Scottish comedian, Rosco McClelland, will bring together some of the country’s comedy talent for a special Edinburgh Festival Fringe show supporting the city’s food banks.
Paul Hilleard, Ifrah Qureshi and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd will join McClelland for Rosco McClelland and Friends: A Foodbank Fundraiser at Assembly George Square Studios on Monday, 17 August.
All proceeds from the hour-long show will go to Edinburgh Food Project, which runs seven food banks across the capital as well as an accredited money advice service.
The charity distributed more than 18,000 emergency food parcels during 2025, supporting 5,604 adults and children.
Its Money Advice Service also secured more than £1.5 million for people struggling to make ends meet by helping them access benefits and other financial support.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
McClelland, who won the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award in 2025, said the continuing level of need in Edinburgh was “abhorrent”.
He said: “The fact that last year over 18,000 food parcels were needed for people to survive in Edinburgh alone is abhorrent to me.
“The government should be the ones who are helping here, not the arts.
“However, given that this is a reality, I am so glad that I am able to help raise money for families that are in need.
“I believe that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
“Break the cycle of food poverty.”
Stacy Rowan, fundraising manager at Edinburgh Food Project, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Rosco, the Assembly team and everyone involved.
“Every ticket sold will help local people facing impossible choices between food and other essentials, providing not just emergency food but the advice and support they need to build a brighter future.
“The Edinburgh Fringe is all about bringing people together, and it’s fantastic to have the benefit help create real change in our local community.”
Dani Rae, managing director of Assembly Festival, said the venue was delighted to host the charity’s fundraiser once again.
She added: “It’s a great way to give back to Edinburgh’s local community and support the incredible work they are doing to break the cycle of food poverty, whilst seeing some top comedy at the Fringe.”
The performance begins at 6.25pm in Studio Three at Assembly George Square Studios. Tickets cost from £18.25 and the show is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.
Tickets are available from the Assembly Festival website.
