The Edinburgh has been a showcase for numerous acts over the years, but with soaring venue hiring prices, it has become increasingly more difficult for production companies to stage in Edinburg without a loss.
But venues don't just pocket the income. In order to allow crowds into spaces not usually used for theatrical performances and gigs, they have to have a temporary licence, and in recent years these have risen. Venues seating up to 200 people in Edinburgh now have to pay £849, while in 2005 the fee was only £127. Venues seating more than 10,000 people used to pay £295, but now face a bill of £2,547.
Many feel that Edinburgh will be losing out. Touring companies renting venues in Edinburgh were previously able to break even, but are now facing a substantial loss. Not many can afford such loss and are looking to find other ways to promote their performances.
While Edinburgh will be a unique setting for a series of parallel festivals also this year, discussion goes on. IFEA Europe members who have not yet experienced Edinburgh in August - and thus might not comprehend the magnitude and impact of the event – will have an eye-opener if they attend the 4-day ”Behind-the-Scenes” event in August, presented by International Events Ltd. in association with IFEA Europe. The executives of all major festivals in Edinburgh will be present. What better opportunity to ask all the questions you want?
