The ’Fringe’ festival, an entertainment concept recognized internationally for more than sixty years, will be organised in Dubai for the second year in a row in DSF 2008 after its resounding first-year success in DSF 2006-2007. Dubai will feature as one among the major international cities to host the acclaimed arts celebration. Starting from January 24, Fringe Festival will be held at the Wafi till February 8.

The festival, known simply as Fringe, began with the Edinburgh International Festival way back in 1947, and was viewed as a post-war initiative to re-unite Europe through culture. Over the past six decades, the Fringe has been constantly changing to accommodate talents from different countries and is today, famous for its celebration of art and people.

Tshering Idnani, DSF Senior Events Coordinator said, “The Fringe is a popular international entertainment concept that made its Middle East debut in Dubai during DSF 2006-2007. This time around, the festival will also feature a special theatre production that will include martial arts and Korean urban dance, apart from presenting seven international variety shows. The Fringe is an apt example of how the DSF Office strives to present innovative events to tourists, visitors, and residents.” Between the 24th and 30th of January, this international festival of theatre, acrobatic skill, dance, music, and unique talent will be free for visitors at the enchanting Wafi and feature seven mesmerising shows : the Traditional Oriental Dance Show, Themed Break Dance Show, Japanese Variety Show, Chinese Variety-Circus Show, Shaolin Stunt Show, Unicycle Show, and the Variety Juggling Show.

The second week of the Fringe, from January 31st to February 8th, will feature a dynamic martial arts-based theatre production called Karma. Combining martial arts and Korean urban dance, Karma is hugely popular and has received rave reviews from theatre enthusiasts. Over 45 performers from five different countries will get together for this world-class theatre production.

The fringe festival is known for its global appeal where cities like Toronto, Montreal, Edinburgh, Dublin, Melbourne, and Prague host the event every year. The huge number of visitors during Dubai Shopping Festival will also ensure that Dubai is recognized among the international circle of fringe festivals.

The second fringe festival will aim to bank on the success of the inaugural year and establish itself as an annual DSF event. With Dubai as another international host city, the exciting festival will further the emirate’s image as the region’s entertainment destination. For more information on the exciting fringe shows, please visit www.dubaifringe.com