One of the capital’s best-known Festival Fringe venues is preparing for its reopening after an 18-month refurbishment.
The revamped Assembly Rooms on Edinburgh’s George Street is expected to be ready on July 19 and opened two days later, in time for the Festival, following its £9.3m redevelopment.
The iconic venue, first opened in January 1787, has been restored to its former glory along with a series of modern additions, including state-of –the-art sound systems, lighting rigs and seating plans.
The final crystals have now been hung on the ballroom's chandeliers as the overhaul of the Grade-A listed building nears completion.
Richard Lewis, culture and leisure convener for City of Edinburgh Council, said: "The Assembly Rooms restoration work is now approaching its final stages as we get ready to welcome back Edinburgh residents and visitors in their thousands from late July onwards.
"These magnificent chandeliers are among the stand-out heritage features of this unique events venue and it's great to see them resume pride of place in the ballroom."
The Assembly Rooms reopens to the public on Saturday July 21 with a ceilidh and will host comedy, theatre and live music during August's Fringe. Among those appearing at the venue are veteran politician Tony Benn, WWE wrestler Mick Foley and actor Les Dennis.
The National Theatre of Scotland will be bringing their sensational new play, Appointment with the Wicker Man, to George Street audiences.
As well as being refurbished, Jamie Oliver has also come on board to transform part of the building into an upmarket restaurant offering affordable hearty Italian cuisine.
