THE great and good of art, comedy and music are set to light up the county’s coastline as North Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea festival launches tomorrow (Friday).

Newsnight’s Kirsty Wark is among the first big names to appear as she discuss her new novel; Fred MacAulay light ups the stage with his comedy; and dance music pioneers Inner City will get the Simpson & Marwick Spiegeltent at the harbour shaking tomorrow evening.

There is something for everyone during the August 2-11 extravaganza, from jazz performed in the North Berwick Fry and rock-pooling on the stunning North Berwick coast, to a chance to dance to pop sensation Be Charlotte and chat about all things Scottish with author Pete Irvine.

The film segment of the festival welcomes local film Connect, along with Netflix hit Outlaw King, introduced by producer Danny McGrath, whereas those with an eye and ear for comedy can indulge in festival favourites Simon Evans, Janey Godley, Jamie MacDonald, Reginald D Hunter and last year’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Glenn Moore.

Crime novel obsessives will have the opportunity to see Ian Rankin, as well as Alexander McCall Smith talking with Lord David Steel, Val McDermid with Sir Menzies Campbell, and appearances from John Niven, Malachy Tallack, Peter Irvine and Dr David Hetherington.

There will also be talks presented by Speaker Buzz from inspirational women Mollie Hughes, Sara Sheridan, Jojo Fraser and Cal Major.

All of this as well as singers Alexander O’Neal and Eddi Reader, dance music act Groove Armada, rockers Idlewild, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and famed wildlife camera man Doug Allan makes this festival impossible to miss.

Niall Middleton, festival co-ordinator, said: “The Spiegeltents are going up, the volunteers are gathering, and the performers are heading to North Berwick for 10 days of great entertainment. “A great big thank you to all our sponsors and funding bodies for making this all possible.”

A host of local residents are also performing.

For tickets, go to www.fringe bythesea.com