This is the latest statement just issued by the Edinburgh Fringe Society from Fringe Society Chief Executive Shona McCarthy.
"I'm grateful to the hundreds of artists, producers, venues, residents and audience members who have been in touch with us this week to share their thoughts on the future of this year’s Fringe. Whilst there have been many different opinions expressed, we know that definitive answers are needed and we hope to have them for you next week.
As a charity, the Fringe Society’s job is to bring all the parts of the Fringe jigsaw puzzle together and, whilst we do not own or control the festival, we can consult, inform and connect people from across the Fringe to reach a collective decision about its future. Progress is being made in this area and we will continue to push for answers over the coming days.
Throughout these discussions, public safety has been and will remain our top priority, alongside minimising the financial impact on participants at what is already an incredibly difficult time. This week we have been in regular dialogue with Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, venues, partners and other stakeholders to work through all the options and find solutions. This is a complicated process, but one that is moving forward daily.
I appreciate that the delay is frustrating, but I promise we will do everything we can to update you as soon as possible over the coming days. In the meantime, please keep talking to us. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Stay safe and look after each other.
Shona"
