It’s nearly time for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to take over the theatres, gyms, hotels, streets and pubs of Scotland’s Capital.
Taking place from August 2-26 (although there are previews in the days running up to the official launch), there are over 3,500 shows taking place, from music and dance, to theatre and spoken word.
The largest - and most high-profile - section of the programme is comedy, with theatre coming a close second.
But there are plenty of spoken word events too, including live interviews with some of today’s leading political brains - from former UK Prime Ministers and Scottish First Ministers of the past, to freshly-appointed Labour government ministers.
Here are 11 of the biggest names in politics appearing in 2024.
The largest - and most high-profile - section of the programme is comedy, with theatre coming a close second.
5. Humza Yousaf
Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf resigned from Scotland's top political job earlier this year. He'll be in conversation with LBC radio presenter Iain Dale at the Pleasance at EICC on Tursday, August 8, at 1.30pm. | Getty Images
6. Andy Burnham
Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, Andy Burnham had previously served for Labout in ministerial positions at the Home Office, Ministry of Health, Treasury, and the Culture, Media and Sport department. A hugely popular figure, his 'in conversation' event at The Stand Comedy Club at 12noon on August, Wednesday 14, has already sold out. It's always worth checking for returns though. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Jess Phillips
When the Fringe programme was published MP Jess Phillips was a Labour opposition backbencher, having resigned as Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding over the Middle East conflict. Following Labour's landslide election win she's now a member of Keir Starmer's cabinet, serving as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office. She's talking to Iain Dale as part of his 'All Talk' podcast on Saturday, August 10, at 4.05pm at the Pleasance at EICC. | Getty Images
8. Douglas Ross
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross failed to win a seat at the 2024 UK General Election but still serves as an MSP at Holyrood. The qualified football referee is standing down as leader of his party, but will still be appearing at The Stand Comedy Club for an in conversation event on Tuesday, August 20, at 12noon. | Getty Images