Fringe event ‘to be best ever’

NOVELIST Iain Banks, folk duo Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain and children’s act The Singing Kettle are all set to appear at a major East Lothian arts festival.

Scores of writers, musicians and comedians will take to the stage at Fringe by the Sea 2012 with organisers predicting the event will be the “best ever”.

The outdoor arts bonanza, held in North Berwick, will centre on the world-famous Spiegeltent, while shows will also be held across the harbour area. Elsewhere, there is a mix of music, comedy, theatre, film and authors in conversation as well as a strong children’s programme which sees the return of Mr Boom, Jo Jingles and 
Fischy Music.

Acoustic concerts will be held in the Seabird Centre with the Carrivick Sisters and Dave Vernon and Dick Lee appearing for the first time. Banks, Mary Contini, Sara Sheridan and Sally Magnusson are also being lined up.

The festival runs from August 6 to 12, with tickets now available.