Stories

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 How affordable are Edinburgh's festivals?

The city is no stranger to complaints about soaring prices during August - but are costs on the rise?
Key findings: 1. Accommodation costs have increased significantly, particularly in August, which is festival season. 2. Ticket prices for some festivals have remained relatively stable or even decreased:
* The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has seen a real-term decrease in average lowest ticket prices from £14.17 to £12.80.
* The Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival have also experienced a real-term decrease in average lowest ticket prices, from £17 to £15.50 and from £14.17 to £12 respectively. 3. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has seen the largest increase in ticket prices, with an average lowest ticket price rising by 36% from £35.41 to £48. 4. Festivals contribute significantly to Scotland's economy, with an estimated £852m contribution every year. Quotes from experts: 1. Lori Anderson, director of Festivals Edinburgh:
* "Costs across Edinburgh in August have risen significantly, particularly accommodation, and our festivals are actively grappling with those issues."
* "We cannot be complacent - our festivals want to work with partners across the city to ensure that Edinburgh is a city where everyone can afford to live, visit and perform." Overall, while some festival ticket prices have decreased or remained stable, others have increased due to rising costs. The article highlights the need for festivals to work together with the local community to ensure affordability and sustainability.