Edinburgh during the festival - suggestions

[WillTravel]

My daughter (who will then be 15) and I are going to Edinburgh in August (Aug. 21-26) as part of our trip this summer. Yay! I know the festivals were mentioned on another thread, so I thought I would ask for more suggestions.

Links I have so far:
www.edfringe.com
www.edinburgh-festivals.com/
www.freefringe.com
www.myfringe.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

We're staying here. The Scottish hostel association (SYHA) takes over this university residence during the summer. In August, single rooms are 23 pounds each. Only single rooms are available, with shared bathrooms and a kitchen.
www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/web/site/Hostels/EdinburghMetro.asp

My main concern is managing the festival attendance in an economical fashion. The Fringe was supposed to be a cheap festival, once upon a time, but that's less and less the case, as the tickets for lots of things are expensive! But any tips in general are welcome, for any of the festivals.

[madamtrashheap]

Ahhh, Edinburgh! I've only ever made it to the Tattoo (over a weekend) and managed to get to a Fringe performance, but I loved the Festival and it makes an already great city fab!

The accommodation you've booked is great - short walk to the city centre, clean and simple rooms.

I scored my ticket to a comedy performance in 2004 at the last minute by going to the Fringe ticket office and seeing what was available and what sounded good. Don't think the shows are made public until June or July (you'll know from checking the websites) but might be worth keeping an eye on what is a must-see for you and your daughter and perhaps taking pot-luck on any others. Having said that, there were a few free performances the year I was there, so that might be worth checking out again for this year.

Not sure if you're going to try for the Tattoo (26th is THE performance, the one they televise across the world) but the tickets have been sold out since late last year, however while you're there you can sometimes get lucky and check at the Tattoo office on the day to see if they have any last-minute/unclaimed tickets (similar to the Theatres in London). Of course scalpers are rife, but they will charge an arm, leg and first-born child (not so good for your daughter!). Otherwise you can hear the performance across the city and the fireworks at the end of the final performance (around midnight) can be seen from everywhere.

I'm jealous - you'll have a ball! ;D

[WillTravel]

I meant to get back to you on this. Thanks, madam.
One thing I'm wondering - does the central area get too crowded for comfort? I'm fine with busy festival crowds, I just wondered how severe the crowding actually is.

[Jules80]

i was there last year during the festival and while i purposely avoided the festival hub, i didn't find edinburgh to be particularly crowded otherwise.

Jules

[madamtrashheap]

I guess it depends on what you call "crowded", but I agree with Jules that it's not a mosh pit of bodies by any standard. Just don't count on being able to walk without bumping into people. The large street parties (the ones with tickets) are obviously full, but generally speaking it's not a crush.