Clowns wearing tutus riding unicycles. Brass bands in scuba gear. Shakespearian actors delivering their lines from a vat of treacle . . .
There’s certainly a lot to meet the eye during the Edinburgh Fringe and so we can be forgiven if an increase in job opportunities may not be the first thing that pops into our minds.
However, as the largest arts festival in the world takes place in the capital, with more than 50,000 performances from all over the globe, there’s something for everyone.
And not just for the lovers of art, music, theatre and comedy.
It’s also the perfect time to be inspired to take up a role in the hospitality and tourism sector.
With restaurants and bars packed to the rafters and spirits high, bar workers and waiting staff are in high demand to ensure visitors who come to the Fringe from all corners of the world are given the warmest welcome – and the best customer service.
The same goes for anyone who is hoping to land a job working in kitchens or front of house in Edinburgh’s famed restaurants.
Of course, when Fringe fans have had their fill of culture, food and drink, they need to get home or back to their hotel.
Step forward the patient tour guides who, with a smile and friendly banter, help everyone navigate the city’s cobblestoned streets.
Large festivals such as the Fringe also bring specialist jobs – just think of all the leafleting, promotion, box office staff, press officers and light and sound engineers that are needed to bring together the biggest show on earth and make sure everything is alright on the night.
While the good folks of Edinburgh and all of us nationwide benefit every year from the millions of pounds the Fringe pumps into the Scottish economy, it’s the hard-working staff behind the scenes who make the show possible.
If you’re lucky enough to catch some of the new shows this year – for lovers of the hippest comedian-clowns, we highly recommend Zach and Viggo at the Underbelly Cowgate – you’ll soon realise the young stars of the stage rarely have formal training or experience.
What matters is their unstoppable enthusiasm and their natural talent for making people happy.
Similarly, if you look at the roles for beginners in hospitality, catering and tourism on s1jobs, you’ll find that you, too, can bring these same people skills to kick off your own career in the spotlight.