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Richard Bacon will be bringing his own successful brand of humour and wit to this year's Edinburgh Festival, broadcasting four special live editions of his ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 5 Live afternoon show from Monday 23 to Thursday 26 August 2010.

The shows on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August are live from Underbelly, at the McEwan Hall, and are ticketed events open to members of the public, with guests including: comedians Reginald D Hunter and Chris Addison; Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond; David Quantick; live music from The Coral; and the Festival's finest cabaret acts.

Listeners can apply for up to four free tickets for each show by visiting the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Shows and Tours website at bbc.co.uk/tickets and clicking "radio shows". Alternatively, tickets can be obtained directly from the Underbelly box office.

On Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 August, Richard will be getting into the festival spirit with help from his fantastic line-up of guests, including: talented comedians Adam Hills, Sarah Millican, John Bishop, Rhod Gilbert, Felix Dexter and author Ian Rankin.

Richard will also venture out and about with a group of street performers on The Royal Mile, provide listeners with an essential beginners guide to the Edinburgh Festival and present the show's regular features, including the TV review with the cast of Taggart.

On Saturday 28 August at 10am, Richard will return to the airwaves to broadcast his popular ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 6 Music show live from Edinburgh.

On Sunday 29 August at 11am, 5 Live's Chart The Week will be Richard's final broadcast from Edinburgh where he will be joined by special guests, including comedienne Jo Caulfield, taking listeners through the Top 10 most talked about moments across the UK that week.

Richard will broadcast his Radio 5 Live afternoon show live from the Edinburgh Festival from Monday 23 to Thursday 26 August, from 2-4pm, which is also available as a podcast at bbc.co.uk/5live.

Listeners can tune into Radio 5 Live and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 5 Live Sports Extra via DAB radio, online at bbc.co.uk/5live, Digital Freeview, Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and 909 & 693 AM.

Notes to Editors

Monday 23 August*
Radio 5 Live
2-4pm

Richard is out and about with street performers on The Royal Mile for the Edinburgh Festival. Guests include author Ian Rankin and comedians Adam Hills and Sarah Millican. There is also a beginner's guide to the Edinburgh Fringe.

Tuesday 24 August
Radio 5 Live
2-4pm

Richard is joined by comedians John Bishop, Rhod Gilbert and Felix Dexter, live from the Edinburgh Festival. There is also the TV review with the cast of Taggart.

Wednesday 25 August
Radio 5 Live
2-4pm

Richard is joined by Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, live from the Edinburgh Festival, plus there are a range of variety/cabaret acts and David Quantick is on hand for the Irritations of the Week.

Thursday 26 August
Radio 5 Live
2-4pm

Reginald D Hunter and Chris Addison join Richard live from the Edinburgh Festival, plus The Coral perform live and there will be a special "Help!" in front of an audience.

Saturday 28 August
6 Music
10am-1pm

Richard Bacon brings three hours of anecdotal, observational conversation for the everyman listener. Alongside best friend and right-hand-man Marc Haynes, Richard does his trademark audience participation and listener-led topical chat.

Sunday 29 August
Radio 5 Live
11am-12pm

Richard Bacon is joined by guests to count down the Top 10 most talked-about moments in the news this week from the Edinburgh Areas.

*All schedules are subject to change.

DL