One of the world’s most exciting dates on the travel calendar, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, has released the full programme of events for 2009.

Highlights for this year will include lightning-speed sketch show Pappy’s Fun Club, acclaimed comedienne Jo Caufield and tv star Alistar McGowan, as well as a new, recession-friendly “Five Pound Fringe” section (still to be announced) which will, as the name suggests, be just £5 a ticket.

Taking place in August each year (2009 dates are 7 to 31 August), the Fringe’s thousands of performances and month of partying attract record crowds from around the world.

Looking to get in on the action? Accommodation tends to fill up fast, but there are still some hostels in Edinburgh with beds availble…

In this short film, Steve of Bus Station Backpackers shares his advice for backpackers heading to the Fringe in 2008:

Ed. – There’s more information here on how to make the must of the Edinburgh Fringe on a budget, and full details of the festival can be found at the official website.