Warnings over this year's Edinburgh festival

The head of the Edinburgh Fringe has warned festival-goers and venues to expect social distancing at this year’s event.

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Festival Fringe Society has welcomed moves to relax rules – but says this year’s event will not be the same as normal.

In England, Boris Johnson’s roadmap aims to do away with all legal measures on social distancing rules by June 21, but the Scottish government has given no such date.

But it last week announced some relaxations on pubs and restaurants to come into force from Monday - but with a ban on indoor drinking which won’t be lifted until at least May 17, plus an 8pm curfew on indoor meals and a 10pm curfew on beer gardens.

In an update posted on the Edinburgh Fringe website, McCarthy said: ‘The most recent news indicates some easing of restrictions by the end of June, which is definitely encouraging, but if the last year has taught us anything it’s that things can change at very short notice, so for those dreaming fervently of a fun-packed summer in Edinburgh, we strongly recommend an attitude of cautious optimism at this stage. 

‘It’s also important to remember that this year’s Fringe won’t be the same as it was. Even as restrictions relax, we still expect to see some form of social distancing and other safety measures in Edinburgh this August.

‘We’ll work with venues and other partners to figure out how best to use this information as it develops, creating clear guidance for audiences and participants.'

Many venues fear they will be unviable with social distancing in place, and the uncertainty over rules and the inability to access insurance in case the Fringe is affected by Covid is putting many plans in jeopardy.

Fringe organisers have already relaxed the deadlines for registering shows for this year’s Fringe. which can now be done from May 5, and have cut registration fees - as there will be no printed programme this year.

The Society has also announced a plan for a digital platform to stream shows on the internet.

Published: 24 Apr 2021