Inside Forest Fringe at the Edinburgh festival

This is Forest Fringe's third year in Edinburgh and the lineup is typically eclectic. Forest Fringe is based at Bristo Place but has events across town. You don't even have to be in Scotland to experience their offerings – one work invites the audience to call a telephone number and speak to a performer. Charlotte Higgins ended up having a chat about her dreams Photograph: Murdo Macleod

The company Little Bulb presents the world premiere of an epic folk opera, Sporadical, at Forest Fringe this year Photograph: Murdo Macleod

One of the works, devised by Greg McLaren, takes place inside a caravan at various points around town Photograph: Mark Powell

The Forest Fringe lineup includes work by artists such as Rotozaza, Junction 25, Lucy Ellinson, Chloe Dechery and Action Hero Photograph: Mark Powell

Guardian blogger Andy Field (left) is one of Forest Fringe's directors Photograph: Mark Powell

Forest Fringe doesn't charge artists for performance space in Edinburgh and provides them with accommodation. Artists are encouraged to bring works-in-progress to the festival. Punters don't pay for shows either Photograph: Murdo Macleod

Forest Fringe runs until 30 August. Andy Field is keeping a Guardian diary throughout the festival Photograph: Murdo Macleod