Edinburgh's Festival Fringe has registered another record breaking year.
An estimated 2,696,884 tickets have been issued for shows across Scotland’s capital.
The number of tickets issued reflects a 9% increase compared to tickets issued by the same point last year.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “This has been a very special year for the Fringe as we celebrated 70 years of defying the norm, 70 years of the greatest melting pot of arts and culture anywhere on the planet, and 70 years of Edinburgh as an internationally renowned festival city.
"The Fringe continues to play an essential role in the worldwide arts community, enabling artists to showcase their work, reach new audiences and make new connections.
“I hope that everyone that has attended a show, watched a street performance, or spent time in one of the hundreds of venues around the city has enjoyed their Fringe experience.
“In the current climate of global uncertainty, we were delighted to see an increase of 29% in the number of countries represented in this year’s Fringe Programme. We will continue to work to support global engagement and international participation in the Fringe over the coming years.
“As the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe draws to a close, we look forward to another 70 years of championing the world’s largest platform for creative freedom.”
Sir Tim O’Shea, Fringe Society Chair added: “After 70 great years, the 2017 Fringe has been the most spectacular success. On behalf of the of the audiences from home and abroad that have enjoyed the Fringe this year, I would like to thank the thousands of participants that have entertained and inspired us."
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