Adam defeats a wealth of talent to scoop award

The 2011 Festival was the biggest ever seen in the Capital, with 2542 shows played out over 258 venues and showcasing more than 21,000 performers from all over the world.

But 31-year-old Riches, who returned for his fifth year at the Fringe, came out top among the comedy acts, impressing judges with his “fearless level of audience engagement” and “breathtakingly funny mix of characters”. Others nominated for the coveted accolade were Andrew Maxwell, Chris Ramsey, Sam Simmons, Nick Helm and Josie Long.

Kath M Mainland, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, said: “The tenacity and venture of all those who participate in this utterly unique world event make it what it is.

“Performers of all disciplines and backgrounds coming together to share work and make discoveries is always very exciting prospect for audiences, and this beautiful festival city.”

A recent Edinburgh Festivals Impact Study indicates that the Fringe generates around £142 million for the Edinburgh and Scottish economy and also showed that 89 per cent of Edinburgh residents surveyed said the summer festivals increased local pride in their home city.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay bash have drafted in the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office as their official ticket outlet for the New Year celebrations.

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