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Fringe performers sleeping in cars as Edinburgh hotel prices soar

Fringe performers sleeping in cars as Edinburgh hotel prices soar

Independent07-08-2025
Accommodation prices in Edinburgh have soared by up to 74 per cent, with some rooms costing thousands of pounds, due to the clash between the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Oasis reunion gigs.
The simultaneous events have led to a city-wide scramble for beds, with 92 per cent of hotels and lodgings reportedly sold out on some booking sites.
Comedian Marc Burrows has termed this the Oasis effect, making the already expensive Fringe catastrophically unaffordable for both attendees and performers.
Fans have reported bookings being cancelled and re-sold at significantly higher prices, while some Fringe artists have resorted to sleeping in their cars due to the prohibitive costs.
While Edinburgh City Council attributes the price hikes to high demand, property management companies suggest new holiday let regulations are also contributing to the increased costs.
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