The free festival is now in its 11th year and appears to be going from strength to strength…with over 360 shows in 22 venues around the city we are again spoilt for choice! What’s even better though is that there are loads of children’s shows featuring at the free festival which is perfect for those of us trying not to spend a small fortune during festival season.

I’ve picked out a few shows I think look particularly fun….

The Worlds Worst Birthday Party – Marvellous Maddy is having the worst birthday party ever and she needs your help ! Be prepared for lots of dancing, giggles and pranks…..      31st July – 10th August, 12-17th, 20-25th August       12.45               The Free Sisters (Cowgate) – The Yurt Locker

The Very Scariesome Tooth Fairy – A tale told in rhyme – a story of missing teeth, dishonest dentists and dodgy dealings in the fairy underworld.              31st July – 12th August    The Free Sisters (Cowgate) – Maggies Front Room

The Little Leaf – A story about a curious little girl who stumbles upon a lonely little leaf hiding in her attic. Together they set off on a great journey.        August 14th – 24th  The Free Sisters (Cowgate) – The Staff Room

Ceilidhkids at the Fringe – If you and the kids like a bit of dancing, or its raining and you want them to get a bit of a run around – this looks good. Very simple child friendly dances to traditional Scottish music. And this year they are doing a few events at Gorgie farm which would make a great and very busy day out !

Gorgie Farm on 2nd, 8th, 11th, 23rd August at 2pm

Counting House August 1-12th, 14-19th, 21-24th at 11am and August 1-12th, 16/17th, 23/24th at 10.00am too.

Huggers – The popular cabaret show returns this year and it too is visiting Gorgie Farm during the weekends of the festival….this show brings a variety of fringe performers together for some child friendly entertainment – it does recommend booking (free) tickets early for this one.

August 1-23rd – Free Sisters (Cowgate) – Maggies Chamber

August 9th, 16th, 23rd – Gorgie Farm

There are other free festivals too, such as PBH’s Free Fringe featuring children’s shows (I don’t know how anyone finds the time to fit all these shows in !)….two that stand out in this one are :

Princess Taz and The Fearsome Forest – In this puppet show join clowns Elf and Harry retelling the life and adventures of the legendary Princess Taz aqnd her pet Rapdragon.  August 2-16th (not 15th)  Cafe Camino

Albee Vector the sound collector – This show has a great name ! – its a show bursting with all sorts of sounds. Help Albee to make noises and collect them into jars….  August 2nd – 23rd (not 11th)   Hispaniola (Drummond Street)