Festival: Edinburgh fringe

Following last year's furore, Edinburgh Fringe events again begin a week earlier than the International Festival (15 Aug to 4 Sept), running from tomorrow until the end of the month. Despite the wealth of plays, visual art, music, dance and film, the annual Perrier Award ensures that comedy is the main focus of the Fringe. Must-sees include the musical genius of Bill Bailey (left, 24 Aug only); a new outing for blathermeister and Perrier-winner Dylan Moran (13-17 Aug); smug but hilarious Greg Proops (6-19 Aug); ranting from award-winning potter Johnny Vegas (10-15 Aug); and bar-room philosophy from Al Murray Pub Landlord (4-30 Aug). There's a new icy venture, Arctic Boosh (4-30 Aug), from last year's prize-winning newcomers; The Right Size's loopy but very funny hit Do You Come Here Often? (15-30 Aug); and a short run for paper-sculpting impressionist Ennio Marchetto (25-30 Aug). The choice is yours.

Venues around Edinburgh (0131-226 5138) tomorrow to 30 Aug