Sponsors for performers scrapped

Festival performers now do not need a sponsor

Thousands of performers at the Edinburgh Festival, including the Fringe, will not need an official sponsor this year.

Scottish Secretary Des Browne has welcomed the announcement by the Home Office.

It follows concerns the new points-based system for those wishing to come to the UK would have had an adverse financial and administrative effect.

About 3,000 artists travel to the

Fringe each year from outside Europe.

Des Browne met with UK Immigration Minister Liam Byrne to discuss the potential impact of the changes on the festivals and Scotland's sporting and cultural events.

We look forward to discussing the proposed visitor category and are optimistic that this welcome development will help secure the Fringe's status Jon Morgan Edinburgh Festival Fringe director

People now coming to perform at "permit-free festivals" will be reclassified under a special visitor category, meaning there will be no requirement for sponsorship.

Those who do not require a visa will not have to apply for prior entry clearance.

For those who do require a visa, the cost will remain broadly the same as for the existing visitor's visa.

Mr Browne said the points-based system was part of the most radical overhaul of the immigration system for decades.

He added: "However, the festivals are an essential part of Scotland's, and the UK's cultural and economic life and it is only right the government makes every effort to support their future success and diversity."

Jon Morgan, Edinburgh Festival Fringe director, said: "We have been working closely with the Scotland Office and the UK Border Agency towards a favourable outcome which recognises the cultural and economic impact that the Edinburgh Festival Fringe brings, not only to Edinburgh and Scotland but to the UK as a whole.

"We look forward to discussing the proposed visitor category and are optimistic that this welcome development will help secure the Fringe's status as the largest open access international arts festival in the world."