A WAVE of talented East Lothian residents are performing at Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick as it gets under way this week.

The Lighthouse Live Stage, at North Berwick Harbour, is the place for emerging county talent throughout the festival, which takes place from today (Friday) until next Sunday (August 15).

Rory Steel, festival director, said: “Having had to cancel last year’s festival and move heaven and earth to make this year’s happen, it is great to be able to involve so much local talent.

“East Lothian is such a hot bed of creativity – from makers at our market at the harbour to musicians and performers – and we are delighted to give them a platform.”

Although musicians dominate the local shows, there is also a range of other entertainment and activities being hosted by East Lothian residents.

The Drama Mill, from East Linton, presents Green Ninjas – a fun interactive drama workshop for children aged from P1 to P4 about recycling and being green on Wednesday at the SSE Renewables Envirozone in the Lodge Grounds.

Emma Salisbury, a successful crime author who lives in North Berwick with her partner Stephen and dog Star, will host a masterclass in crime writing at the Marine Hotel next Thursday (August 12).

And Vicky from East Lothian Yoga Kids will offer fun-filled family yoga classes with poses, games, breathing and mindful activities next Friday (August 13) at the Glenkinchie Lowland Stage in the car park of North Berwick Library.

Instead of being predominately based at the harbour, this year’s festival has more venues at more locations and, in the interests of public safety during the coronavirus pandemic, has as many outdoor venues as possible.

As well as the venues mentioned, there is the Belhaven Big Top in the Lodge Grounds and events around town in places such as the Scottish Seabird Centre, Steampunk Coffee, The Barefoot Sanctuary, St Andrew Blackadder Church and even the basketball court at the town’s Recreation Park.

But it is at the Lighthouse Live Stage at the harbour where free live music can be heard from local acts throughout the course of the festival.

Some of the performers – including The Cavalcades and Stanton – are part of Summer Shorts, a showcase of local and emerging talent, in association with East Lothian Council’s Arts Service and ELJam.

Resident DJs Steve Austin and Kaiser Matt, from North Berwick, will be on rotation throughout the week.

The event schedule for East Lothian acts at The Lighthouse stage is as follows:

  • Friday, August 6 – The Daughters: an alt-folk duo from Haddington that sing original songs of love, life, faith and freedom.
  • Saturday, August 7 – Ian Smith: North Berwick singer-songwriter Ian performs classic Americana, folk, country and blues on guitar and harmonica alongside guest musicians.
  • Sunday, August 8 – Northern Fiction: Indie music lovers from North Berwick playing a collection of original material and indie classics.
  • Monday, August 9 – Honeysuckle Swing: Jackie Hunter, Graham High and Nick Gent from Tranent perform songs from the great swing era in a gypsy-jazz style. Cavalcades: Tony, Angus, Nathan and Rhys formed the band in Musselburgh. They will offer an eclectic mix of punk ethos and rock instruments. Richard Buchanan: Richard, from Tranent, is a former member of 90s music-scene favourites The Lost Soul Band, who were signed to Silvertone Records. He will sing songs from his recent solo release and other favourites. Freedom and Form Showcase: Enjoy and support the homegrown dance talent from the Freedom and Form North Berwick studio as junior and senior performance teams present brand new pieces.
  • Tuesday, August 10 – Gullane Community Ceilidh Band: The Gullane Community Ceilidh Band share classic ceilidh music with a live audience.
  • Wednesday, August 11 – Dynamic Duo: A duo from North Berwick will share a variety of covers for all tastes. Freedom and Form Showcase: Enjoy and support the homegrown dance talent from the Freedom and Form North Berwick studio as junior and senior performance teams present brand new pieces.
  • Thursday, August 12 – Hamish McGregor and the Mellotones: The group from North Berwick will play standards from the Great American Song Book. Stanton: A Musselburgh indie, folk, and rock original four-piece-band will hit the stage.
  • Friday, August 13 – Aberlady Moonshine Orchestra: The orchestra will play traditional jazz and blues standards and originals arranged in a contemporary style. Bluetile: The four-piece indie band formed in North Berwick are known for their exciting live shows. The band will also support Connor Fife at Belhaven Big Top on August 7.

In addition, there are several musicians from Edinburgh performing at the stage during the week, including harpist Elinor Evans and Americana singer-songwriter Sandie Wyles.

See fringebythesea.com for full details of all acts performing throughout the festival at all venues around the town, as well as tickets.