Insider tips to Edinburgh Fringe

Written by Helen Fowler

The Edinburgh Fringe programme for 2010 has arrived. It lists more than 2,000 shows taking place in August, ranging from kids' puppetry, classical music and Shakespeare to cabaret, stand-up and street theatre. It even features an eco show set in a tree house.

There's still time to grab some good 2 for 1 Fringe deals on shows in the programme. These are designed to lure people in at the beginning of the Fringe and are a great way to see shows cheaply. But be warned: they tend to disappear fast. 

Cheap tickets for previews 

Tickets for preview shows are another way to see the Fringe but keep your costs down. Preview shows also happen in the first few days, from about 7 to 10 August. You can book them on-line or by phone. The Fringe Edinburgh booking office in the High Street only opens its doors nearer the actual event.

If you can't plan that far ahead, when you get to Edinburgh remember to keep an eye on the Fringe Half Price Hut on Edinburgh's Mound Precinct. It sells half-price tickets daily. Well worth getting up early to see if you can find some gems there. 

Free shows 

There are lots of free shows during the Fringe, many of them taking place outdoors. Just because they don't take your money doesn't mean they're no good. It's all part of the spirit of the Fringe to try out new things.

Pick up a daily diary, available free from hotels, shops and cafes, to find out what's on where while you're out and about.

Every year, performers compete to entertain audiences with outrageous stunts. One show reportedly blindfolded its audience, before transporting them by mini-van to a secret destination. All in the name of art. 

This year one of the most outlandish performances promises to come from the Treehouse Gallery. They will be performing high up in the crowns of two beech trees in Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens. Swampy would be proud.