The Free Festival is a big enough event in itself this year, with over 4,300 performances throughout August you can see a huge selection of every Fringe genre for absolutely nothing now, without ever having to pay for a show....

Other events we are running this year are the Free Music Festival, which encompasses our music programme on The Pear Tree Outdoor Stage, plus other bands and music from sponsors Kopparberg every day from 5.45pm to 8.30pm - last year and this is the first time there has been an open-access free entry music event running every night of the Fringe. This year there will also be a second outdoor stage on the Cowgate.

The Pear Tree stage is also open during the day showcasing acts from around the Fringe much like the stages on the Royal mile - except with this stage you can enjoy the performances in the comfort of our secluded courtyard garden, sitting at tables and enjoying a wide selection of drinks - rather than fighting off the crowds of flyerers on the Royal mile!

Plus, we have another Fringe first this year - an interactive game that takes place all over Edinburgh... and 2010 sees the Free Festival become home to the annual Malcolm Hardee Awards.