Fringe Sunday faces funding axe

Almost 200 acts were on the Fringe Sunday bill last year

Organisers of one of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's biggest events have admitted it could be pulled as a result of a funding crisis.

Fringe Sunday organisers are seeking a sponsor to rescue the event, which has been running for nearly 30 years.

Soaring costs and the failure of the Fringe box office last summer are being blamed for putting it in jeopardy.

The cost of running the event has risen by 16% to £70,000. A sponsor must be found by early February.

A spokesman for the Fringe said: "A review of all Fringe events and activities, including Fringe Sunday, is currently taking place and a final decision has yet to be made on the staging of the event.

"We are assessing the costs and likely income produced by the event before making that decision.

"The most recent cost of the event has been in the region of £70,000, which represents an increase of 16% on 2007, due to rising transport costs, hire of marquees and other equipment."

One-off deal

The Fringe recently received a short-term loan of £125,000 from Edinburgh City Council to tide it over until March.

It was also given £65,000 of advanced funding from Made In Scotland and a £60,000 Scottish Arts Council grant. However, none of the money is for Fringe Sunday.

Fringe Sunday has not had a headline sponsor since 2006. However, a small part of last year's event, the Stage School Tent, was sponsored by the Bank of Scotland as a one-off deal.

An Edinburgh City Council spokesman said: "The council is aware of the Fringe's cash-flow difficulties and has put in place a funding package to help tackle the issue - we have not been asked for further financial assistance.

"All major festival events add value to the city's cultural offer but the organisation and presentation of these events is a matter for the festivals.

"A review of Fringe events is currently taking place and we will stay in close contact with the Fringe as this develops."