Look Beyond: Around Site
North Berwick Trust Hub
At the heart of the festival in North Berwick’s Lodge Grounds, you’ll find the North Berwick Trust Hub.
All are welcome to pop-by and hang out to enjoy delicious street food and refreshments, as well as live music from the Lighthouse Live stage. There’s plenty to keep all ages entertained between shows, with our Weaving Wonder tent, drop-in workshops, Envirozone, Night Owl bookshop and so much more. Swing by to find out about the local groups the charity North Berwick Trust supports. Open from 10am-11pm daily from 4th – 13th August.
the Lighthouse Live Stage
Crowd favourite, the Lighthouse Live Stage returns for 2023 with a whole host of free music including up and coming bands, stunning solo artists, old-time favourites and talented local groups.
The line-up is announced in July so keep your eyes peeled on our social channels. Brought to you by The Lighthouse who offer co-working and flexible office space in North Berwick – including Team FBTS! If you need a desk while in town for the festival check out www.lighthousenb.co.uk
Weaving Wonder
Our theme for 2023 manifests itself, quite literally, at our specially curated tent.
There’s a whole host of weaving related activities, including free drop-in sessions with Wool School and workshops galore including macrame, sashiko stitching and knitting. Our Creative Scotland-funded community work sees participants from Dementia Friendly East Lothian, North Berwick Coastal Community Connections, Heavy Sound CIC and Stepping Out show-off their artistic endeavours. And it’s time to “put up the bunting” – keep your eyes peeled for the handmade decoration, created over the last four months by individuals and groups all across East Lothian.
What’s your tipple?
With new partners Tennent’s and Glenmorangie on board, and a new bar operator, Cargo Bars, in place, there is a wide range of drinks on offer to quench your thirst.
If you head up to Drinkies’ Corner, you’ll find delicious cocktails from old friends and new, including the Glenmorangie TukTuk. The versatility of the Tain-based single malt Scotch whisky will be shown off to its max with a range of delicious serves.
The ever-popular frozen margarita station is back, and will be joined by a rabble-rousing rum shack pumping out classic Cuban and Caribbean creations.
Coulters Open Doors
Coulters is a local estate agent and solicitor firm that can confidently guide you through your property journey. Make sure you drop by their pop-up space, next to the Coulters Makers Market, to meet the lovely team, discover more about their great work and participate in the exciting activities they have planned.
SSE Renewables VR
Ever wondered what an offshore wind farm looks like close up? FBTS Community Partner SSE Renewables will be popping-up during the festival with their immersive, 3D virtual reality visualisation of Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm. Visit www.fringebythesea.com for more details.
Night Owl Book Shop
Independent East Lothian bookshop Night Owl Books is popping up with a wee store showcasing FBTS favourites. Inside you’ll find a carefully curated selection of books from Scotland and beyond, including signed copies from this year’s guest authors. Daily from 11am-5pm.
Floral Delights
North Berwick In Bloom and East Lothian Council create stunning floral displays in the Lodge Grounds with support from North Berwick Trust, and all around town. Caps doffed to their impressive work.
Beano Kids Guide
Pick up a special Beano Kids Guide from the box office to help young festival goers make the most of Fringe By The Sea.
Primary School Pupils Pop-Up Exhibition
See Eva Rose’s brilliant winning design from our primary school programme cover competition, and view other shortlisted entries at our on-site exhibition.
Katie Schwab, The Seeing Hands
An interactive sculptural work which draws on The Tactile Workshops a book by Italian artist, designer & educator Bruno Munari (1907-98). This artwork was originally part of The Seeing Hands, a joint commission by Collective (Edinburgh) and Bluecoat (Liverpool) in 2022. This project places play, learning and re-use at its core.
We Love Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed on site and into venues for most shows. We don’t allow dogs into the standing headline shows in the Big Top as these are very busy. Local dog lovers Barker and Bone have kindly created a Dog Water Station for thirsty dogs which can be found at the south entrance to the site.
Around Town
Art Exhibition & Studio Sale
Artists Wendy Portway, Julie Otter and Pam Mckenzie are selling their original artworks, prints and cards with donations to East Lothian Young Carers. Runs 9th – 12th, 10-5pm, St Andrew Blackadder Church, 91 High St.
Beach Huts
Home to The Lobster Hatchery, artists Rosemary Oberlander and Andrina Wright, British Marine Rescue, NB Candles and Echo Beach Design ceramics. Times vary. Harbourside.
East Lothian Food & Drink Markets
Discover delicious local food and drink producers at the East Lothian Food & Drink market. Plus arts and crafts with Scottish Makers (5th only). 5th & 12th August, 10am-2pm, St Andrew Blackadder Church, High Street. Free.
MOVE Studio
A special programme of wellness events at North Berwick’s own yoga studio, run by Katy Wakefield and the Move team. Times vary. moveyoga.co.uk/wellnessfestival
Scottish Seabird Centre
The environmental and conservation charity is FBTS’s charity partner. Pay a visit to their Discovery Experience – FBTS ticket holders receive a 20% entry fee discount – or get closer to the awe-inspiring nature of Bass Rock with a boat trip. www.seabird.org
St Andrew St. Open Studios
Three local artists living just a stone’s throw from the festival hub welcome visitors to their homes/studios. Drop-in to meet them and find out more about their art, processes and inspiration. Jayne Stokes, 23 St Andrew Street, Line Mortensen, 34 St Andrew Street and Linda Mackinnon, 36 St Andrew Street. 5th – 13th August, 10am-5pm. See the Open Studios page for further details.
Land, Sea, People, Stories
Explore the history of our community with exhibits presenting a piece of the unique story of local heritage. Open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11-4pm, Free (donations welcome), Coastal Communities Museum, School Road, coastalmuseum.org