The Fringe used to be a launchpad.. now it's a luxury

The 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe is officially upon us, but behind the colour and chaos, a quieter conversation is growing louder: who can still afford to perform at it?

- by David McLean

As the world's largest open-access arts festival roars back into life, many performers, particularly first-timers and working-class artists, are questioning whether the costs of taking part have outgrown the dream. With some facing outlays of up to £10,000 just to perform, the reality of the Fringe is becoming increasingly disconnected from its grassroots origins.

For many up and coming and working-class performers, the price of participation is becoming prohibitive. Between venue hire, registration fees, marketing, accommodation, and basic living expenses, performers can face bills of up to £10,000 before their run even begins.

"People are still going to the Fringe and ending up in thousands of pounds of debt," said comedian Sam Lake, who performed a solo show at the 2023 Fringe. "It's meant to be accessible, but you have to already have access to money."