Fringe shows turfed out of public square on festival’s 70th birthday
● Owners of St Andrew Square properties demand clampdown
Fringe shows are to be moved out of one of Edinburgh’s main public spaces this summer–in the year the festival celebrates its 70th anniversary.
The owners of properties around St Andrew Square have demanded a clampdown on the use of its historic square for major events.
Despite it being one of the main outdoor areas for Fringe events, firms including Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Life want the square to instead be a “space for relaxation” in August.
However, insiders said the Fringe ban is linked to the arrival of a number of new restaurant chains on St Andrew Square and an ongoing development to create luxury serviced apartments.
It is thought the owners want to create a more “corporate” environment in the area, akin to Canary Wharf in London, and ensure there is no damage to the square from events.
Fringe promoters are struggling to find a new home for popular venue the Famous Spiegeltent, after concerns were raised about the takeover of the garden. Originally private, it was opened to the public in 2008 following a £2.6 million makeover funded by Edinburgh City Council and business group Essential Edinburgh, but is only leased out by the owners.
Crowds have flocked to see First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, actor Brian Cox, singersongwriter Karine Polwart, actress Elaine C Smith and the musical Sunshine on Leith in venues at the square.
The clampdown has been agreed between the council, Essential Edinburgh – which maintains and manages the garden – and the owners. It is also expected to affect the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, held in late July.
A joint statement said: “Everyone agrees that the garden is a superb green space in the heart of the city to be enjoyed by local people, visitors and those who work in the city centre all year round.
“It is a space for relaxation, as well as providing a pleasing interlude in the pedestrian journey through the city. Its importance as a pedestrian
KENNY O’BRIEN route linking the east and west of the city centre will grow as the new st james development comes out of the ground.”
Council culture leader Richard Lewis said: “In all our discussions with key stakeholders, the owners have reinforced their belief the square should be a place for quiet enjoyment all year round.
“Our aim has always been to strike a balance between the needs of the owners, locals and visitors, and festivals and events. We’re working closely with festival operators to agree the best locations for activities.”
But Kenny O’brien, director of Salt ’n’ Sauce Promotions, which has taken over the garden for the past three years, said he was “livid” at the approach taken by the owners.
He added: “We’ve been told that they don’t want anything happening in the square at all.”
“We’ve been told that [the owners] don’t want anything happening in the square at all”
Salt ’n’ Sauce Promotions