Timely acts fill the stage

Matthew Westwood | August 19, 2008 DON'T let anyone tell you that Edinburgh is the ideal festival city. Yes, it has stacks of atmosphere, heritage and dramatic scenery. The vibe is playful, buzzy and hospitable. And, of course, the Edinburgh International Festival, combined with the Fringe and other tourist magnets, makes the city a focal point for the world of performing arts and ideas throughout August. But the visitor should be prepared for aching feet (cobblestones, long walks between venues and hilly terrain take their toll), long queues for the most popular shows and, sometimes, impenetrable crowds. The Royal Mile that leads up to Edinburgh Castle is the backbone of the festival city, teeming with people day and night. This is where street performers and Fringe acts of every type and ability hawk their shows. On... [read full story]