The internationally renowned Fringe Festival in Edinburgh opens its doors to the 2021 edition. Like all the public gatherings, the event was canceled in 2020 because of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, organisers are ready to get things going for this year, with the event running for the usual three and half weeks, from August 6th until August 30th. Registrations for the audience, venues, and acts are set to be opened from May 5th.
The Fringe Society is clearly taking into consideration the pandemic and is therefore preparing for a peculiar festival, which includes socially distanced live events and digital experiences. ‘We’re delighted to be able to open registration for 2021,’ Chief Executive of the Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy, said in a statement. ‘Of course, we’re still very much in planning mode as we await further updates from the Scottish Government, but this feels like a hugely positive step in the right direction.
‘Through the work being created across the various digital platforms, including the Fringe Player, artists have a brilliant opportunity to reach audiences and communities all over the world. I look forward to seeing how our Fringe creatives use these platforms in 2021 and beyond.’ Indeed, the Fringe Player platform will be launched this year, aiming at bringing the festival across the world, in the comfort of the audience’s own home. In this way, artists will be showcased on a secure platform, and companies and artists will be able to organise and host shows even if another lockdown was about to happen.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon claimed to be ‘optimistic’ about returning back to normal in regards to nightlife ‘over the summer’, with live events resuming in Scotland from the 17th of May. However, all Fringe’s registered performances will still need to adhere to the Scottish Government the public health and safety guidance.
More info on Edinburgh’s 2021 Fringe Festival can be found here.
