The Edinburgh Fringe has a great reputation in the performer community for audiences who are generous, open-minded and up for an adventure; who are willing to take chances and meet artists on their own terms. And wouldn’t you know it – these are the same traits that make for amazing accommodation hosts.
Hosting a Fringe artist in your home can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both parties. The artists, of course, get somewhere to stay, but they also get to see a side of the city that’s easily missed when you’re in the festival bubble. As for the hosts, they get a unique, stage-side perspective on the festival, not to mention a little cash in their pocket.
The availability and affordability of accommodation is cited the number one concern for artists coming to the Fringe from outside Edinburgh, so if you’re a Fringe fan, why not take the extra step and support the people who make it?
What about landlord restrictions?
In 2022, the City of Edinburgh Council applied Short Term Lets legislation (STL) to help tackle the city’s accommodation crisis and free up more homes for longer-term residents. We welcome actions to ease accommodation issues in the city – we live here too, after all – but we also exist to advocate on behalf of artists, so we shared our concerns with the Council about the impact this would have on accommodation for Fringe performers during the festival.
The good news is, since February 2025, local hosts have been permitted to apply for an STL exemption, for a period of up to six weeks. There’s still a cost attached, but this can be balanced against any rental fees you charge the artists – we believe there’s plenty of scope for keeping rates fair while still covering your expenses.
Register with TheatreDigsBooker
The Fringe Society has a long relationship with TheatreDigsBooker, who help touring performers find accommodation across the UK all year round.
They have particular experience with the Fringe, and work with their hosts to ensure that important details like STL requirements are in order.
TheatreDigsBooker offer expert guidance and support to those who want to become hosts – their ultimate aim is to connect arts-lovers with the people who make it.
Sound good? The sign up to be a host with TheatreDigsBooker today:
What if I can’t be a host?
Hosting won’t be for everyone, for any number of reasons, not least a lack of space – not everyone has a spare room to offer. However, there are plenty of other ways you can support artists coming to the Fringe.
- Donate to the Fringe Society and help us support artists, including via our Keep it Fringe fund.
- Spread the word of your favourite #edfringe shows on social media.
- And, most importantly – book tickets to their shows!
