But registration fees say the same

The Edinburgh Fringe Society is hiking its commission from ticket sales by a quarter.

The charity behind the world’s biggest arts festival is increasing the cut it takes on sales from its box office from four to five per cent from next year.

It says the rise will ‘help address rising costs of software, technology, human resource and customer service in delivering ticketing services for the festival’.

In a statement, the society said: ‘This increase, which has been held off for as long as possible since Covid, reflects the current financial position – if this position becomes more favourable going forward, we will review the rates again in 2026.’

In more positive news for performers, it has vowed to freeze registration fees for yet another year, and pledged to to the same in 2026, meaning this cost will not have risen in 20 years. The full £393 fee  would now be £648 had it keep up with inflation.

The Fringe Society says it has had to adjust its other fees and commissions ‘to retain the full range of services to the whole Fringe community and secure the long-term sustainability of the charity’.

Another change is to a fee rebate scheme, which has paid back £1.8m to producers and venues since 2022 which will now be less generous. 

The society said: ‘We know that the current economic environment is an enormous challenge for the whole Fringe community, and the cost of presenting the Fringe has increased for everyone. 

‘We have endeavoured to keep costs to a minimum and to use our convening role to unlock support through every route possible. We have frozen registration fees for almost 20 years, have rebated income to support venues and artists post-pandemic, and subsidised the cost of servicing the Fringe by generating additional income through partnerships and fundraising. 

'The adjustment of fees from 2025 is an essential measure and we will continue to keep all commissions, rebates and fees under review to ensure a dynamic approach should the economic context improve.' 

The 2025 will be open for shows to resister from January 13. 

Published: 13 Dec 2024