Fringe Cares Fest

The Edinburgh Interfaith Association (EIFA) plays a significant role in bringing the joy of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to local care homes through a programme called Fringe Cares Fest. This initiative, which began in 2022, aims to make the festival experience accessible to elderly residents who are unable to attend Fringe events in person.

Through this programme, Fringe performers visit care homes across Edinburgh, offering a variety of performances, including Broadway songs, modern dance, and tributes to iconic musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. These events not only provide entertainment but also foster a sense of community and cultural exchange among the residents, their families, and staff.

In addition to live performances, the initiative includes a project where residents can share their memories of past festivals, which are then preserved through online podcasts. EIFA, along with its partners, is dedicated to expanding this program to reach all care homes in Edinburgh, enriching the lives of nearly 3,000 residents!

(Life and Work)​ (Joe Goldblatt).

The Edinburgh Interfaith Association, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Association, Barchester Healthcare, and Scottish Care brought 14 performances from the 2024 Fringe festival to 8 Edinburgh care homes in August. STV News covered one of the performances and here is News reporter, Vanessa Kennedy with the happy care home residents.