Jason Manford joins Gail Porter in slamming soaring cost of Edinburgh Festival

Comedian and TV presenter Jason Manford has joined Gail Porter and hit out at the price of accommodation in Edinburgh during the upcoming Festival Fringe.

The 42-year-old highlighted the issue of how difficult it is for anyone starting out, to pay for temporary accommodation in the capital.

Jason also revealed he would still be losing money even if his whole run is a sell-out.

The comedian took to X formerly known as Twitter and wrote: "Edinburgh Festival prices especially for accommodation are an absolute joke!

"No idea how anyone starting out is managing to get up there and showcase their talents! I’ve just priced up a week up there and even if every show sells out, I’m still operating at a loss."

He explained: "It's obviously for me it is slightly different as it’s part of a much bigger tour and at this stage of my career, but my worry is how are we getting to see new performers and hearing new voices if the only people who can do it are people with money or backing! It’s pure greed!"

Yesterday Gail Porter, 53, hit out at the soaring expense of accommodation as the Edinburgh-born TV personality said she has been "priced out" of her home city.

She exclaimed: "Was so excited to go the @edfringe this year. But I have been priced out by the soaring costs of B&Bs.

"My home town. I feel so sorry for new young performers that won’t be able to afford accommodation. I’m gutted Edinburgh has done this. Greed is awful."

The festival's official social media account responded to both threads and replied: "Totally understand your frustration, Gail - please know we're doing what we can to find solutions, be it through discussions with govt or negotiating affordable options for artists.

"Please give our team a shout and they'll do what they can to help."

This comes after it was announced that the Keep it Fringe fund will be open for applications for 2024 and 2025. The scheme offers 360 bursaries of £2,500 to support artists to bring their work to the Fringe.

In 2023 more than 670 artists applied for 50 bursaries available through the Keep it Fringe fund.

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