Performers priced out of Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Comics have spoken out against "soaring costs" and "pure greed" which will prevent them performing at or making money from the Edinburgh Fringe.

Presenter Gail Porter said she has been "priced out" of attending the festival in her home city due to overpriced accommodation.

The festival, which takes place from 2- 26 August, is in its 77th year with over 1,600 shows confirmed so far.

A spokesperson for the festival said they are working to find solutions to keep the event affordable for performers.

Ms Porter made her Fringe debut in 2023 with her comedy show Hung, Drawn and Portered which discussed her battles with mental health, alopecia and homelessness.

Tickets for the show sold out for 31 performances.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, she said she was "gutted" to be priced out of performing at this year's festival.

She said: "Was so excited to go the edfringe this year. But I have been priced out by the soaring costs of B&Bs.

"My home town. I feel so sorry for new young performers that won't be able to afford accommodation.

"I'm gutted Edinburgh has done this. Greed is awful."

The cost of performing in Edinburgh in August appears to be a concern for even the most established acts.

Last year, Richard Herring said he would not be coming to the city, writing in his blog that the Fringe was now only for the wealthy.

Comedian and presenter Jason Manford said he will be performing at this year's event but will makes a financial loss.

The comic described the situation in Edinburgh as "pure greed" and said costs associated with performing at the festival were prohibitive to new artists.

Posting on X, Mr Manford said: "Edinburgh Festival prices especially for accommodation are an absolute joke! No idea how anyone starting out is managing to get up there and showcase their talents!

"I've just priced up a week up there and even if every show sells out, I'm still operating at a loss.

"Part of me thinks is it fair after years of doing it for nowt/at a loss, shouldn't you be able to come up and smash it and finally make some dosh there?

"Personally I only do one week, mid afternoon in a smallish venue as a working progress (sic) for my tour."

A festival handbook for new performers says they may need to invest some of their own money to fund their shows, adding "very few artists and companies are able to fundraise the full cost of a Fringe run from external sources".

A spokesperson for the Fringe responded to Mr Manford by sharing a link to a bursary scheme announced in 2023.

The spokesperson said: "It's a real issue. We're doing what we can to provide affordable accommodation and other support for artists, including our new Keep it Fringe fund."