Freestival, one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s free festivals, has confirmed that it has secured a new major performance space for the forthcoming festival. Events will take place at the New Waverley Arches.
The venue will host up to 40 free shows on four stages every day during the Fringe in the arches underneath Jeffrey Street, which forms part of the New Waverley development currently being constructed in the city’s Old Town.
This will be the first time in 150 years that the Victorian C-listed arches will be regularly open to the public, having previously been used for industrial storage space. The double-height brickwork arches, which were first unveiled at a launch party in June, will provide a performance space accommodating between 50 and 80 people beneath each arch.
The announcement follows uncertainty surrounding Freestival’s main venue, having been forced to move from its previous location at the Cowgatehead (see beyondthejoke stories passim). The Arches now joins Fingers Piano Bar, Sin Club and the Thistle King James Hotel in the line-up of other Freestival venues across the city.
Freestival member Dan Adams said: “This is quite simply one of the most exciting developments to hit the Fringe in years. Together with partners La Favorita, we are creating a brand new entertainment area right in the heart of the city – yet at its core lies a stunning performance space which has remained largely unseen and untouched since mid-Victorian times.
“We will be bringing a huge variety of shows to the arches, combining fringe veterans and established favourites with promising newcomers and family shows. Together with this magnificent new venue and high quality partners like La Favorita Delivered, Freestival has never been in better shape.”
Freestival partner La Favorita Delivered and recently signed sponsors Birra Moretti will be creating a food, drink and entertainment area in the courtyard immediately in front of the arches, with views across the Waverley Valley towards Calton Hill.
“Freestival has always been a great match for us, delivering high calibre acts which attract a diverse audience, with many coming from Edinburgh and the surrounding area. It’s great to see Freestival go from strength to strength, in a venue that provides us with the opportunity to create a genuinely unique location in which to relax, socialise and be entertained - right in the heart of the city,” said Stephanie Yapp, brand director for La Favorita Delivered.
Freestival will run at the Arches, accessed off East Market Street, from August 3 to 31.
Freestival is currently offering 120 shows on 10 stages across 6 venues plus a substantial music offering across 3 venues. Click here for more details.
