A String Quartet And A Circus Duo – It’s The Edinburgh Fringe Care Fest at The Manor

There was an air of anticipation around The Manor last weekend as the care home prepared to participate in this year’s Edinburgh Interfaith Association’s Fringe Care Fest.

The Festival Brought to Life for Care Home Residents

The Fringe Care Fest was created in August 2022 as a way of bringing the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to life for residents living in care homes. Starting with one home, the programme has expanded over the years and in 2026, included 20 care homes across Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, East Lothian and Dunblane. The Manor was delighted to be one of them, having been approached by Independent Sector Lead, Rene Rigby.

A Big Day at The Manor

Professional performers - including musicians, comedians, jugglers, and singers - are selected to bring live entertainment to care home residents who would otherwise find it impossible to attend the festival. Once the date was confirmed for The Manor’s event, the planning began! Miranda Heggie, the Fringe Care Fest’s Cultural Manager, supported the home’s Wellbeing Coordinator, Andy, as a schedule was put together, performers were booked, and invitations were extended to residents’ families and friends.

On the day itself, the weather was fine and sunny so chairs were arranged in the home’s lovely, spacious garden, creating an outdoor stage area for the performers. Bunting and decorations were hung, and Head Chef Graham and his team prepared refreshments to serve to the residents and guests who had been invited to enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment. The delicious buffet included wraps, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, plus a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Stage is Set for Two Fabulous Acts

By 3pm, every seat was full and a compere from the Edinburgh Interfaith Association introduced the two acts. First up were popular street performers, The Hoop Babes, an award-winning female circus duo from Wollongong, Australia. They’re firm favourites on the festival circuit and their vibrant, comedy-inspired hula hoop routines go down a storm with audiences. The Manor was no exception and the duo’s acrobatics and quirky leopard print attire kept everyone’s attention firmly fixed!

The second act was a complete contrast as residents, guests and team members listened to a selection of beautiful music performed by Glasgow-based classical ensemble, the Harris String Quartet. Featuring two violins, a viola and a cello, everyone was completely mesmerised by the performance, with the outdoor setting adding to the relaxed ambiance created by a group of extremely talented musicians.

A Successful Event Brings the Community Together

The afternoon was a huge success and conjured up the true spirit of the Fringe – two wonderful performances that entertained in completely different ways. Feedback from the residents was extremely positive, and for some, it brought back memories of attending the Edinburgh Fringe and seeing acts in various venues across the city.

Being able to participate in this year’s Fringe Care Fest was a fantastic opportunity for residents and their families to feel a sense of involvement in the city’s most iconic event. As always, the team and residents loved the chance to interact with guests from the local community, and it was lovely to see dog walkers and families with children on the path next to the garden being invited to join in as they paused to watch the entertainment.

Needless to say, everyone is already looking forward to next year’s Fringe Care Fest!

A Warm Welcome to Life at The Manor

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, The Manor is a purpose-built care home offering expert residential, nursing and dementia care in a warm and welcoming environment. With elegant interiors and thoughtfully designed spaces, The Manor provides everything needed to feel at home, from cosy lounges and a bistro-style dining area, to a hair salon and a cinema for relaxing afternoons.

Surrounded by peaceful gardens and open space, there’s always somewhere calm to sit or share moments with family and friends. Whether your loved one enjoys socialising, quiet reflection or staying active, they’ll find a place that feels just right. Our care home in Edinburgh blends comfort, care and community to help every resident feel safe, respected and well supported.