WORLD-FAMOUS author Irvine Welsh is among the latest list of stars confirmed for this year’s Fringe by the Sea festival in North Berwick.
Other new names include TV personality Gail Porter, presenter Paul Murton (pictured below), writer and doctor Gavin Francis, and author Helen McClory.
Scottish author Welsh is the first of the summer festival’s literary guests to be announced and looks set to be a huge draw for the town’s socially distanced event.
Rory Steel, festival director, said: “Having announced that we have laid plans to return this summer with some acts who were programmed last year, we are really pleased to bring this group of writers and presenters to North Berwick.”
Born in Leith, Welsh has published 11 novels and four collections of short stories, along with several stage plays. His iconic 1993 novel Trainspotting was made into a film of the same name.
The author said: “The prospect of a live event with an audience is a joyful one and North Berwick is top drawer as a location for it.
“There’s plenty to chat about and I’m looking forward to having some fun with the good people at Fringe by the Sea.”
Welsh will appear at the festival on Saturday, August 14.
Also North Berwick-bound is Edinburgh-born TV presenter Gail Porter (pictured below), joining audiences on Friday, August 6, to talk about her rollercoaster life and career.
She said: “Having spent lockdown in London, I am desperate to return to Scotland to see some friendly faces and green spaces.
“I look forward to sharing my personal story with people coming to this year’s event. So many of us have struggled with our mental health during the pandemic, so it’s important to talk about it and support each other. . . then shake it off on the dance floor with the mighty Basement Jaxx later that night!”
Already booked for the festival are singer Candi Staton, dance music stars Basement Jaxx, comedian Janey Godley and musician/singer Huey Morgan.
Fringe by the Sea organisers aim to hold the festival in a socially distanced format, using new spaces across the town, with outdoor auditoriums (mostly covered sideless marquees and stretch tents) enabling social distancing for audiences of up to 500 people – the current guidelines being given by the Scottish Government for event planners.
Gavin Francis is appearing at Fringe by the Sea 2021
All events will be run in line with Covid-19 protocols and guidance.
Zones will include the North Berwick Trust Harbour Home (at the harbour), the Live Session stages (Lodge and harbour), the SSE Renewables Science festival (Anchor Green), Kids’ Playroom (harbour), the Marine Masterclass Lounge (Marine Hotel & Lawn), and the Bookshelf (library car park).
The Harbour Home of the festival will become a focal point for artists and artisans to showcase their products, from street food and ales to handcrafted goods, complementing the artist huts already found at the harbour.
The area will also feature a stage for visitors to enjoy music from bands, choirs and DJs and an interactive area for youngsters.
Helen McClory has been confirmed for the festival
Rory said: “We have been hugely encouraged by the support shown to us by our sponsors and grant funding bodies, with special thanks to Belhaven Brewery, DC Thomson, Event Scotland and North Berwick Trust.”
Visit fringebythesea.com for more information and tickets.
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