SINCE its humble beginnings in 2008, Fringe By The Sea has grown to become a staple part of the Scottish festival calendar – bringing a brilliantly eclectic line-up of music, comedy, family workshops, talks and more to the coastal town of North Berwick.

It’s surprising that the event still feels slightly under the radar, despite being not too far from the hustle and bustle of the Edinburgh Fringe. Now taking place across ten days, the Fringe By The Sea moves at a different, more laidback pace than its Edinburgh counterpart. Set in the Lodge Grounds in the East Lothian town, there’s the Big Top stage that hosts the big names, alongside a nice flurry of smaller stages, tents, food trucks and more – all just a stone’s throw from the harbour and with the stunning views of the Bass Rock in the background. And while it does attract a big line-up of names, it’s still retained its local feel and neighbourly atmosphere which is a huge part of its appeal – it feels cool without shouting about it

This year’s line-up featured the likes of Belle and Sebastian, Rudimental, Alex James, Maribou State, Lou Sanders, Russell Howard, Louis Theroux and much more from 31st July – 9th August.

We were in attendance for soul and funk legends Kool & the Gang, who felt like a fitting headliner for the festival’s final weekend. Only one original member remains, but bassist Robert “Kool” Bell and his formidable troupe of musicians brought the party from the very first note.

The basslines slapped and chorus after chorus turned into a mass singalong. Showmanship was in no short supply either – from singer Shawn McQuiller’s glitzy blue sequined suit to the band’s slick, perfectly synchronised dance moves. Every element felt engineered for maximum spectacle.

Staying true to the classics, ‘Ladies Night’ swaggered with real attitude, while ‘Jungle Boogie’ was welcomed like an old friend, its infectious groove sending the whole tent into motion. Having been sampled countless times over the decades, ‘Hollywood Swinging’ and ‘Get Down On It’ landed as instant crowd favourites, brimming with energy and elevated by the crowrd-pleasing brass section’s razor-sharp work. It was hit after hit, building to the truly euphoric closer, ‘Celebration’ – a fitting climax that had the entire crowd, arms aloft, chanting every word back.

It’s safe to say there are few things more joyous and soul-affirming than a funk and soul band delivering their greatest hits on a Friday night by the sea.

Picture from Fringe by the Sea (Facebook)