budgeting & funding

As Brighton Fringe is an open access arts festival, you are the Event Manager of your show, and it must be completely funded by you. The total cost of your event can vary on a multitude of factors – and this is why it’s important to have a clear, realistic budget before you set off

We recommend your budget includes the following:

• Your production costs (set, props, costumes, tech etc)
• Wages and living costs for cast and crew
• Venue hire
• Marketing (posters, adverts etc)
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Licences and Public Liability Insurance
• Music Usage (PPL/PRS)
• Registration fee
• Commission on ticket sales (6.75% + VAT per ticket sold through Brighton Fringe Box Office)

Money-saving tips 

• Add 5-10% of your sum budget cost to your final total. This will give you some breathing room if the unexpected happens. 
• Share transportation with other Brighton Fringe artists. Or, if using the train or other public transport, book your tickets early and online for discounts. 
• Book your accommodation early – ask the Brighton Fringe team for any discounts they know about or for our list of local accommodation opportunities. 
• Online marketing is very effective and can be done for free or at a low cost.  
• Cross-promotional work with other artists (e.g. having one side of a flyer each) can really help save money and share audiences. 

If you’re not sure how to start a budget, we have a template you can use.  

Please click this link to view it, make sure you duplicate it before use.  

Started as a pilot scheme in 2025 and returning for 2027, our affordable payment allows artists to pay their registration fee in two instalments, rather than fully upfront. This is for artists that self-identify as being on a low income. 

Under this scheme, artists will be able to spread their registration fee payments into 2 instalments. 

Payment 1 (50% payment of registration fee) due by invoice, 2nd December 2026 (Early bird deadline) 

Payment 2 (50% payment of registration fee) due by invoice, 10th February 2027 (Print deadline) 

Please fill out the form and agreement below if you would like to be a part of this scheme:

Sign up to our Affordable Payment Plan here.