Thousands wait for tickets as technical problems hit the Fringe

Published on Saturday 19 July 2008 19:36

THE director of the largest arts festival in the world yesterday insisted it would run as planned, despite major ticket problems.

Technical issues have meant that anything up to 150,000 people are still awaiting tickets for The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with only two weeks until events begin.

Printing problems meant the deadline for mailing tickets was missed and those who have ordered tickets for the Fringe, on from August 3-25, will now have to collect them in person.

The Fringe box office will be closed today and tomorrow as staff try to resolve the problems, but organisers said website sales would continue as normal.

Fringe director Jon Morgan said: "We are absolutely clear that the Fringe will run as planned and we would encourage everyone to continue buying tickets for shows.

"Our current problems are highly regrettable and we apologise for the inconvenience it will cause. It will be challenging but by working with the 247 venues involved we will be able to ensure that ticketing services can be delivered for the Fringe."

He added that all bookings already made through the Fringe box office would be fulfilled and buyers expecting tickets would be contacted next week about collections.

About 150,000 tickets have been sold to date.

It is thought that the Fringe has a 75% market share of all attendance at Edinburgh's year-round festivals and generates 75m for the Edinburgh and Scottish economy.

Controversial comic Michael Barrymore and Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy will be among the stars of this year's Fringe.

Barrymore will feature in a show about another troubled comedian, Spike Milligan, while Nimoy, who played Mr Spock in the sci-fi series, brings his acclaimed play about Vincent van Gogh.