It’s nearly time for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to take over the theatres, gyms, hotels, streets and pubs of Scotland’s Capital.
Taking place from August 2-26 (although there are previews in the days running up to the official launch), there are over 3,500 shows taking place, from music and dance, to theatre and spoken word.
As with everything, ticket prices have been steadily rising in recent years - meaning that the festival is arguably less affordable than it once was.
But luckily there are two ‘free’ programmes of events, where you pay what you think the show’s worth and pop it in a collection bucket at the end.
Founded by comedian Peter Buckley Hill (pictured) in 1996, the PBH Free Fringe was the first of its kind, before being joined by the Free Festival in 2004.
And other venues also put on some free shows over August.
Here are 11 of the free shows that have caught our eye this year.
5. Late With Kate
A real fixture on the Free Fringe, 'Late With Kate' is hosted by comedian and political activist Kate Smurthwaite, and is on at PBH's Free Fringe @ Canons' Gait at midnight from August 3-25. It promises to be "completely different every night, with behind-the-scenes Fringe gossip, games and carefully selected comedy and cabaret guests." | Contributed
6. The Creative Martyrs
A two-man cabaret show, The Creative Martyrs have been delighting audiences across Scotland and beyond for years with their witty and intelligent musical comedy and "jubilant, miserable, deadpan existentialism". They're back at the Fringe for the umpteeth year at PBH's Free Fringe @ Fingers Piano Bar from August 3-25. | Contributed
7. Free Footlights
The Cambridge Footlights comedy troupe won the first ever Edinburgh Comedy Award back in 1981 with a sketch group that included Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Tony Slattery and Emma Thompson. They have continued to produce some of the nation's finest comedians ever since and this year you can get a taste for free - with 'Free Footlights' at Just The Tonic Nucleus from August 1-25. | Contributed
8. Brennan Reece
Star of television shows including 'Live at the Apollo', Celeb Coach Trip' and 'Roast Battle', Brennan Reece has become a bit of a Fringe veteran since being nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2016. He's also a former English Comedian of the Year winner. Reece is making the switch to PBH's Free Fringe this year with his show 'Me Me Me' at The Liquid Room from August 3-25. | Contributed