Vote totals:
Yes:
0%
No:
0%
Neutral:
0%
DEBATE: DOES THE EDINBURGH FRINGE NEED A RE-VAMP?
DOES THE EDINBURGH FRINGE NEED A RE-VAMP?
Money-driven policies and commercialisation have shot the managers in the foot
The Edinburgh fringe has become a historical event and a major summer tourist attraction for Scotland. Its roots are in amateur entertainment and it has always aimed to provide a platform for the widest range of entertainment – often regardless of quality!
The exponential rise in ticket prices and the commercialisation of the festival has meant that amateur dramatic societies and student arts have been sidelined by the financial clout of big production companies.
The latest blunder in the ticketing system should be read as a signal to the organisers that the festival needs to rediscover its roots, where torn pieces of paper and raffle tickets provide ample proof of purchase, with no need for high-technology.
This year the organisers of the Edinburgh fringe tried to streamline the ticket system by introducing computerised handling. The effect has been disastrous, as periodic suspensions and down-time has meant that tickets have been delivered at the very last minute, if they are posted at all. Even on the streets of Edinburgh, it can be very difficult to get hold of tickets due to the need to process every request electronically. The biggest mistake the event’s organisers made was to implement this system in the early summer, without time to give it comprehensive testing. And now the organisers are facing ‘a very serious financial situation’ says Laura Mackenzie Stuart, who chairs the Associated Independent Venue Producer.
There’s nothing wrong with the entertainment, just the management.
