There are all sorts of tricks to saving cash at the fringe (and we don’t mean not eating). Here are our favourites:
1. Previews: Wednesday 30th July to Friday 1st August
Before the Fringe officially begins on 1st August, lots of acts will preview shows to perfect them Sometimes technical shows are best left to settle in, but good comedians will improvise so you’ll get jokes nobody else will!
2. Free Tickets
Hang about big venues for the first few days and you may get free tickets. For the first performances, acts and venues want bums on seats and people to spread the word. So loiter around venues which have lots of spaces (Pleasance and Assembly are particularly fruitful…). Just remember to be kind on first performances and laugh lots.
3. 2 for 1 Tickets: Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th August
Most shows offer 2 for 1 tickets for the two days, which you get automatically when booking. Just be prepared to be mocked for being a cheapskate by the act. They also sell out for some bigger names so get in quickly.
4. The Virgin Money Half Price Hut on the Mound: 6th – 25th August
Tickets are 50% off rather than 2 for 1, which is handy if you’re on your own or in a group with an odd number of people. Offers are posted daily. Turn up in person or download the handy app.
5. The Scotsman
The Scotsman often offers a free ticket giveaway at the start of the Fringe. Keep an eye on Punchline’s Facebook page for offers as we find them. They also offer 2 for 1 tickets throughout the festival.
6. 2 for 1 boards at venues
Keep an eye out for boards outside some box offices with any offers
7. Free Fringe
The Free Fringe is outstanding this year. Can we point out that it’s free to get in but you give a donation at the end? Some are guaranteeing entry for a fiver, so bear this in mind when you leave, and remember if you liked it and leave a fiver, that’s still dirt cheap. Do leave more if you think it’s worth it. The fringe financially cripples many comedians every year – let’s do our bit to help.
Read “Punchline’s Guide to the Free Fringe” to save you skulking past someone who has made you cringe for the last hour.
8. BBC Tent at Bristo Square
Go to the BBC website and apply for up to 4 tickets before 4pm on 6th July
9. If you buy your tickets in person at the Fringe Box Office on the Royal Mile, or at venues, you’ll save on admin fees (which can be fairly hefty per ticket). Some tickets sell out in advance so if you’re not in Edinburgh, you’d be better off taking the hit to ensure you get those tickets.
10. Virgin Money Stages at the Royal Mile and Mound
Watch free street entertainment on the doorstep of the National Galleries of Scotland. The daily schedule will be available at www.edfringe.com/streetevents
Have we missed anything? Tell everyone your Fringe cash-saving tips on Facebook or Twitter!
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