SUMMER FUN hit the centre of St Andrews yesterday with the official unveiling of the Inside Out street theatre festival spearheaded by the town’s Byre Theatre.

The colourful three-day event involves an action-packed line-up of street theatre and outdoor performances and the town’s main shopping streets came alive with dancers, actors, acrobats, musicians, comedians, stilt walkers, fire eaters, jugglers, aerial work and even bizarre sightings of Elvis Presley.

One of the early highlights to launch the event was a pedestrian Grand Prix, complete with Murray Walker-style commentary, performed by Mischief La Bas. It stopped the traffic in South Street and drew hundreds of spectators to line the pavements.

Also performing at the carnival—which is supported by the Scottish Arts Council, Fife Council and the Friends of the Byre Theatre—are international acts from Paris, including Prodigal Theatre’s Urban Playground, while from the United Kingdom there are also Te Pooka and Motionhouse.

Joining in the summer fun are members of the Byre Youth Theatre, as well as local musicians and comedians.

Jacqueline McKay, the Byre’s chief executive, said yesterday, “We are taking the theatre outside to encourage more people to come inside.”

An economic impact study has also been commissioned.

Jaine Lumsden, drama officer with the Scottish Arts Council, added, “Street theatre is one of the most exciting art forms and some of the most innovative work around is seen on the streets.”

All the entertainment is free and it will be staged again today and tomorrow from 11am until 7pm at the Byre Theatre, in South Street, Church Square and Market Street.