Full 2023 programme announced
Press Release : strict embargo 0.01am Thursday 1st June 2023
MUSIC, COMEDY, BOOKS, WELLBEING AND FAMILY EVENTS COME TOGETHER IN NORTH BERWICK
FRINGE BY THE SEA : 4TH – 13TH AUGUST 2023
FULL PROGRAMME ON SALE
DARA O’BRIAIN, DENISE MINA, ANDY CATO, MEGAN McCUBBIN AND MAGGIE O’FARRELL TO JOIN TRAVIS, SISTER SLEDGE, DYLAN MORAN, PEAT & DIESEL, ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSTON AND MANY OTHERS
The full programme for Scotland’s freshest festival, the 15th Fringe By The Sea (4-13 August 2023) is on sale from 9am on Thursday 1 June (www.fringebythesea.com). Since the first line-up in 2008 with 12 events over three days, this festival has now become one of the most anticipated in Scotland with its wide ranging programme of over 225 events.
Last year the Scottish Tourism Multiplier calculated that the net additional economic impact of visitor spend was almost £6.5m going to East Lothian businesses.
As well as music, comedy, literature and children’s events this year’s theme is Weaving Wonder theme which will see the community initiatives come to life in many forms, from knitting festival bunting to the Wool School craft corner each day.
Music
The music programme brings all forms to North Berwick, from chart-toppers Travis, Elkie Brooks, Geno Washington and Sister Sledge to Cole Porter, folk with the incomparable Lewis lads in Peat & Diesel as well as FBTS favourites Phil Cunningham & Aly Bain; hiphop from both sides of Scotland with Bemz and The Honey Farm and DJ sessions from Groove Armada and family favourites Dick & Dom. There will also be a performance by the North Berwick Pipe Band and closing the festival will be the International Film Orchestra performing music from the Harry Potter films.
Comedy
Stand up comedy superstars Dylan Moran and Dara O’Briain lead the laughter this year. Scottish breakout star Susie McCabe will be performing her brand new show, Femme Fatality and Just The Tonic has put together an amazing line up for a comedy night.
Books
Authors talking about their latest work include North Berwick born Maggie O’Farrell, Scottish crime queen Denise Mina, William Dalrymple (returning to his childhood base of East Lothian). Those with lives less ordinary include Robin Knox-Johnston, Patrick Grant (Great British Sewing Bee), Cal Major, Mark Beaumont and winner of Strictly 2022 Hamza Yassin. The Boozy Book Club returns with Karen Campbell and cocktails. There will also be a poetry session with Hollie McNish and Michael Pederson, accompanied by Withered Hand.
Family
There’s no need to leave the kids at home when there is so much for them to do at FBTS – there is even a special Beano Guide for them to see what is available. Music with Mr Boom and Artie’s Singing Kettle; song-writing classes, nature rambles, Alexander The Great Circus Show, Monski Mouse baby disco, Shrek The Musical (Haddington Musical Mill Company), Splash Test Dummies, the Children’s Classic Concert, children’s authors including Skye McKenna (Hedgewick), totem pole designing, mask making and so much more.
Environment
The festival has always had a commitment to raising environmental issues through engaging talks and interactive events. This year these will include Andy Cato of Groove Armada discussing his passion for regenerative farming which he’ll discuss in an event before his DJ set; Megan McCubbin from BBC Countryfile highlights what can be done to save endangered species in her new book; Eco Futures events with the Scottish Seabird Centre (FBTS’s charity partner) from diver and founder of circular economy company Ocean Plastic Pots and sharing economy expert Eleanor Tucker; a day long Bioblitz a celebration of our marine and coastal wildlife; Alien Species from dance company Dudendance a stunning outdoor performance highlight plastic waste and the Daily Green Dollop with Caledonian Horticulture.
Each day the festival presents classes in yoga, coastal wildlife walks and Walk The Toun with Dave Berry. There is the Makers Market showcasing some of East Lothian’s most talented artisans and food and drink stalls ensuring that no festival attendees go hungry or thirsty.
North Berwick Trust is supporting Fringe by the Sea 2023 as a Master Partner with a £30,000 grant. The hub of the festival will once be again in North Berwick’s Lodge Grounds, where The Trust will showcase its work as well support the involvement of other community groups at the event.
The Lighthouse, North Berwick’s flexible and co-working space, is back on board as Community Partner. Visitors will be able to once again enjoy a programme of free live music on The Lighthouse Live Stage in the festival hub, thanks to the support of The Lighthouse.
Other partners at Fringe By The Sea are Sunday Post, Tennent’s, SSE Renewables, Gilsland, Glenmorangie, Signman, Shaw Marketing, The List, Wool School, Drem Timber, Emma Cross Interior Design, Caledonian Horticulture, McInroy & Wood, Tyne & Esk, East Lothian Council, The Scottish Government, North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership, Creative Scotland, EventScotland and East Lothian Youth Music Forum.
Coulters will be returning as sponsors of the hugely successful Makers Market, supporting local artisans and craft businesses at the festival. Sophie Duns, Area Director at Coulters said: “After last year’s wonderful event, we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Makers Market once again. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing our exciting plans and showcasing the lovely local artists and artisans who will be this year’s residents. From paintings and pottery to jewellery and homeware, there’s a special something for everyone.”
Fringe By The Sea director, Rory Steel, says “Putting together this festival is a year round process – it couldn’t be done without the amazing staff, wonderful volunteers and our generous sponsors. No matter what your interest or age, there will be something in this programme for you. We look forward to seeing East Lothian residents as well as audiences from further afield from 4th August”.
For further information contact
Fiona Duff
07710 419762 / fiona@duffpublicity.com
www.fringebythesea.com