After a six-year break, Venue 13 is rejoining the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025. Located in Harry Younger Hall on Lochend Close, Venue 13 has been a consistent part of the Fringe since 1980. It has been a space for innovative and emerging talent. Its return marks an important moment for the festival as it adapts and evolves in the wake of recent challenges.

A Longstanding Fringe Tradition

Venue 13 has a unique history as the longest continuously numbered venue. It is known for presenting cutting-edge performances in theatre, dance, and physical art. The venue has built a reputation as a space where audiences can discover meaningful and boundary-pushing work. Publications like Three Weeks and The Scotsman have celebrated it as a venue that represents the spirit of the Fringe.

Over the decades, Venue 13 has been a platform for emerging talent from across the UK, US, and Canada, and it has consistently supported work that invites reflection and dialogue.

A Symbolic Return

The Edinburgh Fringe has faced significant challenges in recent years, including financial pressures that have impacted many venues and artists. The return of Venue 13 is a positive development in this landscape, highlighting the resilience of the festival and its participants.

Ian Garrett is leading Venue 13’s revival. Garrett is a producer and designer with deep ties to the Fringe. He has been involved in the festival since 2008, working on productions at Summerhall, Assembly, ZOO, and Greenside, among others. His expertise in sustainable practices and innovative storytelling brings a fresh perspective to the venue as it begins a new chapter.

Programming for 2025

The 2025 season at Venue 13 will feature a mix of performances that reflect its long-standing focus on creativity and experimentation. As we move to reopen, we’ll be featuring a limited number of invited performance projects for 2025. This programming reflects the venue’s commitment to exploring new approaches to performance while maintaining its focus on emerging talent and meaningful work. Keep up with us here and on all of our social media for the latest news on our shows this year.

Moving Forward

Venue 13’s return comes at a time of reflection and renewal for the Edinburgh Fringe. Its presence will once again offer artists and audiences a space for collaboration and discovery, underscoring the importance of small, independent venues to the festival’s identity.

Follow Venue 13 on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates on programming and tickets.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: 

Vanesa Kelly 
Venue 13 Producer and Proprietor of V-Kind, Sustainable Events and PR Consultancy 
Email: vk@v-kind.co.uk  
Website: www.v-kind.co.uk