Edinburgh Fringe Festival Arts and Crafts Market

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival – 7-31st August, 2009, is the biggest tourist attraction in Great Britain and a wonderful opportunity to see music, dance, theatre and art from around the world. Your first stop should be at the Fringe Shop, 180 High Street, Edinburgh to pick up your free copy of the Fringe program. Then choose and book the performances you wish to attend. The Fringe encompasses both street performers, unknown performers, up and coming artists and seasoned veterans whom you will have heard off.

Apart from the arts and the pub parties, don't neglect to take in a little of the beautiful city. One of the best markets is St.John's Art and craft market or The West End Arts, crafts and design Fair. Set in the tree covered courtyard of St. John's church at the end of Princes Street, the location alone is a pleasurable experience.

The goods are unique and of high quality. It's the perfect place to buy gifts to take home which are really Scottish and not just made for tourists, and there are items you won't find on every high street. You can find scarves, gloves, books, home made jam, jewelry, furniture, clothes, home wares and all kinds of interesting objects in over 100 stalls. There are artistic objects made from glass, wood, metal and textiles.

The market runs from the 8th -30th of August, and is open every day except the 9th which is the Fringe Cavalcade Day. It's open from 11am-6pm. On the 17th and 24th there is a turn over of exhibitors so you can go back more than once and see different goods

If you need to have a bite to eat try the Cornerstone Café, in the stone vaults of the church. They serve wholesome natural vegetarian foods, with vegan options. The place is kid-friendly, there is no smoking and they don't accept credit cards.

There are also 7 Fringe performances inside the church during the festival season as well. The Church is at 3 Lothian Road in the west end of Edinburgh at the junction between Lothian and Princes Street, and there are metered parking bays. For the best market in Edinburgh with it's own unique charm, check out the fair at St. Johns.