Iconic British comedian Eddie Izzard has been appointed as the first alumni patron of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, representing 'the idea that the Fringe Society is the charity that underpins the Fringe', as well as championing the festival's vision 'to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat'.

Emmy winner Izzard follows in the footsteps of Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was named the first honorary President of the Fringe Society last year, and commented 'The Edinburgh Fringe gives people from all around the world a wonderful, open door opportunity to perform and be seen. But it is also physically and mentally as tough as hell.... the Fringe Festival taking place in the dramatic and historic capital city of Edinburgh gives it something else. It gives it grandeur. It is this grandeur, coupled with young people's intense creative struggle, that has made the Edinburgh Fringe what it is today. A legend'.