Roxy and Dance Base, plus Shedinburgh takes over Checkpoint in a new partnership for 2026.
We have six pairs of Fringe Days Out vouchers (worth £30) up for grabs for NEA Ordinary Members.
These can be used to book tickets to any shows that are part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. All NEA Ordinary Members will be entered into a draw, with six lucky winners picked at random.
Not a Member yet? Sign up by end of the day Monday 20 July and have your name added to the prize draw to be in with a chance of winning:
