The
Edinburgh Festival Fringe (
The Fringe) is the world's largest arts festival, with the 2015 event spanning 25 days and featuring over 3,314 shows from 49 countries in 313 venues. Established in 1947 as an alternative to the
Edinburgh International Festival, it takes place annually in Scotland's capital, in the month of August. The Fringe is a showcase for the performing arts, with show categories including Cabaret, Children's shows, Comedy, Dance, Physical Theatre & Circus, Events, Exhibitions, Music, Musicals and Opera, Spoken Word and Theatre. In addition to ticketed, programmed events, the Fringe Street Events hosted by Virgin Money run each day of the festival, primarily on the
Royal Mile and at the Mound Precinct.