The organiser of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has warned its future is in danger unless social distancing rules change (Jane Barlow/PA)The future of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is “in danger” if the Scottish Government does not ease social distancing rules for venues within a fortnight, the organiser has warned. Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, urged ministers to drop the current two-metre rule for venues to the one-metre rule used in hospitality. Expand Close Thousands of performances typically take place across Edinburgh during the Festival Fringe (Jane Barlow/PA) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Thousands of performances typically take place across Edinburgh during the Festival Fringe (Jane Barlow/PA)Ms McCarthy told The Times Scotland: “Within another two weeks, it’s going to be impossible for any [Edinburgh promoter] to put on anything. “There’s a real danger for the future of the Fringe. Expand Close The Edinburgh Festival Fringe typically attracts huge crowds (Jane Barlow/PA) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp The Edinburgh Festival Fringe typically attracts huge crowds (Jane Barlow/PA)A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We do not underestimate the severe impact this pandemic has had on the performing arts.

Source: Irish Independent May 29, 2021 10:49 UTC