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Wednesday Night. First night of Pleasance.
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Courtyard busy for the first time, only another 4 weeks to go before it's quiet again...
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We return for the Press Launch on Saturday morning.
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It's quiet outside at this time.
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In the courtyard, Ruth and Emily wait patiently.
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Deciding what shows they want to blag free tickets for!
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The lights come up on the stage in Pleasance Grand.
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Stephen K Amos is our host.
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The preview ends with an excerpt from "Aluminium", with tubes flying up into the audience...
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...then retreating...
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...then posing...
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...and dancing. Impressive but surreal!!!
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Afterwards there is a free buffet and bar!
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Back in the courtyard the totem pole has been completed.
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The courtyard is busy again even though it's only lunchtime.
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We spend some time in a coffee shop perusing the programme...
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...before heading to the Royal Mile to enjoy the street performances.
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There are a number of small stages for performers to showcase their work...
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...but many just use the street itself.
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A man on stilts towers above the crowd....
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...and the space above the crowd is filled with balloons, signs and flags.
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Performers in costume hand out flyers and mingle with the spectators....
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...some of whom are desperate for a photo!
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I look up - yes, the festivals are still in evidence.
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I look down - hurrah, possibly the only festival-free view in Edinburgh. Not even a single dropped flyer!
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I look round, and suddenly there are people in Orange. I'll never know why!
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Exhausted? Or playing a scene from a massacre?
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The place to get your tickets... if the computer is working!
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A small crowd...
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...drawn by a song and a dance.
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Rain constantly threatens...
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...but folks seem undeterred.
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Banners advertise in bright colours...
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...while a few yards away serious plays are previewed.
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Although it is still broad daylight, the Underbelly (both literally and figuratively) is dark....
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...as we head for Beer Belly...
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... for a drink and a sit down.
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Few of the cities great landmarks are bypassed by the festivals....
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...but the castle itself escapes....
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...even though the tatoo with its seating and flags takes over the esplanade.
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Odd one out?
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Down beside the National Gallery of Scotland, a juggler attracts a crowd...
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...by playing with fire.
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At this time of year, people will form a circle around anyone doing anything! That's the last time he'll stop to tie a shoelace...
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Cut to Sunday evening, leaving Pleasance at the end of a great weekend!
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