Festival-goers flood to Edinburgh Fringe's final weekend

Performers at the international festival and Fringe festival in Edinburgh are gearing up for the final weekend of shows after a month-long haul of treading the boards.

This month's Edinburgh Fringe has reprised all the well-known wonders of the world's biggest arts festival, from world-class writers speaking at the Charlotte Square Gardens Book Festival to inspiring dance acts breaking new ground at the Aurora Nova.

Top-ranked comedians battle to made it big by winning the 'if' awards, formerly the Perrier, while theatre companies vie for a Fringe First, prized emblem of critical acclaim.

Thousands of shows in venues big and small have left audiences spoilt for choice, and in the thick of it all, the manic Royal Mile still seethes with life, as fearless thespians sell their wares, 'flyering' bewildered festival-goers with their most winning smiles and catchy jingles.

And for visitors who have missed all the fun of the festival so far, it is still not too late, with many of the professional theatre shows and film events continuing into September.

Popular access routes include Edinburgh Airport, which this year celebrated its thirtieth birthday, as well as picturesque Waverley Station, nestled in the nether regions of Princes Street.