Who we are

'Welcome to the Fringe Palestine' is an initiative to bring Palestinian artists to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Founded in 2015 by playwright David Greig alongside producers Henry Bell and Sara Shaarawi, the initiative was created in response to the lack of Palestinian representation at the Fringe and the barriers Palestinian artists face in accessing international platforms.

Rooted in principles of hospitality, solidarity and internationalism, the festival provides a space where Palestinian voices are heard and celebrated without censorship. Initially, a one-day festival as part of Forest Fringe, it included 12 Palestinian artists presenting theatre, music, dance, comedy, poetry and storytelling. The festival created lasting professional relationships and introduced many artists to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time.

In 2025, the festival returned with renewed urgency amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza and featured 35 performers and artists from Palestine and its diaspora.

Organised voluntarily by a collective of independent artists, with the support of Independent Arts Projects and Workers Theatre Cooperative, the programme featured 20 performances across four days.

Support came primarily from crowdfunding and over 500 donations, alongside ticket sales, Creative Scotland, JTH Charitable Trust and many small organisations and individuals. The festival is only possible through the work of more than 70 volunteers who gave their time and energy freely.

In 2027, we aim to present more performances

You can contact us on welcometothefringe@i-a-p.net