Hopes Fringe crowdfunding drives could raise £250,000

More than £250,000 is expected to be raised from crowdfunding campaigns to help Fringe venues, artists, performers and backstage crew withstand the impact of its cancellation.

The Plea sance, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly, Summerhall, Monkey Barrel, Green side and Zoo have been among the venues and operators running appeals.

However Fringe Socie ty chief executive S hona McCarthy said public funding would still be needed to help venues and artists who are“falling through the cracks” of financial support to ensure they could bounce in 2021.

She added: “We need to be able to robustly support artists who want to write and plan and create and share their talent with us in the future. We need spaces ready to welcome them and give them a platform.”