Named after founder Peter Buckley-Hill - comedian, musician and joyous self-publicist - PBH's Free Fringe is the product of an acrimonious split from rival operator Laughing Horse. Whatever the truth of the much-publicised dispute, few would challenge PBH's claim to be the true inventor of the Free Fringe model - where venues and performers offer their services for free, in exchange only for bringing a crowd to the bar.

PBH's empire now spans some ten bars and clubs, right across Edinburgh city centre: most run a full-day programme of shows, and all the shows are free. The man himself can still be seen hosting Peter Buckley Hill And Some Comedians, the ground-breaking variety show which launched the whole concept more than a decade ago.

Venues in the PBH's Free Fringe chain