Stage is set for radical overhaul of the Fringe

THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe is set for the biggest shake-up in its history after a poll of venues, performers and promoters found widespread backing for an overhaul of how the event is run.

All participants in the world's biggest arts festival are set to be given a direct say in the event's organisation for the first time, while the Fringe is expected to hire experts in various fields for its board of directors.

Every company booking a slot in the official programme is likely to become an official member of the Fringe under radical proposals to overhaul the governing body, which dates back to 1955.

The Festival Fringe Society has been limited to just 100 members under its current constitution, drawn up in 1969, although a move to lift the cap was voted through last year.

The shake-up, being overseen by new Fringe director Kath Mainland, was triggered by the box office fiasco of 2008 which almost sent the Fringe into administration. An independent report into the affair recommended a wholesale review into the strategic direction of the Fringe.

Experts to help the Fringe develop new IT systems, secure sponsorship deals, and build better business and political contacts are expected to be targeted.

The Festival Fringe Society's board, and its chair, are likely to be ordered to serve a limited time in office. The current chairwoman, Baroness Smith, has held the post for almost 15 years.

The Fringe may also get a new figurehead after the idea of creating a "patron" was backed by most of those who took part in the survey. Sir Sean Connery, Robert Carlyle and Tilda Swinton have become official patrons of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

More than two-thirds of performers and venues surveyed said inclusion in the programme should secure Fringe membership – and 64 per cent said there should be no restriction on the number of members.

Ms Mainland said: "The current constitution of the Fringe Society was written in 1969 and has had only minor revisions made to it since then.

"The world's largest and most high-profile arts festival needs a structure that is fit for purpose and this process will deliver the changes needed to make that happen.

"The Fringe does not belong to any one individual or organisation. The Society was established to provide support and advice for all participants, provide comprehensive information and ticketing for everyone taking part and to raise the profile of the Fringe.

"The working group is convinced that these core objectives of the Fringe Society are as relevant today as they were in 1969 and that any constitutional changes should enhance this work not detract from it."

Pip Utton, vice-chairman of the Festival Fringe Society, said: "The summary of the survey which we have published on our website is evidence of the significant role that the Fringe plays in the cultural life of Edinburgh and the UK as a whole.

"We will now use the results of the survey to frame our detailed discussions with key stakeholder groups on what changes to the governance of the society will enhance its operations."