As the Fringe and the festival gain momentum, is Edinburgh ready to embrace the revival of the world’s biggest arts event? - Liam Rudden

Yes, the Festival Fringe, along with the International Festival, intend to return as more recognizable versions of their pre-pandemic identities, reassuring the good people of Edinburgh that lessons have been learned from the last full blown event three years ago, during which over-tourism saw the Capital’s infrastructure creak and crack. under the annual influx of people.

It has taken almost three years to resolve these issues, and you hope that Festival, Fringe and most importantly, the Council will listen, and that any initiatives aimed at making life, work and visiting the capital more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone, work. . Get it right and the vibrancy, energy and pure joy of Edinburgh in August cannot be beat.

The International Festival launched its program last week, the latest from outgoing director Fergus Linehan, and it’s an eclectic mix too, but it was an announcement from the St. Stephen’s Theatre, a new year-round venue for the city from Peter Schaufus that has captured my imagination in the last 10 days or so. Togo; Sir Ian McKellen returns to Fringe to play Hamlet.

In the “old times”, his name associated with the production of “Hamlet” could attract the attention of the International Festival, especially since this time his classical Shakespeare production will be accompanied by the famous Danish ballet dancer Johan Christensen, who will dance the part accompanied by the corps de ballet. These days, the lines between Fringe and Festival are no longer blurred, they are practically non-existent, even ten years ago, for example, who would have expected hip-hip to be part of the international program?

After last year’s Fringe (no one will convince me that this historic brand did a good job - spectators sitting under umbrellas in the rain never look good), it would be great to bring back the buzz of the world’s largest arts festival, although I’m betting that the event is in this year will be more compact than last year.

2019 saw a record 3,841 Fringe impressions, so like many in Edinburgh, in the summer of 2000 I enjoyed having “my” city; to see it in all its breathtaking beauty, wandering through the deserted streets, immersed in history. Without the crowds, billboards and tourists, it was an unexpected journey into the past, and it is unlikely to be repeated … I hope.

However, it is time to once again share the splendor of Edinburgh and welcome the visitors on whom the city’s survival depends. Now with so many people working from home, the influx may not even have the same impact on daily life as it once did. It was revealed this week that there are just under 800 shows registered on Fringe so far. It’s a sign that whatever happens, this year’s event is likely to be more manageable, which is good not only for the people of Edinburgh, but also for companies and performers who are looking for an audience, housing and maybe even the opportunity to cover their expenses. .