Britpop classics brought to life by Blur’s Alex James, full orchestra and special guest appearances.

Alex James’ Britpop Classical brings the unforgettable anthems of the 90s to life, fusing the raw energy of the era’s biggest hits, with the breathtaking power of a full orchestra.

Led by Blur’s Alex James with cameos from some very special guests, this unique concert reimagines the songs that defined a generation, delivering an electrifying blend of melodies and stunning classical arrangements.

Featuring a live band alongside the orchestra, Britpop’s definitive songs take on a new dimension. From the infectious energy of Blur and Oasis to the rebellious spirit of Pulp and Supergrass, every track is elevated to soaring new heights.

This unique fusion of rock and orchestral music amplifies the raw emotion and power behind each song, transforming beloved classics into sweeping, cinematic performances.

Experience the enduring spirit in an unforgettable celebration of British music history with Alex James’ Britpop Classical.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Britpop for the first time, this one-of-a-kind showcase promises unforgettable memories where nineties nostalgia meets timeless orchestral brilliance.

Support to be announced.

A limited number of Under 18s tickets are available for this event.

This is a standing event.

A limited number of seats are available to reserve by selecting the Accessible Platform ticket.

The Big Top venue is wheelchair accessible. If you require further information on accessibility please visit our Accessibility Guide or contact info@fringebythesea.com.

All ages are welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.

A limited number of Under 18s tickets are available for this event.

Happy Bus Add On Ticket: View the add-ons for this event to see the Happy Bus services to Haddington, Dunbar and Edinburgh plus a Glasgow return service.

 

 

After years of busking and sharing covers on YouTube, the time has come for Rianne Downey to step into the spotlight with the release of her debut album, A Consequence of Love. The record showcases the Scottish rising star’s love of country music, with songs that explore love and loss, both romantic and familial and, on the soaring title track, the importance of putting herself first.

Rianne Downey is a Scottish singer-songwriter who began her musical journey at just 16. While attending Cardinal Newman High School, she was awarded the prestigious James McAvoy Scholarship to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Now a true Scottish sensation, Downey has captured national attention through her collaboration with Paul Heaton of The Beautiful South, providing stunning vocals on his recent tour and winning over audiences across the UK.

Rooted in country and folk, Downey’s album also weaves in unorthodox Celtic touches, giving it a distinctive and slightly off-beat charm. The beautiful sound mirrors Rianne’s own journey as an artist, a unique path that comes to life on stage, making this festival performance the perfect chance to experience her story and songs up close.

Support act to be announced.

*This is a standing event. A limited number of seats are available to customers with accessibility requirements by selecting the Accessible Platform ticket. *

*The Lodge stage venue is wheelchair accessible. If you require further information on accessibility please visit our [Accessibility Guide](https://www.fringebythesea.com/accessibility-2/) or contact info@fringebythesea.com. *

*All ages are welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.*

 

 

 

Ben Fogle first arrived in our world on the BBC’s groundbreaking millennium project Castaway, spending a year on the remote island of Taransay.

Since then, he has become one of Britain’s best-known adventurers and storytellers, leading teams of would be explorers through Extreme Dreams and Extreme Andes and presenting programmes including Countryfile and Animal Park as well as documentaries filmed in Botswana and Antartica.

Ben’s own expeditions are legendary, he has rowed the Atlantic with James Cracknell, setting a British record despite hurricanes, capsizes and exhaustion. The pair also raced to the South Pole, rode a rickshaw from Edinburgh to London and trekked across the empty Quarter desert.

A bestselling author, many times over, Ben continues to inspire with stories of resilience, exploration and the natural world.

He joins us for an in-depth chat about a life lived on the edge of adventure.

Ben will be available for a (time-limited) book signing after the event. His book will be available to purchase at the event, during Fringe by the Sea 31st July – 9th August) through Night Owl Books.

*This is a seated event. The Big Top venue is wheelchair accessible.*

*Live captioning is available at this event.*

*If you require further information on accessibility please visit our [Accessibility Guide ](https://www.fringebythesea.com/accessibility-2/ )or contact info@fringebythesea.com*

*All ages are welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.*

 

Book your Happy Bus for Saturday 1st August whether you’re heading to Alex James Britpop Classical or soaking up a full day at Fringe by the Sea, enjoy a direct, reliable bus journey across East Lothian, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

All services depart from St Baldred’s Road, North Berwick at 11:20pm, and run direct to key destinations:

North Berwick ➜ Haddington (Boots, High Street)
£12 single + booking fee

North Berwick ➜ Dunbar (Train Station)
£13 single + booking fee

North Berwick ➜ Edinburgh (Burns Monument, Regents Rd)
(with stops at Longniddry & Prestonpans Train Stations and Portobello High Street)
£14 single + booking fee

Glasgow ➜ North Berwick ➜ Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station)
Return service, departing Glasgow at 4pm and returning at 11:20pm
Stopping at North Lanarkshire & Livingston
£36 return + booking fee

All services – apart from the Glasgow return – will operate as single-journey routes home.

Terms & Conditions can be found HERE

Please enter your phone number at checkout so we can notify you by SMS of any bus service changes.

Happy Bus has been operating across the country since 1996, getting people to some of the biggest gigs, festivals and shows up and down the UK.

Happy Bus works in partnership with onboard:earth to make travel to events more sustainable, helping reduce carbon emissions and support environmentally responsible journeys.