Keith Brymer Jones is a renowned potter and judge on the popular TV series, The Great Pottery Throw Down. In his book, Boy in a China Shop, Keith tells the story of his life and inspiring rise to success through the objects and images that have been meaningful to him every step of the way, as he recounts key moments and events as well as the people and places that have shaped him. From his childhood and early devotion to dance to discovering clay at the age of eleven, to his tough apprenticeship at Harefield Pottery and struggles to establish his own business, this memoir goes beyond the TV show to offer a rare insight into Keith’s own philosophy and outlook on life.

For the first time the summer harvest festival Lughnasadh will be celebrated at Fringe by the Sea with a spectacular seaside Torchlight Procession, with Beltane Fire Society and a special fire poem performance from artist Robert Montgomery.  Lugh was a popular sun god, worshipped throughout the Celtic world, and the community of Beltane Fire Society is helping us mark this ancient tradition with a magical parade in North Berwick. All are invited to be part of the procession which will wind along the seafront of the town, with fire displays and performances along the route, culminating at the Lodge Grounds with a ceremonial torch giving.

Tom McGuire & the Brassholes are a funk soul powerhouse from Glasgow. Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft and untouchable in live performance, the band is carving a niche of their own.

Recently knighted for his services to literature, academia and charity, McCall Smith is a national treasure.  He will be talking about his latest book, The Perfect Passion Dating Company which is based in Edinburgh.   For fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s many beloved series and romantic standalone novels, The Perfect Passion Company shows him at his most perceptive, playful, and generous.

Calling kids aged 5 to 100, join our MIGHTY gang! A sensational interactive show, where the worlds of comedy and beatboxing collide with electrifying results. Pick-up beatboxing tips to impress your friends, make mind-blowing music, win prizes and laugh through your pantaloons!  Direct from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh festival; fantastic family fun and silliness galore, with award-winning comedian Jarred Christmas (as seen on CBBC’s Joke Machine and The Dog Ate My Homework) and world champion beatboxer & UK Loopstation Champion, Hobbit.

Fringe By The Sea has already  announced the first wave of acts with The Jacksons, Hot Chip DJ set (with Hayley Zalassi), Richard E Grant,The Stranglers, Del Amitri, Caitlin Moran, Singing Kettle Trash Test Dummies, Clive Myrie, Ray Mears, Horrible Histories and House Gospel Choir.

North Berwick Trust have announced their support of Fringe by the Sea 2024 as a Master Partner with three years of grant funding, totalling £32,000.  Two new sponsors have joined the festival – John Clark Volvo from Edinburgh and SSE Renewables.  Coulters Estate Agents will sponsor the Makers Market for the 3rd year in a row, showcasing the work of talented makers from across the county throughout the 10 days.  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 Economic Impact Report (EIR) for last year’s Fringe By The Sea undertaken by MKA Economics has shown that Fringe By The Sea is now a major financial boost for North Berwick and East Lothian.  The net additional impact of visitor spend during the ten days between 4-13 August, when the 14th FBTS festival was held in North Berwick, was in the region of £7,313,884 which is a 14% increase on 2022.  It attracted a total number of 74,750 visitors, 31% up on 2022; the event has grown year on year since it started in 2008.

Festival Director Rory Steel said: “We are delighted to have these great names joining us in North Berwick this summer.  Alexander McCall Smith and Keith Bryner Jones are great on stage being such natural storytellers.  I shall be looking forward to getting down with Tom McGuire and The Brassholes and kids will have the time of their lives at the Mighty Beat Box Comedy Show.  We are all so excited about the Lughnasadh Torchlight Procession – celebrating the summer harvest festival and paying tribute to the many farmers in the area.”