Too Many Spaces to Fill!

On the last Wednesday of the Festival the scene was set in the pub, for what has become the biggest party night of the Fringe.

With as many street performers, celebrities and Fringe staff as I can muster.

The Exhibition about to come to a close, it's time for a party.

Over the course of the Festival every day in the pub people come in and wander round, looking at the photos. Performers looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the High street come down, share a beer or two in the evenings. Show casts join our quiz nights.

But party night is my night to say thanks to everyone. As I said on the night "It's my one show of the Fringe."


This year was one of my biggest turnouts. Not only did we take over the raised area in the pub, but expanded into the rest of the pub too.
If I lost one bud, I lost lots. For me it's all about "PR"



And for performers it's about networking.
"There are three reasons I come to Edinburgh now for the Fringe, to perform, to get great photos, and one of the best parties during any Festival." I was told by J-P.
"You bring more people together under one roof at anyone time than anyone else. I find out what's happening where and all the rest."

So who was there, well everyone almost. Faces I was supprised to see were Vince and Sophie, with a young family they don't normally make it down, but this year they'd left "Herbie Treehead" babysitting.

With all the boards on display, somewhere around the thousand photograph mark. Gaps started appearing early on. For everyone that turns up it's a chance to find photos of themselves, or grab photos of friends.

I had spent a little time over the last week sorting photos out for everyone. The four thousand photos not on display were sorted and put out on a table, as everyone arrived they got their pack of photos. This year I've almost nothing to take home. "Fantastic!"

The night moved on, drink food and all that any party needed.

Then it was time to try my hand after one or two beers at the now famous big group shot.
I'd been taking photos all night, it is the only exhibition that becomes part of the exhibition!

Then horror of horrors it was decided that I do a bottling speech. "It's what performers do to get people to put money in their hat."

I stood on the table, surrounded by friends new and old. In total fear. They'd all had years of experience in doing this. This was my first.