Official statistic released

Ticket sales across the whole Edinburgh Fringe were 26.7 per cent down on 2019’s figures, organisers have announced.

The decline is slightly greater than the almost 25 per cent downturn reported by the ‘big eight’ producing venues yesterday.

According to the Fringe Society, 2.2million tickets were issued this year, down from the 3million reported at the last pre-pandemic festival. The number of shows was down just over 12 per cent, from  3,800 to 3,334.

The figures can only be a partial picture of the festival given the number of free shows that do not require tickets.

In its summary, the umbrella body acknowledged that soaring costs of coming to Edinburgh in August were an increasingly significant issue.

In a statement, the society said: ‘The number of tickets issued is testament to the commitment of those who put on the shows and the audiences who came to see them, far beyond what we could have imagined at the start of the year.

‘The growing cost of Edinburgh for artists points to the need for long-term recovery, investment and support to ensure the sustainability and longevity of one of the world’s most important cultural events. 

‘Some clear challenges have emerged and we need a collective approach to address these, or the future of this long-running beacon for cultural connection and development will be in jeopardy.’

Chief executive Shona McCarthy added: ‘Our enormous congratulations go out to everyone who came together to create the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

‘This year’s festival is the first step in what will be a long road to recovery and renewal. The hard work of thousands of artists, and hundreds of venues, producers and staff has combined to deliver the 75th anniversary festival during one of the most challenging summers on record. 

‘We recognise the significant amount of work that is still required to support the long-term sustainability of this phenomenal festival. As we review and discuss all the learnings from this year, our focus this autumn will be on planning for the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe.

‘Collectively we will work to advocate for greater support for those at the heart of the Fringe – our artists. The eyes of the world look to this historic city every August, and we need to work together to ensure the Fringe is the best place for creatives to express their ideas, audiences to support them and for people across the sector to develop their skills and careers for the next 75 years.’

Yesterday Pleasance,  Assembly, Underbelly,  Gilded Balloon, Just the Tonic, Pleasance, Summerhall and Dance Base said they would sell 1.49 million tickets between them this year – almost half a million down on the 1.97 million sold in 2019. But some venues have been hit harder than others.  Summerhall reported a drop in sales of just 7 per cent on 2019,  despite presenting 30 per cent fewer shows – which means the average audience per show rose since the last Fringe.

Next year’s festival will take place from August 4 to 28.

The Fringe in numbers

• 2,201,175 tickets issued
• 3,334 shows
• 63; Number of countries represented on stage.  
• 1,354 accredited arts industry members – eg promoters, producers, festival and venue bookers – from 45 countries.  
• 3,384 street performers
• 777 professional media accredited from 21 countries. 

Published: 29 Aug 2022