Who better to share her love of Edinburgh and the Fringe than Katy Koren – artistic director of the Gilded Balloon.
What does the Fringe mean to you?
I grew up with the Fringe – my mum, Karen Koren, started Gilded Balloon in 1986, and three years later I came along so I’ve never known life without it. My own daughter was born two weeks before our 2023 Fringe, so my whole life is intertwined with this lovely mad August! I’ve met some fantastic people through the Fringe – lifelong friends and incredible artists who spend their whole lives/careers planning how they can perform at this Festival, so it’s incredibly important to me and, I think, incredibly important to the city as a whole.
You live in Edinburgh year-round – what are your tips for people looking to enjoy the city.
Venture out – there’s some gorgeous beaches near Edinburgh and you can’t beat some cocktails down at Portobello when the sun is out or Jupiter Artland is a sanctuary and very peaceful place. During Fringe – wander the Old Town and you’re guaranteed to stumble on something amazing and/or strange. It’s a stunningly beautiful city, I often take it for granted.
Do you have any favourite places or hidden gems you can share with us.
We always head to The Outsider with our staff for a post-Fringe dinner and toast to our wonderful team – it’s got great food and gorgeous views!
How about favourite places to eat and drink?
Newbarns Taproom just off Leith Walk would be the perfect chill-out spot after a day at Fringe – it’s a locally owned spot with fantastic beer on draught. Family and dog friendly too! You’ll find me at our Patter House bar on Chambers Street in August – we have themed late-night parties during Fringe and discounts for artists so it’s always a good vibe.
What is your advice to people coming to the Fringe as visitors?
Plan! Pick a couple of shows you want to see and book ahead, but leave some time to take a punt and discover new shows. It’s such an important part of the Fringe to take a chance on a new act. Listen to flyerers, they are only passionate if they really believe in the show. Make the most of ticket deals – we have a local residents deal for EH, KY and FK postcodes, plus Pink Wednesday with £6 tickets for loads of shows on 6th August. Lots of shows will run 2-for-1 deals in the early days of Fringe so take advantage and double up on shows.
What are you most looking forward to this Fringe?
Apart from celebrating Gilded’s 40th anniversary, probably taking my daughter to some shows. She’ll be two so a great age to be getting involved with some of our kids shows. I’m excited for Bring Yer Bairn, a comedy show for adults that kids are welcome at – means I don’t have to miss out on seeing some great comedy myself.
Three shows we have to see this Fringe?
We’re so excited to welcome Rosie O’Donnell to her first ever Fringe for a very limited run from 1st – 10th August – to have a name as big as Rosie here for our 40th is very special. Comedy fans have to see Alana Jackson – a Glaswegian comic who won our So You Think You’re Funny? competition in 2024 and is a star on the rise. And our ‘In Conversation’ series with acts like Bill Bailey, Jenny Eclair and more chatting about their incredible careers. But there are SO many more I’d mention if you let me. It’s a must to see more than three!
Gilded Balloon shows including Rosie O’Donnell, Jack Docherty, Alana Jackson and more on sale at
