Open Studios + Fringe by the Sea 2025: What Not to Miss in North Berwick
Fringe by the Sea is almost here, and I’ll be showing a selection of my jewellery as part of the Open Studios Trail - it’s a lovely chance to peek inside the spaces where local artists and makers create their work. This year I’ll be popping up in the studio of painter Astrid Trügg, just off the High Street at 21 Westgate. It’s a beautiful space tucked away through a pebbled courtyard and well worth finding if you’re joining the festivities.
I’ll be there on the 2nd & 3rd and 9th & 10th August, 11am–5pm each day, alongside Astrid and the brilliant figurative artist Angela Repping. It’s a really special spot - Astrid’s still life paintings are inspired by objects and textures she finds, while Angela’s work explores movement and light through the natural form. I will be offering some special Open Studios pricing, and I’ll have a few little extras dotted about North Berwick, like postcard earrings in the Rock & Bird window nearby.
recommendations for the Open Art Studios Trail
Rock & Bird is one of my favourite creative spaces in North Berwick. As well as running a shop jam packed with art supplies and a very joyful window display (definitely go and take a peek!), they’re also hosting workshops at The Border Bothy during the festival.
Pop-by Pebble Painting
Drop in and paint your own miniature masterpiece on a pebble.
Daily, 2–5pm, £5Shell Sea Creatures
Make your own fiddly little sea animals from shells.
Daily, 10am–1pm, £7Make a Fan Zine
If you’ve got older kids (or you’re just zine-curious), this is a lovely chance to make your own booklet about something you love - maybe even a mini tribute to FBTS itself.
Sunday 3rd August, 11am & 12.15pm, £8.50
There are so many brilliant artists taking part in the trail this year. A few I’d definitely recommend:
Mary Higgins - Beautiful hand-built ceramics with rich textures and colourful glazes.
9 St Baldreds RoadLily Armstrong & Alan Connell - A vibrant mix of prints, ceramics, accessories and small gifts.
Little Court, 18A Victoria RoadLinda MacKinnon - Mixed media and collage inspired by the local landscape.
36 St Andrew Street
And if you’re just having a mooch around town, don’t miss Bonzo Art on the High Street. Rachel Marshall’s paintings and prints are full of humour and seaside joy — plus she has an art vending machine, which is exactly as fun as it sounds.
Music + other Events
If you’re staying for the evening, there are some amazing gigs and talks lined up, to name a few:
AIR (Saturday 2nd August, Big Top, 8pm)
Playing their legendary Moon Safari album in full - a rare Scottish date and one I think will be pretty unforgettable and I’m sure will be a sell out.Ezra Collective (Saturday 9th August, Big Top, 8pm)
Jazz, energy, joy - One of my favourites, you’ll find me in the crowd.Jim Moir: In Conversation (Sunday 10th August, Big Top, 12pm)
Whether you know him as Vic Reeves or from his bird painting series, this one’s bound to be entertaining.
And if you’ve got little ones with you, don’t miss the Sandcastle Competition on Sunday 3rd August, 2–4pm on West Beach.
See you there!
If you’re coming along to Fringe by the Sea, I’d love you to swing by the studio and say hello - even if it’s just for a quick browse or a chat. Whether you’re local or visiting for the weekend, there’s something really magical about this mix of art, music, sea air and creativity - and I’m so proud to be part of it.
Hannah x
