Tony Lankester, the new CEO of the Fringe Society, is urging Edinburgh fringe event organizers to be 'pretty smart' and capitalize on the unexpected scheduling of four Oasis and AC/DC concerts at Murrayfield stadium in mid-August, which coincides with the festival. Despite initial irritation, Lankester sees this as an opportunity to attract an estimated 75,000 concertgoers per gig and local residents with creative marketing, such as 'morning after' shows or discounted tickets, to boost engagement and revenue for the festival.
Edinburgh fringe event organisers urged to capitalise on Oasis and AC/DC gigs
Edinburgh festivalEdinburghScotlandUKCultureOasisAC/DCFestivalsFringe theatreStageTheatre
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Tony Lankester, the new CEO of the Fringe Society, is urging Edinburgh fringe event organizers to be 'pretty smart' and capitalize on the unexpected scheduling of four Oasis and AC/DC concerts at Murrayfield stadium in mid-August, which coincides with the festival. Despite initial irritation, Lankester sees this as an opportunity to attract an estimated 75,000 concertgoers per gig and local residents with creative marketing, such as 'morning after' shows or discounted tickets, to boost engagement and revenue for the festival.
Trending- 1 2023: The Keep it Fringe funding strand was launched by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
- 2 Recently: Tony Lankester took over as the Fringe Society's chief executive.
- 3 August 1 to 25: This year's Edinburgh Fringe festival is scheduled to run.
- 4 Mid-August: Oasis and AC/DC will play four concerts at Murrayfield stadium.
- 5 October (this year): Hotels will begin collecting the visitor levy on all bookings.
- 6 July 2026: The visitor levy will officially come into force.
- Potential for increased attendance and revenue for Edinburgh Fringe events
- Improved financial stability for the festival through new sponsorship and visitor levy funds
- Potential for better infrastructure and services in Edinburgh due to lobbying efforts
What: The CEO of the Fringe Society, Tony Lankester, urged Edinburgh fringe event organizers to view the Oasis and AC/DC concerts happening during the festival as an opportunity to attract more attendees and revenue, rather than a disruption.
When: The concerts are scheduled for mid-August, during the Edinburgh Fringe festival which runs from August 1 to 25. Tony Lankester recently took over as the Fringe Society's chief executive.
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, specifically Murrayfield stadium.
Why: To turn the unexpected scheduling of major rock concerts during the Edinburgh Fringe into a strategic advantage, attracting concertgoers and local residents to fringe events, and to address financial pressures on public funding for the arts.
How: Lankester suggested marketing strategies such as 'morning after' performances with free bacon rolls and coffee for concertgoers, and discounted tickets or free wine for Edinburgh residents. He is also lobbying Edinburgh council for a portion of a new visitor levy and seeking headline sponsors for the fringe.