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Regional secretary with the National Education Union
Let’s hear Palestinian voices
HENRY BELL introduces an initiative to bring Palestinian artists to the Edinburgh festival, gives some context, and appeals for your support
SOLIDARITY IN ACTION: Alan Lomax (with microphone) and Hamish Henderson (with tape machine) recording the student revels at the university of Edinburgh, 1951 [Alan Lomax Archive (photographer unknown)]

THIS year Welcome to the Fringe Palestine will bring 16 Palestinian artists to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, to platform their voices and celebrate Palestinian art and culture, with freedom and without censorship. 

It will be a chance for poets, theatre-makers, comedians and dancers from across Palestine and the diaspora to engage with the festival, meet audiences, see shows, make friends, enjoy the city and share their work at the biggest arts festival on Earth. Welcome to the Fringe is crowdfunding to make this happen. 

As an independent group of Scotland-based artists and producers who have worked regularly in Palestine and the wider Middle East over many decades, Welcome to the Fringe wants to embrace the lessons in hospitality, culture and liberation that they have learnt from Palestinians and bring that spirit to the Festival. 

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