Tents go up in North Berwick’s Lodge Grounds in late July, with staging crews working into the evening. From 1 to 10 August, Fringe by the Sea brings over 250 events to the town—music, comedy, spoken word, film, food, and family activities. The main programme takes place in the Big Top, the Spiegeltent-style Dome and a series of satellite venues, most within walking distance of the station and shoreline. First held in 2008, the festival now draws both touring names and local acts. Days often stretch between a lunchtime author talk and an outdoor gig, with time for a swim in between.