Susie Fiddes

Looking to escape Edinburgh’s hustle and bustle in August? In search of some sand between the toes? Head to the glorious seaside town of North Berwick from August 10–16 for a taste of the Edinburgh Fringe in miniature as the town’s annual Fringe By the Sea Festival returns with its usual impressive line-up of performers. Located just a 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh Waverley, performances are hosted both harbour-side and throughout the town in venues including the impressive Parisian style Palais des Glaces and La Gaiete Spiegletents, which are imported especially for the event.   Here are just five of the 2015 festival highlights: Global superstar Joan ArmatradingShe'll be making her debut appearance at the festival in what promises to be a very special performance of her unique brand of world-class folk-rock-blues music and song. Over the course of the evening she will open and share her songbook penned throughout her four decades at the top of the music game in this intimate setting. Family entertainer Mr BoomBy popular demand, he's returning to the festival this year to delight and entertain the smaller members of your family. A regular visitor to planet Earth since 1984, Mr Boom (who lives on the moon) promises to get your little ones up singing and dancing along with him from start to finish. Funtimes for anyone aged three and up. Tribute Thursday An evening not to be missed with two of Scotland’s top rated tribute acts on stage to entertain the Spiegeltent masses