Complaints force iconic Fringe venue to reduce size

Published on Friday 16 May 2008 21:47

COMPLAINTS from neighbours have forced the scaling back of the biggest outdoor venue on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Scotsman has learned.

The Spiegel Garden has been a huge success since being created at George Square Gardens five years ago. More than 100,000 revellers flocked to Edinburgh University's historic spot to take in shows and sample the cafs and bars.

But Australian promoter David Bates has revealed he faced a huge "battle" to ensure the venue returned this year because of opposition from a string of new residents on the square and admitted he had been forced to reduce the size of the venue as a result of the protests.

The venue's centrepiece has been the Spiegeltent, the former Belgian antique tent of mirrors. The Spiegel Garden usually operates for up to six weeks and accommodates events at the International Jazz and Blues Festival.

Mr Bates told The Scotsman: "I'm not interested in having an argument with residents. For five years we've operated at George Square Gardens without complaint and the public, the licensing authorities, artists and all the festivals agree the Spiegel Garden is a premier event and an iconic element of the Fringe. Not everyone agrees. There's been quite a battle to keep it on track this year."

No-one at Edinburgh University was available for comment.