From the early days of summer, there is a shift in the atmosphere in Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital, an enchanting city at any time of year, vibrates with the excited anticipation of its world famous festivals.

At the heart of this excitement is the world’s biggest arts festival and the UK’s number one tourist attraction, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

In August, hotels in Edinburgh fill with thousands of festival lovers and performing hopefuls from across the globe, which flock to the city for the Fringe. With the mounting of festival fever, Edinburgh becomes a truly international city.

The sheer array of performances to choose from attracts a wide audience, as the Fringe offers something for everyone. With a choice of theatre, music, comedy, dance and exhibitions spanning almost every style and genre, the Fringe proves a hit with visitors from all walks of life.

Yet what makes the Fringe truly unique is, despite its high profile and significance to Scottish tourism, there is no artistic vetting. Any artist can apply for perform at the Fringe, a principle which keeps the event true to its history and founding ethos.

The Fringe dates back to 1947, when eight gatecrashers at the Edinburgh International Festival were denied the chance to perform.

The story spread in the arts world, and the following year, more acts turned up uninvited. A tradition was born, as was a sort of anarchic kudos associated with being a festival ‘outsider’, performing on the streets and in lesser known venues around the city.

Within a few years, these acts were such an integral part of the Edinburgh festival season, that one could not imagine the EIF without the Fringe.

The Festival Fringe Society was formally established 1958, and has gone on to attract a hotbed of talent, launching careers along the way.

Many Fringe events are free or performed outside, creating an open and inclusive environment for the arts.

The cobbled old town streets nestled within the shadow of the castle, leading to the majesty of Arthur’s Seat, provide a naturally theatrical platform for the fantasy and escapism of the Fringe Festival.

The vast array of children’s performances is a hit with families, and many Edinburgh kids benefit from this early, highly entertaining introduction to culture, comedy and the performing arts.

With the wealth of Edinburgh accommodation on offer, including serviced apartments in Edinburgh and hotels in Edinburgh, the city is accessible for individuals and groups, catering for all budgets.

As Scotland becomes increasingly accessible, the summer migration to Edinburgh shows no sign of slowing.

Last years tickets sales (2008) amounted to £1.7 million, and the Fringe shows no sign of losing its immense popularity.

For many years to come, more and more people are expected to add to the vibrant atmosphere of the Edinburgh summer, as they flock to the city to experience the famous Fringe magic.