The Famous Spiegeltent Garden

The Famous Spiegel Tent is the most beautiful survivor of the early 20th century hand-made Belgian Spiegeltents, and her mirrored interior 'kabaret salon' has stunned audiences the world over since 1920. The Famous Spiegeltent sits at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe Spiegel Garden in George Square, and for years has been hailed as the soul of the festival. Maybe it's the hoegaarden, maybe it's the trees and fresh air, maybe it's the ghosts that live in the velvet canopies of the tent; whatever it is, nobody can really say, it's just the magic of The Spiegel Garden.

Even if you could get a gigolo for cheaper than the Hoegaarden here, the Spiegel Garden's music programme is worth its weight in gold. The Famous Spiegeltent has launched the careers of stars for over 80 years, and this year's Edinburgh Fringe music line-up holds a sparking array of acts to choose from; typically unusual, Spiegel programming does not do pop.

Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen set the tone for the Spiegel with their deeply moving waltz, tango and polka gypsy sound; Mikelangelo's baritone creating a unforgettable atmosphere of love, mystery and pathos.

Also on a gypsy tip are the eastern European melodies of the Luminescent Orchestrii; with fiddles and human beat-box their music comes out all culture crossed but full of energy. And for something completely different, Dresden Dolls beat and bash metal and cabaret into a dramatic and beatuiful modern hybrid. Indescribable but unmissable.

Scottish based highlights on the bill will include acoustic treats from the increasingly popular Latin and Celtic fusion sounds of Salsa Celtica, and Isle of Skye's well-loved Peatbog Faeries will be providing some feet-stomping Celtic beats. Also not to be missed this year is the gypsy brass vagrant-ism of Orkestra Del Sol; a red and black suited performance with salsa, tango and waltz, guaranteed to make you wiggle.

The Spiegel Garden is the kind of place that should be kept secret, but this year there is just too much good stuff not to share round. You might not remember in the morning, but you will have a magical time.