Underbelly, Circus Hub

It's surprising that this sort of venue hasn't already been launched elsewhere Edinburgh Fringe, what with our communal fascination in all things freaky, entrancing, and carried out atop a tightrope. Circus acts enjoy roaring success at our bonny festival, so it's only right they're given a dedicated home.

And that's where the violet bovine brand Underbelly come in. Famous for the big ol' capsized cow usually erected in Bristo square, Underbelly are surfing their fringe venue success back to the shore with a whole host of new performance spots. Circus Hub does pretty much what it says on the tin (or, rather, on the circus tent). It's a hub for all things circus, bringing with it a circus programme of 12 shows from all over the world, including Australia, Czech Republic, Canada and Palestine. There are also a handful of homegrown acts too,  meaning you can sample all the tastiest circus talent from one single tent.

...Speaking of which, the big tops themselves are gorgeous. The first, Lafayette, seats 750, and the second (named after Lafayette's dog, Beauty) seats a more modest 250.

If you're interested in reading more about the history of Underbelly, check out our profile for their original venue down on the Cowgate. Alternatively, if you're needing to be updated on all of this fringe mania, head over to our handy wee fringe guide for more information.