Over 21,000 performers in search of fame and infamy will gather in Edinburgh in August to put on 2,542 shows in a record year for the city's Fringe, the largest annual arts festival of its kind in the world.

The flamboyant and exuberant Fringe, running from August 5 to 29, covers the full range of theatrical artistry, from cabaret through to comedy, opera, theater and music.

Impresarios, agents and scouts keenly watch the performances for new talent in an environment that has opened the door to many of Britain's top performers for more than 60 years.

Fringe director Kath Mainland said at the launch of the festival's program Thursday that international media exposure and the presence of over 1,000 festival directors, theater programmers and talent scouts from around the world were key factors in attracting performers.

A survey by Festivals Edinburgh this year showed the festivals attracted by the city benefited the Scottish economy by more than 250 million pounds ($410.6 million) a year, with the Fringe alone generating over 141 million pounds in 2010.

The Fringe started as an offshoot of the Edinburgh International Festival founded in 1947 to brighten the austerity of post-war Britain.

The International Festival, focusing on Asia this year, runs from August 12 to September 4, with the International Book Festival running from August 13 to 29.In addition, the Jazz and Blues festival runs from July 22 to 31.