Equity street performers met up for a breakfast event as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival daily ‘street event draw’, where performers are allotted a time and a pitch for the day. Equity officials were on hand to hear concerns about increasing restrictions on street performers, and provide advice and a free breakfast.
During the Edinburgh Fringe, street performers meet daily at Parliament Square to receive their pitch allocation. Names are pulled out of a hat from 10am, and performers – including buskers, circus acts, living statues, comedians and more – pick their preferred allocation. Slots last 30 or 45 minutes and are licensed and managed by the Fringe Society.
On a grey Tuesday morning, Equity was on hand to distribute a free breakfast and hot drinks, and of course provide advice and guidance, to the assembled performers.
“In 2025 we’ve seen restrictions and bans put on street performers in the UK, most notably Leicester Square and Birmingham City Centre, so there was lots of discussion about how other local authorities might follow suit and how this may impact performers” explained Mike Day, one of Equity’s Variety officials.
The blanket bans have been catastrophic for Equity members who earn their living creating vibrant cultural experiences in our city centres. The justification for the bans is the effect of amplified sound, but there has been no nuance to the policies or compromise to lower the sound in these areas. So even performers who use no amplification are now suffering.
“It was clear from the many conversations we had with street performers that they are worried about the growing trend of restrictions, no-go zones and threats of fines”, said Nick Keegan, Equity Variety official. “Edinburgh Fringe is one of the most important times of the year when street performers can get together to discuss and organise about the pressing issues of the sector, so it was great to be with performers having these conversations.”
One member explained to Equity officials that he’d been filmed while performing in Chester and a clip later turned up in a TV show without his consent or payment. Equity’s Recorded Media department took this up for him and secured him a fee.
Equity holds regular visits and drop-in sessions throughout the Fringe and this year also held a dedicated student get-together.
It was clear from the many conversations we had with street performers that they are worried about the growing trend of restrictions, no-go zones and threats of fines
Nick Keegan, Equity Variety official
Edinburgh Fringe Guide
If you’re a street performer, or another performer taking part in the Edinburgh Fringe, check out Equity’s complete guide to working at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Equity insurance
Did you know, Equity insurance is included in your membership, covering you for Public Liability up to £10million – often an essential requirement for street performers and those booking shows at the Fringe.
Guide to working at the Edinburgh Fringe
