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.
9. Best of Fringe Comedy – In a Horse Box
It wouldn't be August in Edinburgh without seeing a show in a weird and wonderful venue. This does exactly what it says on the tin - with six audience members enjoying a selection of comedians while seated in a horse box, all hosted by award-winnning comic Masai Graham. There are only two performances at The Laughing Horse Box on August 11 and 12. | Contributed
10. Tez Ilyas
Tez Ilyas has been a big success story over the last few years, starring in BBC comedy 'Man Like Mobeen' and presenting 'The Tez O'Clock Show' on Channel 4. He's bringing his improv comedy show 'Talk To Tez' to the Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull from August 13-25. He will also have his new (but not free) standup show 'Before Eight' at the Monkey Barrel on the same dates. | Contributed
11. Chris Cook
If magic is your thing then Chris Cook is bringing his mix of illusion, storytelling comedy and (lots of) audience participation to PBH's Free Fringe from August 3-25 at the Voodoo Rooms. | Contributed