Edinburgh Fringe Free Sunday Draws 150,000
Date: 16 August 1999
More than 150,000 people attended the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe Sunday in Holyrood Park yesterday, to see 100 Fringe shows free.
With other festivals being launched at the weekend, Fringe administrators see yesterday's events as important for maintaining momentum through the busiest part of the festival programme. Children's shows, raucous comedy, performance artists and music were included.
Martin Shippen, a spokesman for the Fringe, said it was also an opportunity for Edinburgh residents to see a number of shows. 'We had a lot of local people at the event. It's an opportunity to see shows and decide which ones to go and see again,' he said. 'The comedy tent has been particularly popular and the children's tent was full from first thing in the morning.'
The Fringe Sunday events have been a regular part of the Festival for 20 years. 'It really is an institution now,' he said. 'I think it's still popular because it's a really good day out. Every tent was full this year. With so many shows, many people cannot afford to see them all. Seeing short 15-minute performances here really is popular.'
One Fringe group was on tenterhooks today to see if it could still perform at its allotted venue. The theatrical group Turbozone is presenting a modern-day version of Cinderella at the University Old College Quad, featuring fire engines, chainsaws, bungee jumping and motorbike stunts.
However, after Lothian and Borders Police stopped Turbozone demonstrating their skills in the Royal Mile on Saturday, following complaints they were blocking the street, it is understood that Edinburgh University will reconsider using the historic quad as a venue for the show.
By Phil Miller
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