Free Fringe pays price of its popularity

Published on Friday 28 August 2009 11:05

ORGANISERS of the Free Fringe are worried it could become a "victim of its own success" after complaints about overcrowding led to the prospect of tougher licensing.

This year's event has been the biggest ever, with a total of 176 shows at 19 venues. Its competitor, The Laughing Horse Free Festival, offered 233 shows in 14 venues.

But Free Fringe founder Peter Buckley Hill said he was concerned that next year's event could suffer if more regulations were brought in.

Health and safety inspectors visited the Canon's Gait, after a complaint from an audience member about the heat at a show. They found that the problem was caused by poor ventilation.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, the city's festivals and events champion, said

: "We had one complaint from a woman who found it to be very hot and said she could not breathe.

"I've spoken to the Free Fringe and basically they were surprised by how popular they've become. They are almost a victim of their own success.

"They are keeping a close watch on the numbers of people. We want it to continue to be self-regulating. The owners don't want to jeopardise people's safety."

Most Fringe venues pay for a theatre licence, which includes a health and safety inspection. But the free events are often held in pubs, which already have a public entertainment licence covering stand-up comedy and live music.

Mr Buckley Hill said he was concerned that any more regulations could drive up costs.

He said: "The complaint was that access control was not exercised, but control is exercised at the venue. The difficulty has been with ventilation."

He said venues were already subject to fire inspections, and covered by health and safety rules.

He said: "The Free Fringe couldn't operate within a regulated environment. It works because there's no cost to the venue or the performer.

"The audiences have been pretty full in most shows. I hope it will be bigger next year, but to do so it must remain the same as it is."

Alex Petty, artistic director of The Laughing Horse Free Festival, said it would be putting a new clause in performers' contracts next year, to ensure they are aware of venue capacity.