£1,500 prize to 'celebrate their sacrifice'

A new Edinburgh Fringe award will give a £1,5000 can prize to an act for whom going to the festival is a ‘massive financial risk’.

The Banneret Award is being handed out by the London Arts Facilitation Society, a charitable Community Interest Company aimed at showcasing working-class performers.

They will be staging a daily midday showcase at Hoots @ Nicolson Square as well as organising the award, which takes its name from a knight qualified to raise their own banner and lead their own forces into battle, military position, a position gifted to the working class rather than the nobility.

Organisers said: ‘This award is about amplifying the voice of those brave enough to risk it all for a month of no work and high costs, just to get their art seen.’

They say that such acts ‘give more than those in expensive paid venues and receive much less coverage and support – the Banneret celebrates the sacrifice of these performers.’

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Bannerman’s bar on August 24.

The organisation is founded by married comedians Sam Rhodes and Maria Fedulova – who have back-to-back shows at Hoots @ The Apex during the Fringe – and Jason Weinberg, a LAFS director who heads the judging panel.

Sign up to be considered for the award here.

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Published: 14 Jul 2026