Fringe Society chief executive Kath Mainland said: "Edinburgh is without doubt the world's leading festival destination." In addition to official venues, the Fringe High Street Events team registered 662 acts from street performers to buskers and Fringe artists. An estimated 21,148 performers took to the stage during Fringe 2010 and 558 shows were absolutely free. Comedy made up 35% of the Fringe programme, followed closely by Theatre with 29%. Music 16%, Musicals & Opera 5%, Dance & Physical Theatre 4.5%, and Children's shows 4%, made up the rest of the Fringe programme.
Mainland added, "Audiences have come to know the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as the place to see every kind of art, from the most imaginative children's theatre to topical and incisive comedy and theatre which challenges audiences to discuss and reconsider their world. I have seen and met performers from all over world from established names to those make their first foray into the industry. They have attended the Fringe for every possible reason, to make audiences laugh, think and imagine, and to get their work seen and develop their creative skills....Every person who has performed as part of the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe over the last three weeks chose to be here is exactly why the Fringe is the greatest show on earth."
Security News - Extra security measures at this year's Reading Festival have been hailed a success. Organisers were keen to avoid a repeat of last year when festival-goers caused mini riots, anti-social behaviour and burned large fires through the night. This year, extra police and security personnel were put on patrol and there was a ban on lighting fires after 8pm. There was also an alcohol ban which meant people couldn't bring any booze through the gates after 6pm. Thames Valley police say they were pleased with how the final night went and said there were 74 arrests over the weekend. They admit there was still some trouble but it was nowhere near last year's levels. They also believe there was less crime compared to last year.
Late News - Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose claimed his 'war' with Reading and Leeds' organisers "wasn't over yet" as they headlined the final night of this year's festival. The singer directed a string of expletives at organisers as his group ran over their allotted performance for the second time. They came on stage 30 minutes late after being an hour late at Reading. They played half an hour over their time before being told to stop. Afterwards festival head Melvin Benn said he would book the band again but "wasn't sure they'd play for me".
(Jim Evans)
