18^thSeptember 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Images: Free to Use, Link to collection of Hi Res Images in Notes to Editors, Small Selection Attached

Stirling Fringe Opens Tonight

Stirling Fringe is set to open tonight at venues across the city of Stirling, running until 26th September. And, with strong pre-event box office sales, organisers are expecting demand for remaining tickets to be high as the festival, now in its third year, gets into full swing with its opening acts which include Simply Soweto Encha, Stanley Odd and All my Sons by Arthur Miller.

Billed as Scotland's "Other Fringe, the festival opens this weekend with a rousing performance in Cowane's Hospital from South African vocal group,Simply Soweto Encha, whose a capella fusion of gospel, soul and doo-wop, is already a firm favourite with festival goers and sees the group perform for the second year in a row.

Later in the festival, opera lovers will be treated to a contemporary interpretation of Mozart's Le Nozze de Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) performed byVoiceArc. And, for the comedy lovers, some of Scotland's finest comedians are set to take to the stage including reigning Scottish Comedian of the Year,Bruce Fummey, as well as appearances from well-kent Scottish namesGary Little,Joe HeenanandRay Bradshaw.

Music lovers will be in their element with a programme that juxtaposes the towering urban impact of Scottish hip hop bandStanley Oddwith the more lyrical sounds of modern string quartetRoutesand families can also get in on the act with a variety of events aimed at arts lovers of all ages including aFamily Fun Dayon Saturday 19th September.

Festival Director, Barry McDonald, commented:

"We're delighted with advanced ticket sales are are looking forward to a fun-packed celebration of the arts with this year's Stirling Fringe. Tickets have been selling twice as fast this year, so we're urging festival fans to book now to ensure they can get tickets to the shows they really want to see.

"Stirling Fringe is now a respected feature of the Scottish cultural calendar and our strong performance at the box office this year is testimony to that. We are attracting people from far and wide to Stirling, demonstrate the rich cultural offering that the city has to offer. We are also giving the people who live in Stirling a festival they can truly boast about.

Following hot on the heels of Edinburgh's festival offering, Stirling claims it punches well above its weight, culturally speaking. And, with such a varied mix of popular, experimental and engaging acts lined up for this year's Striling Fringe, people don't actually need to travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow to see first class music, comedy, or theatre. It's right here on their doorstep.

Stuart Turner, Head of EventScotland, said:

"Scotland's reputation as the perfect stage for events continues to grow each year, benefitting greatly from the incredible variety on offer and unique atmosphere of our festivals, like the Stirling Fringe. I am delighted to see this event generating greater interest than ever as it enters its third year and know all of those attending will be treated to an outstanding mix of performances which offer something for every taste."

The beauty of Stirling Fringe is that the programme has something for everyone and all ages. Boasting a packed programme of performing artists with everything from musicians to magicians, dramatic actors to divas.

The Stirling Fringe Festival is supported by EventScotland, part of the events directorate at VisitScotland, through the National Programme. 

For further information on the full line up, and to book tickets, visitwww.stirlingfringe.com 

ENDS

For more information on Stirling Fringe, please contact Tricia Fox by email ont.fox@volpa.co.ukor by phone on 01738 700130 or 07989 955039

To download the full programme of events please visit:https://www.dropbox.com/s/849h8w5x6sx9tv3/SF_Booklet_2015_V1.pdf?dl=0

For a selection of H Res Images:https://www.dropbox.com/s/pj62znertnh6f67/Stirling%20Fringe%20Images.zip?dl=0 

Notes to Editors

EventScotland:EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland's international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visitwww.EventScotland.org

Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews. EventScotland is part of VisitScotland, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland.