Right then, let’s talk Fringe. If you’ve ever stood on the Royal Mile in August, you know it’s a beautiful, terrifying soup of bagpipes, fire-breathers, and thousands of people shoved into a space designed for medieval carts. Whether you’re a comedian looking for that breakthrough five-star review, a performance artist pushing boundaries, or an entrepreneur running a pop-up stall, you are all fighting for one thing: attention.

At WeePrint, we operate entirely online from our base in Scotland, meaning we help folks across the UK—and those descending on Edinburgh—get their gear sorted without the stress of local shop queues. We’ve seen the triumphs and the "soggy flyer disasters." Print marketing is the lifeblood of the Fringe. Yes, social media is great, but a physical flyer is a contract between you and a potential audience member.

I remember a comedian who came to us a few years back. He’d spent his entire budget on a venue but "saved money" by printing his flyers at home. Halfway through his first day, a classic Edinburgh drizzle started. By 2:00 PM, his flyers were literally melting—the ink was running down his arms and his face was a purple smudge on the paper. He was devastated. We rushed a batch of high-quality, 350gsm silk flyers with a water-resistant finish to his accommodation. He sold out his run. The lesson? Professional print doesn't just look better; it survives the Scottish climate.

Graphic Design: Your Three-Second Window

Before we even talk about paper, we have to talk about graphic design. In the festival world, you have about three seconds to grab someone's eye. Your design needs a "hero" image, a clear title, and—most importantly—the "Where and When."

We once had a client who brought in a poster that was a work of art—complex, moody, and very high-concept. The only problem? You couldn't actually read the venue name or the show time without a magnifying glass. I had to gently explain that if people have to work to find your show, they won't. We reworked the layout, boosted the font size of the venue, and added a bold "Five Stars" quote space. It wasn't "artier," but it was certainly "busier." Success at the Fringe is about clarity over cleverness.

The Flyer: The King of the Mile

Flyer printing is where most of your budget will go. Most stick to A6 flyers, as they fit perfectly into a pocket. DL (tall and thin) is also popular because it stands out in a stack. When choosing your paper, don't go too thin. 130gsm or 150gsm is standard, but if you want to feel premium, go for 250gsm or 350gsm card. It feels like a ticket rather than a scrap of paper.

Posters: Visual Dominance

Poster printing is your silent salesperson. Whether it's an A3 in a cafe window or an A2 on a designated Fringe board, your poster needs to be a beacon.

Signage: A-Boards and Banners

If you have a venue or a physical location, you need display printing that works at a distance. Banner printing is essential for "brand dominance" outside your space. A-Boards are also brilliant for entrepreneurs and pop-up shops. They are the ultimate "Look over here!" tool for foot traffic.

I recall a performance artist tucked away in a tiny basement venue down a side alley. Nobody was finding her. We printed a vibrant A-Board with a giant arrow and a cheeky bit of text. Her footfall increased by 40% in two days. Sometimes, you just have to point the way.

Networking: Stickers and Business Cards

Don't forget sticker printing. Stickers are great for "guerrilla marketing" (within legal limits!) and business cards are vital for when you meet that producer in a bar after your show.

The WeePrint Advantage: Online, Fast, Reliable

Because we are an online company, we offer the convenience of ordering from your rehearsals in London or your office in Manchester and having everything delivered directly to your Edinburgh accommodation. We understand the unique pressures of the August rush.

Last year, a theatre group realised they’d put the wrong time on 10,000 flyers. Because we operate with streamlined online workflows, we were able to catch the file, tweak the design, and get the corrected batch out before they even reached Waverley Station. Try doing that with a faceless global giant!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between the Edinburgh Festival and the Fringe?

The Edinburgh International Festival is a curated event with invited artists, usually focusing on classical arts. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is "open access," meaning anyone with a venue can perform. This is why Fringe printing is so vital—you are responsible for your own marketing!

Q2: Why do I need professional printing for the Fringe Festival?

First impressions are everything. Professional print from WeePrint ensures your ink doesn't run in the rain, your colours are vibrant, and your paper feels high-quality. DIY printing often looks amateur and can actually deter people from buying a ticket.

Q3: How many flyers for Edinburgh Fringe?

For a full 3-week run, most performers find that 5,000 to 10,000 flyers is the "sweet spot." If you have a dedicated flyering team, you might need more. It’s always better to have a few hundred left over than to run out during the final (usually busiest) week.

Q4: What size posters should I get for the Fringe?

A3 is the most common size for shop windows and cafe displays. A2 is better for official Fringe poster boards. We recommend weather-resistant stocks or lamination if they are going to be living outdoors in the Scottish summer!

Q5: Can I order online and have it delivered to Edinburgh?

Absolutely. WeePrint is an online company, and we specialise in nationwide delivery. You can place your order from anywhere and we will ensure it arrives at your venue or flat in time for your first preview.

Q6: What is the best paper for outdoor posters?

We recommend a "Blueback" paper or a water-resistant gloss/silk with lamination. This prevents the paper from wrinkling or tearing when the Edinburgh haar rolls in.

Q7: What is the turnaround time for festival printing?

During peak season (July/August), we recommend ordering at least 7-10 working days in advance. However, we do offer express services for those "oh no" moments when you realise you've run out of flyers mid-run!