The Fringe embraces a new vision to celebrate its 75th anniversary

The world’s largest arts festival is marking its 75th anniversary with a new set of commitments, which actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge said would be a “new dawn” for the “iconic cultural event”.

The Fleabag star – who is also president of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society – said the changes would make the annual event more accessible, but also “more outrageously spectacular than ever before”.

She spoke as the Edinburgh Fringe outlined its new vision with six development goals that aim to make the massive arts extravaganza more inclusive, fair and sustainable – including a pledge to be a carbon-zero event by 2030.

The Fringe wants to be the “best place in the world for emerging artists to perform” as well as pledging to eradicate unfair or exploitative working conditions.

Ms Waller-Bridge said: “So much has changed in our culture and this new vision of the festival reflects that with heart and sincerity, while fiercely maintaining the wild spontaneity and creative freedom it has provided artists and audiences with for the past 75 years.

“This is a new dawn for an iconic cultural event that’s going to be more inclusive and more accessible.”

The Fringe, which will put on its first full programme since 2019, wants to “give anyone a stage and everyone a seat”.

But it also wants to ensure it is a “force for good” within Edinburgh.

Changes this year will see the festival switch to exclusive use of e-tickets, while there will be a free, annual family event for Edinburgh residents.

Society chief executive Shona McCarthy said: “We want the Fringe to remain the world’s premier performing arts festival and we can only do that if it keeps pace with change in the city, the country and the sector.”

She spoke about efforts to open the festival up to those with disabilities, saying: “Everyone should be able to experience the magic of live performance at the Fringe.”

Phoebe Waller-Bridge.