Here you can find answers to all the questions you might have about taking part in Brighton Fringe. If something is missing, you can get in touch with us at the bottom of the page.
If you are an artist looking for somewhere to stay during Brighton Fringe, you get a copy of our Accommodation List by emailing [email protected].
Please note: Brighton Fringe does not act as a letting agent and all bookings should be made between the artist and the accommodation provider. All accommodation providers are asked to agree to our Code of Conduct before their accommodation is added to our Accommodation List.
Listings will be removed from the Accommodation List if we feel an artist is being treated unfairly. If you have any issues with any of our listings, please contact us as soon as possible, email [email protected].
Would you like to advertise your accommodation on the Accommodation List?
If you have a room/rooms that could accommodate a Brighton Fringe performer or company, we would love to hear from you! Please only contact us if you feel your accommodation prices are reasonable for artists who might be on a tight budget, we will only list accommodation with affordable rates. Being listed is completely free.
To enquire about being added to our Accommodation List email [email protected] with the following details:
To cancel an event or performance, email [email protected] with the following:
Email Subject Line
Please use one of the following formats depending on if you are cancelling a performance or your entire event.
Include in Body of Email
Next Steps
Cancellations will be actioned at the soonest possible time by the Box Office team after a request from an artist has been received. Ticketholders will be offered a transfer to an alternate performance date if available or a refund of their ticket cost.
Please refer to our Artist Terms and Conditions for full information.
We use a platform called Eventotron to register events and venues. It’s also how you track your sales and manage tickets.
Here is a guide for how to register on Eventotron for artists
Here is a guide for how to Register on Eventotron for Venues.
Sign up via Eventotron.com - you can arrange a call on The Hotline if you would like to get some 1 to 1 information.
You are legally required to make all props, sets and scenery fully fire-resistant, which can be done using a spray guard.
Book an inspection with a fire officer before the festival starts.
You can do so by contacting:
The Fire Safety Office
Hove Fire Station
English Close
Brighton
BN3 7EE
01323 462130
Our Council stipulate that everyone requires a license to physically hand out flyers in certain areas. This is to keep in line with their city-wide policy on flyers and waste management.
Those wishing to flyer will need to purchase their own flyering licence from the Council. They can do so by contacting [email protected] or by heading to the flyering page on their website.
See the Marketing Your Event page for more information on Flyering licences.
When running an event at Brighton Fringe you are required by law to ensure the correct licenses are in place in order for your event to go ahead. If you have any queries on event licensing contact the Brighton & Hove City Council Environmental Health & Licensing Team on 01273 294429.
If you need a Temporary Event Notice, Premises Licence or a Personal Licence for your event you will need to contact Brighton and Hove City Council.
Most of the information can be found on their website - please ensure your event has all the correct licenses it may need. www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/licensing
The organisation of non-alcohol-related activities and events is strongly supported by the Council. Brighton & Hove City Council recommends keeping smoking activity to a minimum and closing any outside smoking areas early to prevent noise to residencies.
If your event involves children you will need to meet specific regulations and provide DBS checks for members of staff. Favourable consideration will be given to promoting the city’s cultural quarter, live entertainment in pubs, food-led operations, and developing LGBT and other communities of interest.
Premises Licence
This allows a venue to hold regulated entertainment, whether it’s a play, a film, a sports event, a dance, or live and recorded music. It also allows for the sale or supply of alcohol or late-night refreshments. Open houses and galleries do not need a premises licence, providing that no licensable activities take place, including the sale of alcohol.
Temporary Event Notice
This is the licence for short or one-off events. This allows for the temporary sale or supply of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment or late-night refreshments at premises without a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate (see below). Anybody can get a Temporary Event Notice provided they satisfy certain conditions – e.g. that the event is no longer than 96 hours and involves no more than 499 people.
If you’re in need of costumes, props, set designers, set builders, make up artists, producers, directors, photographers etc, chances are we have someone for that.
Get in touch with [email protected] to receive the list.
If you're local to Brighton & Hove and would like to add yourself/company to our guide, please fill out this form.
Brighton Fringe Industry Freelancers List 2026/27 – Fill in form
Festivals are hectic. Find a list of resources below that can help you get through a stressful time.
HUB OF HOPE
The Hub of Hope is the UK's largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services, so you can find help when you need it, wherever you are.
MIND
Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. This has to change. We’re Mind. We’re here to fight for mental health. For support, for respect, for you.
SOUTHDOWN
We are the largest not-for-profit support, care and housing provider in Sussex with a passion to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
We believe Everyone has the right to live their life well.
