NORTH Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea festival, which came to a close on Sunday, achieved record ticket sales, delighted organisers have announced.

An eclectic mix of music, talks, comedy and events, showcasing both local and international acts, wowed audiences from August 4-13.

Ticket sales, say organisers, were up more than 17 per cent on 2022 levels, with about 41,000 sold, making this year “the most successful festival on record”.

The total number of visitors to events surpassed 75,000, with numerous sold-out shows including by Sister Sledge, Travis, Elkie Brooks, Peat & Diesel, Hamza Yassin, Maggie O’Farrell, William Dalrymple, Patrick Grant, Side Hustle mass karaoke and Geno Washington, as well as the comedy nights with Dylan Moran, Dara Ó Briain and Viggo Venn.

And acts raved about the Fringe by the Sea experience.

Giles and Mary, from hit TV show Gogglebox, who made their Fringe by the Sea debut, said: “We loved our visit to North Berwick and have never had such a warm audience. They seemed to be entirely on our wavelength.”

Celtic-punk rockers Peat & Diesel, on their biggest headline show to date, said: “Absolutely blown away, sensational! Unforgettable night for us here in North Berwick.”

R&B legends Sister Sledge added: “Fringe By The Sea ruled! So much precious love and dancing. Thank you for getting lost with us!”

Festival organisers have also announced that Fringe by the Sea has reached the regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.

The awards ceremony will be held in December.

Thoughts now turn to next year’s Fringe By The Sea, which will take place August 2-11.

Rory Steel, director of Fringe by the Sea, said: “The 10 days have gone past in a flash – audiences have grown yet again and the calibre of acts was amazing. Roll on 2024.”

Jackie Shuttleworth, festival general manager, added: “Living in North Berwick, it is wonderful to see so many people from the town out and about enjoying all the shows as well as the amazing atmosphere in the Lodge Grounds.”