Brighton Fringe boosts city economy

The entertainment and tourism industry has taken a battering since the global financial crash.

However, one Brighton and Hove event has really bucked the trend – the Fringe.

The May event, which has held shows alongside the Brighton Festival since 1967, has more than doubled in size in the last five years.

The event also helps give other local businesses a much needed boost every spring.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: “It ticks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned.

“It brings people into the city and once they are here they spend money on drinks, food and accommodation.”

In 2007 the Fringe put on 323 shows across the city. This year 719 shows are planned across 200 venues.

Organisers hope the number of events will rise even further for 2012 due to the spontaneous nature of the festival.

Fringe director, Julian Caddy, said: “I have seen the impact it can have on a city. The great thing is that the impetus is really on local business.

“If they want to host an event or get involved they can.

“Anyone can get involved and anyone can benefit – that’s the great thing.

“The progress we have made is obviously fantastic, but I do believe that this is just the beginning.

“With everyone on board the Fringe can get even bigger.”

Jack Larkham, manager of the Quadrant pub, which is hosting a number of comedy events this year, said: “It is a great boost for trade.

“Over the first week I noticed a lot of American and Canadian accents in the pub.

“It is certainly another reason for tourists to come down to Brighton.

“It has really helped put Brighton on the map.

“Visitors now associate the city with art and culture."

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