The Edinburgh Fringe has always been a haven for the bold and the beautiful, but 2026 marks a tantalizing first: the launch of the International Fringe Burlesque Festival. Running from 6th–30th August, this new thread will interweave with the others. There will be five shows running every day, celebrating all facets of burlesque: classic striptease, comedic parody, alternative circus, vaudeville variety, and other branches.
In many ways, this new showcase channels the original spirit of the event. The Fringe itself started as an offshoot of the Edinburgh International Festival. Performers who weren’t invited to the main programme turned up anyway and put on their own productions in small, unofficial venues, creating a smaller event like a ‘fringe’ of the original. Now, six major gatherings take place during August, with the Edinburgh Fringe standing as the biggest arts festival in the world. It’s within this massive, ever-evolving landscape that we spoke to the producer about the burlesque scene across the Fringe over the past few years and the launch of this new showcase.
Launching a Dedicated Burlesque Experience
You’ve now launched the International Fringe Burlesque Festival, which will run alongside the many festivals that layer over each other throughout August. What made you want to create a whole new festival dedicated to burlesque?
In 2012, after my first year at the Edinburgh Fringe and seeing the potential, I geared up to launch the Edinburgh Burlesque Festival, but was told by our partnering venue that it wasn’t possible to run this type of event within an existing festival.
At that stage, I decided to launch ‘Best of Burlesque’ in 2013, which is now the longest-running burlesque event at the Fringe. This event has inspired many other producers to bring similar shows to the Fringe, and through the ever-growing interest in the art form, I’ve added additional productions to my annual schedule. Every year, I try to grow and develop new ideas for a Fringe audience.
The Timing of the 2026 Festival
Why was 2026 the moment to launch the International Fringe Burlesque Festival?
For the past 3 years, I’ve outgrown the traditional format of promoting individual shows and really thought it was the right time to go back to my original festival concept and launch it in a way that it stood on its own. There are a lot of different burlesque shows on offer, but I feel like my productions offer something unique.
Showcasing Global Talent
‘International’ is in the name of your festival, and you mention you bring “over 100 International Artists” to the line-up. Where do these performers come from?
This year saw the most artist submissions in my history of producing at the Fringe, and the calibre and standard seem to be very high. I will be showcasing artists from across the UK and Europe, but there’s been an increase in artists from America, Canada, Australia, and many more. I believe we have artists coming from 17 different countries.
International Trends and Social Media Impact
Do you notice any patterns between performers from different countries?
I’m seeing an increased awareness of Fringe in general from artists from across America and Europe, and I think this is down to social media content being shared each August by participating artists. Fringe is obviously a great platform to showcase, and artists do take advantage of the opportunity for online content. Australia already has a huge Fringe scene through Adelaide and Perth, so coming to Edinburgh for many is a part of the progression.
The Evolution of Burlesque at the Fringe
What trends have you seen in burlesque throughout the years?
I think the trends were definitely more visible between 2009 and 2013, but now it seems that a lot of ideas get reused with a fresh angle with newer artists. I think during COVID times there were a lot of new acts emerging, and there’s been such a boom the past few years that it’s too challenging to keep track. I really just focus on what I’m producing and aim to work with both established and new acts that are brimming with talent and potential.
What to Expect in 2026
You’ll be presenting five different shows per day. What do you want audiences to take from your shows?
Every production is bringing something different, and audiences will have an indication of what to expect through our show titles.
This year, ‘Best of Burlesque’ is bringing ‘New School’—a fresh interpretation of the art form with new concepts from new and established artists.
‘Sexy Circus Sideshow 3.0’ is our most ambitious late-night production. With headline aerial acts, slick circus, and variety acts, it’s definitely the show for those who want something that’s edgy and steps away from the standard burlesque format.
I encourage readers to check out our website for the full programme of events. I’ve put together a full programme that’s guaranteed to offer a little something for everyone: Click here to view the full programme and book tickets at fringeburlesquefest.com
International Fringe Burlesque Festival 2026 Programme
19.30 – 20.30 Best of Cabaret @ The Caves Returning for a 6th stellar year. A diverse rotating cast of international seasoned artists. Vivacious vocalists, Variety, Circus, Comedy, and award-winning Burlesque each night. A round-up of the finest Cabaret acts at the 2026 Fringe.
21.00 – 22.00 All-Stars Burlesque @ The Caves The ultimate ‘Go To’ Burlesque extravaganza at Fringe returns as a part of the International Fringe Burlesque Festival. A celebration of bodies, tradition, and inclusivity. Pushing the boundaries of the art form. Award winners, show-stoppers, and the hottest stars around!
22.15 – 23.15 Best of Burlesque ‘New School’ @ Bijou Tent The longest-running Burlesque at Fringe (& Scotland) returns with a ‘New School’ of international emerging artists. Fastest rising stars on the scene. Striptease, parody, works in progress, and fresh interpretations of the art form.
23.45 – 00.45 After-Hours Burlesque Club @ The Caves Your late-night Burlesque ‘Guilty Pleasure’ returns! Sell-out 2025 run. Sizzling striptease and alternative variety collide at the historic Caves. Leave inhibitions at the door. Anything goes at the After-Hours Burlesque Club. Everyone welcome!
23.55 – 00.55 Sexy Circus Sideshow 3.0 @ Piccolo Exotic acts that connect alternative circus with the dark arts of underground burlesque and cabaret. A carnival cavalcade of saucy showgirls, sideshow stunts, novelty, and variety at its very best! All-new show. 3.0 baby!
Featured Image: Best of Burlesque Poster
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