North Berwick‑raised Maggie O’Farrell returns to town where she went to high school, for a special conversation about *Land*, her 10th and most ambitious novel to date. This sweeping, multi‑generational epic opens on a windswept peninsula in the west of Ireland and follows a mapmaker, Tomás, and his young son as they chart a country devastated by the Great Hunger. When they discover an unrecorded scrap of ancient woodland, a strange encounter sends them on an odyssey that will reshape their lives and echo through generations.

Inspired by Maggie’s own family history, including her great‑great‑grandfather who worked on the Ordnance Survey, Land explores how personal stories intertwine with myth, memory, rebellion, colonisation and the landscapes that hold them. It is a spellbinding novel of separation, longing, recovery and survival in the shadow of tragedy.

Land’s publication follows the release of a film adaptation of Hamnet, Maggie’s much loved and highly acclaimed novel. Maggie will also reflect on the extraordinary success of the Hamnet film adaptation, co‑written with Academy Award‑winner Chloé Zhao and starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, which has earned a remarkable sweep of BAFTA, Academy Award®, Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations. Maggie O’Farrell is one of the great novelists, drawing readers into fictional worlds few ever forget.

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

All ages are welcome.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.

This is a seated event (unreserved). The Famous Grouse Lodge stage venue is wheelchair accessible.

If you require further information on accessibility please visit our Accessibility Guide or contact info@fringebythesea.com.

Recommended age 14 plus.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.

Founding members of the legendary Blues Band, Paul Jones and Dave Kelly reunite for an unforgettable acoustic set, keeping the spirit of the Blues alive long after the band’s retirement from touring.

Steeped in tradition, their music draws on decades spent at the heart of the genre. Both artists have played alongside and befriended some of the greats, from Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker to Sonny Boy Williamson. Paul Jones, renowned singer, harmonica virtuoso and long‑time BBC Radio 2 R&B presenter, brings unmatched insight into the Blues. Dave Kelly, one of Europe’s leading bluesmen, adds his signature guitar mastery and soulful vocals, honed through collaborations with icons such as James Burton and Buddy Guy.

Together, they deliver a warm, intimate performance rich with original songs, classic influences and stories from a lifetime in music.

For true Blues fans, this is everything you could hope for, and more.

This performance will include an interval

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

This is a seated event (unreserved).

The Famous Grouse Lodge is wheelchair accessible. If you require further information on accessibility please visit our Accessibility Guide or contact info@fringebythesea.com.

TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Shetland’s award‑winning performer Marjolein brings an unforgettable hour of stand‑up and folktales, blending sharp comedy with spellbinding storytelling. Nominated for Channel 4’s Sean Lock Comedy Award and The Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Marjolein expertly weaves comedy and folklore to share her own personal stories.

Officially ranked one of the best-reviewed Fringe shows of its year, this is a show about the body and a health condition which, left unspoken about for years, was almost fatal. Not for the faint hearted, with nine audience members fainting and another eighteen walkouts during its Edinburgh Fringe run. However this is not gore for gore’s sake. This show has the potential to save lives. Also: JOKES.

‘Phenomenal’ ***** (List)

‘Spellbinding’ ***** (One4Review)

‘A fine mix of surreal storytelling whimsy, winsome silliness and scatological filth’ ***** (ThreeWeeks)

Contains references to medical procedures and practices that some may find distressing or triggering.

Recommended for age 14+

Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18.

This is a seated event (unreserved). The Famous Grouse Lodge stage venue is wheelchair accessible. 

If you require further information on accessibility please visit our Accessibility Guide or contact info@fringebythesea.com.

TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Join award‑winning poet and playwright Hannah Lavery and Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen for a rich conversation about friendship, connection and the communities that shape us.

Hannah Lavery, former Edinburgh Makar and Associate Artist with the National Theatre of Scotland, is known for her incisive, socially engaged work across poetry and theatre. Her acclaimed collections Blood Salt Spring and Unwritten Woman have established her as a vital voice exploring identity, care and belonging, with a new collection, Everything, Everyday, forthcoming in 2026.

Michael Pedersen is a prize‑winning poet, author and current Edinburgh Makar. His poetry collection The Cat Prince won Best Poetry at the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards, while his memoir Boy Friends was a Sunday Times Critics’ Choice. His debut novel Muckle Flugga has been praised as “garishly alive” and “extraordinary”.

Together, they reflect on creativity, relationships and the ties that hold us in life, in art and in community.

This event is presented in partnership with Coastal Community Connections, a local charity dedicated to turning loneliness and isolation into connection.

Hannah and Michael will be available for a (time-limited) book signing after the event.

Both books will be available to purchase at the event, during Fringe by the Sea (31st July-9thAugust) through Night Owl Books.

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

This is a seated event (unreserved).

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

TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Get ready for the ultimate feel‑good, full‑volume movie‑music party for all ages.

MASSAOKE®️ has toured the world from New York to Adelaide and all across Europe, and played to huge crowds at festivals including Glastonbury, Victorious, Latitude and Edinburgh Fringe.

Sing the Movies brings your favourite big‑screen moments to life in an upbeat, high‑energy celebration of iconic film songs.

With a brilliant live band, giant screens, on‑screen lyrics and unforgettable movie clips, this multi‑media extravaganza turns the whole audience into the star of the show.

Dress up as your favourite character and bring the sing!

From soaring ballads to dance‑floor anthems along the lines of the set list below, this is a joyous, family‑friendly event packed with the hits you love. Perfect for film fans, music lovers and anyone who can’t resist a good sing‑along.

Dirty Dancing
MAMMA MIA!
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
FROZEN
THE LION KING
The Bodyguard
Ghostbusters
GHOST
Top Gun
Mary Poppins
ROCKY HORROR
Aladdin
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
JUNGLE BOOK

Lights up, mics on, voices ready…it’s showtime.

This event is part of our Wavelength strand – the magic of music and film.

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.

TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE