Brian Paisley's Legacy Lives On | Edmonton News

Edmonton News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 6, 2026 · 1m

Brian Paisley, the visionary founder of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, has passed away after a 42-day battle with severe pneumonia, leaving behind a global legacy. Inspired by Edinburgh, he launched the festival in 1982 — which has since inspired Fringe festivals across the U.S., Australia, and the Netherlands — and is now celebrating its 45th anniversary. His first year saw 45 theatre groups and 7,500 attendees, a surprise that fueled decades of growth. The festival, running August 13–23, will honor his enduring spirit and the vibrant communities he helped ignite…