Director warns of 'crunch year'

The Edinburgh Fringe could be heading for a crisis, its director warned today.

The stark warning comes even though the festival reported record ticket sales of 1.25 million tickets last year.

But unveiling the figures in the annual report, director Paul Gudgin, pictured, says the event needs more help from the city’s taxpayers, or face losing ground to other festivals which do get public support.

A recent report said the fringe contributed £70million to Edinburgh’s economy, yet the city council gives only £65,000 in grants to help it.

Speaking at the launch of the fringe’s 57th annual report, Gudgin said: “Edinburgh now knows what it has to lose.

“It’s time for the City Council to decide whether they are going to back this cultural and economic wonder or whether they’ll wait until a crisis hits and attempt to bail the Fringe out when it may be too late.

“With over £70 million created for the local economy on a subsidy of £65,000, it’s hardly surprising that cities throughout the UK and worldwide are keen to replicate the fringe effect. The difference, however, is that they are willing to put their hands in their pockets.

"I believe this is going to be a crunch year for the Fringe, when decisive action must be taken. A crisis could be just a year away.

"There are groups that are not coming to the Fringe because of the costs involved and the danger is increasing numbers may go to other cities if they are able to offer them more.

The biggest boost to Edinburgh’s economy comes through accommodation, with performers and visitors to all of Edinburgh’s festivals spending a total of £49 million on places to stay.

Published: 24 Feb 2005