Assembly Festival’s 40th anniversary Fringe programme kicked off last week with the annual glittering launch party in Edinburgh, supported by Laings.

In keeping with the festival operator’s ruby anniversary, Laings hosted the ‘Ruby Red Carpet’ which welcomed guests from around the world to the gala event at Assembly Hall.

Showcasing a packed programme of big names and festival newcomers, the gala event, compered by Australian drag superstar Reuben Kaye, gave the international audience a taste of what’s to come throughout August as Assembly Festival presents over 200 shows across its five Festival hubs in the city.

Hosting media, influencers and VIP clients at the Laings Edinburgh showroom for a pre-gala party, complete with champagne from refreshment partner Lanson, and canapés, Laings took this opportunity to showcase its own collection of dazzling showstoppers. A selection of stunning ruby pieces was curated in celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the Assembly Gala.

Brian Nelson, Retail Director at Laings said: “The Assembly Gala marks the official opening of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and we’re extremely proud to be supporting the event as it celebrates the full return of the inimitable festival in style. As the world’s greatest culture and creative showcase, it felt like a natural collaboration, combining the artistry of Laings with that of the global talent on display in Edinburgh, particularly with Assembly’s ruby anniversary milestone.”

Sally Pearson, Marketing Director at Laings, added: “We had a fabulous evening celebrating the return of the Assembly Gala. Given our Edinburgh store is in the heart of the capital, it was the ideal opportunity to showcase our offering with an exclusive in-store event ahead of the gala. Clients, media and influencers joined us at our George Street showroom and we also loaned some pieces to guests for the evening so they were fully immersed in the magic and craftsmanship of Laings as they enjoyed the arts showcase.”

Performers have travelled from all corners of the world, including Japan, Australia, Canada, Finland, and South Africa, to perform in Edinburgh this August, with Assembly’s 2022 list of five-star Fringe favourites including The Choir of Man (4-29 Aug); trailblazing drag extravaganza Queenz: The Show with Balls! (6-28 Aug); 2019 Grammy Award winners Soweto Gospel Choir (4-29 Aug); Quebec’s award-winning circus performers FLIP Fabrique with the UK premiere of their new show Muse (4-28 Aug); circus acrobats The Black Blues Brothers (4-28 Aug); musical parody Friendsical (3-28 Aug) based on the 90s TV hit-series; and supercharged urban circus from international smash-hit favourite 360 ALLSTARS.