Events

2006 was the first Fringe following the introduction of the new legislation

Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005

The Smoking, Health and Social Care Act 2005 is an Act passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2005, after being introduced by Scottish Executive Health minister Andy Kerr....

 banning smoking indoors. During a photocall at the Assembly Rooms for a play in which he was playing Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...

, the actor Mel Smith

Mel Smith

Melvin Kenneth "Mel" Smith is an English comedian, writer, film director, producer, and actor. He is most famous for his work on the sketch comedy shows Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones along with his comedy partner Griff Rhys Jones.- Early life :Smith's father, Kenneth, was born...

 lit a cigar, flouting the ban. Controversy arose when Smith insisted he would smoke onstage during the first performance - he did not go through with this claim.

Venues

2006 was the first year that the udderBELLY

UdderBELLY

The udderBELLY is an upside-down giant purple cow tent owned by the event venue and management company Underbelly, and sponsored by E4.The udderBELLY can be used for a variety of different purposes as it can be adapted to contain a stage and all-seater 322 seat venue, or alternatively can be...

, an offshoot of the Underbelly

Smirnoff Underbelly

The Underbelly is a venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe off Cowgate. From 2001-2004, Underbelly was the only venue operated by Underbelly Limited. In 2005, Underbelly added the Baby Belly venue...

venues in the shape of an upside-down purple cow, was erected on Bristo Square.