Photos from the world's largest arts festival

What started as an alternative to the 'Edinburgh International Festival', today has become the world largest arts festival with the event spanning 25 days and participants from over 45 countries participating in the gala. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe showcases performing arts, particularly theatre and comedy. An unjuried festival, the Fringe often showcases experimental works that do not find a place in conservative art festivals. In 2011, the over 21,000 performers from 60 countries had participated in the festival. Here are the best pictures from the festival hand picked by our editor:

1 - 21 of 21

1 of 21 photos

The Lady Boys of Bangkok cabaret show takes place at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on August 7, 2012 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festivals in the world, it was established as an alternative to the International Festival also held in August, and celebrates it's 66th anniversary this year. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
The Lady Boys of Bangkok cabaret show takes place at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on August 7, 2012 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festivals in the world, it was established as an alternative to the International Festival also held in August, and celebrates it's 66th anniversary this year. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)