Our mission To provide exceptional community support services and housing across Sussex which enable people to live well.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE WELLBEING SERVICE
The Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service is a free NHS service for all ages from 4 years and upwards in Brighton and Hove.
MIND OUT
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people.
We work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health services.
SWITCHBOARD
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. We can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. This is your space – to explore, talk and be truly heard.
SAMARITANS
You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. We're here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what's on your mind. We'll never tell you what to do.
PERMIT FREE STATUS
Make sure you have checked the most up-to-date information in regard to quarantine restrictions before making plans to travel to England. The most up-to-date government guidance can be found here.
Brighton Fringe welcomes national and international acts. Every year for the last eight years, Brighton Fringe has been granted permit-free status. Listed festivals can invite performers under the Standard visitor route without the need for formal sponsorship under the points-based system.
As in previous years, visa nationals will require a visa to gain entry to the UK.
VISAS
EU, EEA AND SWISS NATIONALS
Since 1 January 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals are now non-visa nationals. Please see below for requirements for non-visa nationals.
VISA NATIONALS
If you are a Visa National, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK. The type of visa you should apply for is a STANDARD VISITOR VISA.
This applies if you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, People's Republic of China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (North), Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome e Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
NON-VISA NATIONALS
Any country not listed above including citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Brighton Fringe.
Non-visa nationals should seek entry at the border as a Standard Visitor and will need supporting documents. This is different to applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, which needs to be done in advance.
Details on supporting documents can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk.
In addition, we would recommend that performers should have an invitation letter confirming their scheduled performance at the Permit Free Festival. Brighton Fringe can provide a supporting letter confirming your participation in the festival.
HOW AND WHERE DO I APPLY FOR MY VISA?
The application for a Standard Visitor Visa can be made at any UK visa application centre or online. Further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
If your country does not have an online application facility, please complete a Visa Application Form. This needs to be signed and presented in person at a Visa Application Centre.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY VISA?
You can apply for a visa up to three months before you travel and you should allow weeks rather than days for the process to be completed. You will need to submit your passport as part of the visa application process.
To find out processing times for the country that you are applying from, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times
LETTER OF INVITATION
When you fill in your visa application form either online or on paper, it will outline exactly what supporting documentation you will need, including passports, evidence of funds, photographs & proof of booked accommodation for your stay.
There is an option on Eventotron to add a request for a letter of invitation. If you need help with this, please email [email protected]
For individual advice, you should contact your local UK embassy or consulate or an immigration lawyer.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA)
You may need an ETA to travel to the UK. You can find out if you need one and what the process is here: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Overview - GOV.UK
We recommend that you apply for this at least one month before your scheduled trip to the UK.
FOREIGN ENTERTAINER UNIT TAX (FEU)
If you are a company with non-UK resident performers OR are a non-UK resident performer, then you may be liable to pay Foreign Entertainers Tax.
Please Note:
We are just facilitators, and it is your responsibility as the event manager to secure your visa. Please use the gov.uk website for the most correct and updated information.
If you are interested in performing at Brighton Fringe outdoors, we can assist you with finding the right location.
Brighton Fringe operates Jubilee Square on Jubilee Street in Central Brighton. If you are interested in performing in the square contact [email protected] for special Fringe rates.
Brighton & Hove City Council operate a number of outdoor spaces in Valley Gardens, parks across the city and performance spaces on the seafront.
We also have a relationship with Circus Street who can offer their outdoor space, Circus Square.
If you would like some advice and assistance finding an outdoor venue for you, please book a ‘Venue Finder Assistance’ session through The Hotline.
If you are looking for rehearsal space at any point throughout the year, take a look at our Rehearsal Spaces tab on the Local Industry List. Please email us at [email protected] to receive the list.
If you have a rehearsal space you would like to be added to the list, please email us with the full details about your venue, hire fees and contact details: [email protected]
Without Public Liability Insurance you are putting yourself and others at massive risk the minute you set foot in a venue, or indeed start rehearsing in other spaces or locations.
On Eventotron you will need to provide proof of PLI in the form of provider name and policy number.
Encore Insure is our preferred Insurance Supplier.
www.encoreinsure.com is a step-by-step, easy-to-follow, one-stop solution to your production insurance requirements. With access available to your account 24/7, everything can be processed at a time convenient to you.
Unfortunately, Encore Insure, our recommended insurance provider, are unable to cover events from artists without a UK address. We suggest either purchasing Public Liability Insurance from an insurer/broker in the country you reside in, or check out https://www.performersinsurance.com/ who offer overseas event insurance
Talking to the Box Office...
