MUSIC, comedy, talks and family entertainment by the seaside are all on offer as festival fun comes to North Berwick this week with the return of the town’s popular Fringe by the Sea.

Getting under way tomorrow (Friday) and running until next Sunday (August 15), more than 200 events have been scheduled at a host of venues around the town, many of them outdoors this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the high-profile names taking part in Fringe by the Sea this year are Lulu, Basement Jaxx, Gail Porter, Irvine Welsh, Ed Byrne, Reginald D Hunter, Janey Godley, Lemn Sissay, Eddi Reader, Gordon Buchanan, Bombskare and former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, as well as soul singer Mica Paris and legendary folk duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham.

Families will be able to enjoy Brainiac Live, child-friendly performances by comedians Phil Kay and Murray Lachlan Young, circus skills from Alexander the Great and children’s entertainer Mr Boom.

Those wanting to learn new skills can enjoy a hip hop and street dancing session with Room 2 Manoeuvre or try hula hooping with Rowanbank.

The Drama Mill will address environmental issues with its interactive ocean conservation show What A Waste!, suitable for those aged five to nine.

The Search sees a community-driven treasure hunt held in Lochbridge Road by Ben Winger, Kerry Cleland and Catherine Wheels Theatre Company. Residents are being asked to keep an eye out and help get to the bottom of the mystery, give the unexpected visitor the help they need and find whatever it is they have lost.

One of the UK’s top comedy clubs, Just The Tonic, will present mixed bill comedy line-ups. One will be headlined by Ed Byrne and the other by Reginald D Hunter. Simon Evans will also be bringing his latest show to the town.

As well as performances and activities, talks will be held by Jennifer Crichton and Brian Taylor. Jennifer will be speaking to Sam Baker and Gail Porter, while Brian will meet up with Denise Mina, Sir Vince Cable, Richard Demarco and Jim Sillars. Other talks include Maggie O’Farrell, Richard Holloway and last year’s The Great British Bake Off winner Peter Sawkins.

And on the final day of the festival, Scotland’s largest puppet Storm will be making an appearance. Standing at 10 metres tall, she is made from recycled materials. People wanting to see her need to pre-register their interest on the event listing at fringebythesea.com

Rory Steel, Fringe by the Sea director, said: “The whole team at Fringe by the Sea are filled with excitement that it finally all kicks off tomorrow.

“We have crossed the ‘t’s and dotted the ‘i’s on all Covid protocols, and would appreciate all festival-goers to follow instructions on the website, emails, at venues and from staff so we can make the event as safe as possible.

“We can’t wait to see people from all over East Lothian and beyond with smiles on their faces and enjoying live events once more.”

A late-night train from North Berwick to Edinburgh will also be running, with details on the ScotRail website.

All events will be run in line with Covid guidance, with ticket holders receiving detailed information prior to attending events.

For more information and tickets, visit fringebythesea.com, where a full programme of all performances across the festival’s 10 days is also available.