Festival Feasibility - The exorbitant cost of accommodation is putting pressure on the “very feasibility” of Edinburgh’s arts festivals, according to a recent report. The report also cites political tension between the UK and Scottish governments, inadequate transport and technological infrastructure, net-zero climate targets and recently introduced local legislation as significant challenges facing the festivals.
It was submitted to the UK parliament’s inquiry into the large-scale events industry by Festivals Edinburgh, the umbrella organisation that unites 11 festivals in the Scottish capital, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The report, first covered in the Herald, claims that Edinburgh’s festivals are a “cultural mega-event on a par with a FIFA World Cup”, attracting 4m people and contributing £450m to the Scottish economy every year, as well as supporting about 6,000 full-time jobs.
The report states: “The increasing costs in Edinburgh, especially of accommodation, are calling into question the affordability of Edinburgh as a major events destination and thus the very feasibility of our major events.” In August, prices for hotels in Edinburgh increased by more than 90% when three Oasis gigs took place at the same time as the fringe. The report continues: “In the current political environment, our major events often find themselves torn between the competing agendas of the Scottish and UK governments.”
Record Breaker - Taylor Swift's latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, has secured the UK's biggest opening week of 2025, after selling 304,000 copies since Friday. The total eclipses the first-week sales of her last two studio albums: 2024's The Tortured Poets Department (270,000 copies) and 2022's Midnights (204,000). The star is on track to have the biggest-selling album of the year overall. The current title holder is Sabrina Carpenter, who appears on Life of a Showgirl's title track. Her Short N' Sweet album has shifted 444,000 copies since January.
Electric News - A theatre company has stepped forward to secure the future of the Electric Theatre in Guildford, with a bid to take on the lease of the venue. Nick Wyschna, founder of Wysch Productions, has formally expressed an interest in taking on the lease of the venue, offering a solution to the council, which is currently deliberating with locals regarding the venue’s future.
He has submitted an expression of interest to Guildford Borough Council, outlining plans to revive the theatre as "a vibrant space for both professional productions and community-driven performances". He said his aim was to restore the theatre’s professional output, support local creativity, establish a balanced programme, engage with young people and maximise the use of the building.
No Escape - A feature-length documentary examining the final chapter of Ozzy Osbourne has been described as a "a portrait of a man who refuses to just give up". Ozzy: No Escape from Now, released on Paramount+ looks at Osbourne's last six years, from his battle with Parkinson's to his Villa Park farewell, including behind-the-scenes moments at the gig. Executive producer Phil Alexander said the film was a "study in resilience" that had allowed Osbourne to express where he was and how he felt.
Farewell - Theatres across the West End and around the UK will dim their lights for two minutes in remembrance of Patricia Routledge. Lights will be dimmed on October 7 to honour the actor, who has died aged 96. Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre co-chief executive Hannah Essex said: “Patricia Routledge was a beloved national treasure and deeply respected in the theatrical world. As a performer she could turn her hand to anything and make incredible feats of acting look easy. We are proud to be able to contribute to the celebration of her extraordinary career and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”
(Jim Evans)
