Supporting Fringe Artists: Why EdFest Has Removed Commission Fees

Bringing a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has never been easy. For many artists, rising production costs, venue hire, accommodation, travel expenses and marketing budgets mean that putting on a show requires a significant financial commitment before a single ticket is sold.

That's why EdFest has removed commission fees this year.

By offering zero-commission ticket sales on participating performances, more of the money generated through ticket purchases goes directly to the artists creating the work. Instead of losing a percentage of their box office revenue to ticketing commissions, performers can retain more of their earnings and invest it back into their shows and future projects.

Why Fringe Artists Need More Support

The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the world's most important performing arts festivals, providing a platform for emerging talent, established performers and new productions.

However, the costs of bringing a show to the Fringe continue to rise. Artists need to cover venue costs, accommodation, travel, technical requirements, marketing and promotional materials before they begin generating income from ticket sales.

By reducing the fees associated with selling tickets, EdFest aims to help artists keep more of what they earn and make participating in the Fringe more financially sustainable.

A Better Deal for Audiences Too

Removing commission fees isn't just good news for performers.

EdFest is one of the most affordable places to buy Edinburgh Fringe tickets. With booking fees capped at £5 per transaction, customers can save compared with other ticketing platforms, particularly when booking multiple shows.

Audiences can also access exclusive ticket discounts on thousands of Fringe performances through EdFest, making it easier to discover new shows while keeping costs down.

Building a Stronger Fringe Community

The Fringe thrives because of the artists who take creative risks and the audiences who support them.

By helping performers keep more of their ticket revenue and offering audiences better value, EdFest is investing in a healthier and more sustainable future for the festival. When artists are better supported, they can continue creating ambitious work, returning to the Fringe year after year and delivering the unforgettable experiences that make the festival special.

Whether you're booking your next comedy show, discovering a new theatre production or supporting emerging talent, choosing EdFest helps ensure more of your money reaches the people who make the Fringe possible.