Firstly, some annoucements:

Tickets go on sale on 19th November 2008 for the FREE FRINGE BENEFIT at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London WC1, on Tuesday 13th January 2009. This benefit will star Sean Lock, Robin Ince and many others still to be announced.

Tickets will cost a very un-free-fringe-like £20 (£15 concessions) but the show will be worth it. All proceeds will go to the Free Fringe, thus helping us to provide a good programme for 2009 and future years.

Very many thanks to Sean Lock for proposing the idea, and to Robin, Sean and the yet-to-be-announced other guests for supporting us.

We're also running (much smaller) free shows weekly in London. These are on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR. There will be no shows in December, but they will resume in January to showcase Free Fringe artists and others, and nearer the time tio preview some Free Fringe shows.

Back in 2009

The Free Fringe will be back in 2009, with a large and good programme of shows across Edinburgh throughout the Fringe. As ever, there will be no charge to the public, with free entry at all venues, and no charges to performers.

Edinburgh can be an expensive place, especially during festival time. The Free Fringe is an excellent opportunity to sample some great comedy, and save some hard earned cash at the same time.

In 2009 we also hope to have expanded non-comedy sections, both Theatre and Poetry/Spoken Word.

Why not see several shows in a row? With bar facilities and back to back free shows at all our venues, you can save your feet, as well as your money.

The 2008 programme contained some big names, all performing free of charge, plus outstanding newer acts

You can find our full 2008 programme here...

There were also many newer acts at the Free Fringe this year. The roots of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are in developing and supporting new talent. Without a constant flow of new writers and performers, the Fringe is at risk. By supporting the Free Fringe you are supporting the entire Fringe and everything it stands for.

You can also become a friend at myspace


The Free Fringe: bringing free comedy to the Edinburgh Fringe since 1996.

Winner, Tap Water Awards: spirit of the Fringe 2006

Winner, Chortle Award for Innovation 2007

Winner, Chortle Award for Best Off--Stage Contribution 2007