Edinburgh festival fringe to ‘break records for internationalism’

1980s children’s television favourite Basil Brush will host a nightly adult chat show at this year’s Edinburgh festival fringe, offering a cushion of nostalgia alongside harder-hitting offerings from actor and #MeToo activist Rose McGowan and hip-hop artist Akala, both making their festival debuts in a programme that organisers describe as “breaking all records for internationalism”. Featuring artists from 63 countries, the festival will also include the highest ever participation of artists from European countries, which the Edinburgh Fringe Society chief executive, Shona McCarthy, ascribes to a deliberate effort “to counteract any negativity from Brexit”. With a total of 3,841 shows in 323 venues across the city, McCarthy was also quick to counter growing concerns from Edinburgh locals, including the newly-formed group Citizen, that pressures on public space and accommodation were making city centre living unsustainable for long-term residents. Launching the 72nd annual programme on Wednesday morning, McCarthy warned that “we’re seriously in danger of being anti-tourist”. “On a personal level I would counsel the city to be really careful about that,” said McCarthy. “The idea that the fringe is responsible for over-tourism in Edinburgh is weird. This is a city with a castle and medieval history, people come here all [...]

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