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The Edinburgh Festivals kick off in style

Deckchairs at the ready

Everything is ready to welcome audiences to our gorgeous new Edinburgh hub in the grounds of George Heriot's School (which was apparently JK Rowling's inspiration for Hogwarts.)

Stephen K. Amos gets in the swing

When not out dancing Stephen K. Amos has a talk show at the Gilded Balloon and a stand up show at The Stand. His dancing partner is from the Binari group (below) who are performing at the Assembly Hall.

Don't worry, it's not what it seems (we hope!)

These performers found an eye-catching way to promote their drama Family Values, at theSpace on the Mile.

Taking postering to the next level on the Royal Mile

Bobby the Welsh Terrier loving the Royal Mile

Quite possibly the only person not giving out a flyer on the Royal Mile during the festival!

Jollyboat going full pirate mode

You can catch #Jollyboat: Seven Songs for Geeks at the Movement venue.

Guerrilla-folk party-punks with sheep masks

Canada's The Lemon Bucket Orkestra are performing Counting Sheep: A Guerrilla Folk Opera at the Summerhall.

I wouldn't fancy having this lot as neighbours

Musical comedy improv troupe The Noise Next Door have two Edinburgh Fringe shows this year, a family-friendly show at the Gilded Balloon and their late night 'Comedy Lock-In' at the Pleasance Courtyard.

It's already too much for some people

Piggy in the middle (and on both sides)

All the way from the USA, The King School from Stamford, Connecticut are performing Shrek The Musical:TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) at the Church Hill Theatre.

Al Murray gets the audience involved

Al Murray hosts his BBC Radio 2 show in our Blue Tent. You can listen to the show here and Al is back for another live Edinburgh show on Saturday 13th August.

What did he say?

You may find out what Matt Forde said at his show at the Pleasance Courtyard.

Doug Anthony All Stars join Al Murray

The legendary re-formed musical comedy trio, who were nominated for the Perrier Edinburgh Comedy Award way back in 1987, are appearing at the Pleasance Courtyard.

Our first day ends with a bang

With the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo next door at Edinburgh Castle, every night at the BBC's Edinburgh hub will literally end in fireworks.

More from BBC at the Edinburgh Festivals

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