No major outdoor gigs for Edinburgh Festival

NO major open-air music concerts are likely to take place during this year's Edinburgh Festival, it was revealed today.

Organisers of the series of events formerly known as T on the Fringe say they have been unable to secure any big-name acts suitable for venues such as Meadowbank Stadium or Princes Street Gardens.

It means it will be a low-key first year for the newly-branded music part of the Fringe, now known as The Edge since Tennent's Lager announced last year that it is to pull the plug on its sponsorship of the event.

Organisers DF Concerts said it is also facing a race against time to find a sponsor to help fund the promotion of the annual music programme, which has grown in stature since its launch in 2000.

And it called for more public funding to help it to become a stronger part of the Edinburgh calendar and bring in more visitors and acts.

Dave Corbet, a promoter with DF Concerts, said any large-scale concerts at Meadowbank Stadium depend on which artists are available. Previous performances have included Beck, Pixies, the Foo Fighters and Muse.

He said: "I'm not in the position where I can look at it and say that it will definitely happen.

"There are conversations happening that might come to fruition and if they do, great. But there doesn't happen to be many of the larger acts around this year, so that makes it unlikely.

"I'm not going to push it just so it happens and end up losing a load of money on it."

He added that Princes Street Gardens shows need to happen in blocks for logistical reasons, including the need to erect a giant stage in front of the Ross Bandstand. It is also restricted by the 6000 capacity.

"It's not a financially great show," he said. "It is an iconic show, but a lot of bands say they would love to play there then see the figures and say 'is that it?'."

Last year's performances, which included Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight, sold 130,000 tickets.

DF Concerts said it planned to hold talks with EventScotland and Edinburgh City Council and is bidding to secure further funding for future years.

Gavin Fort, of music and ticket shop Ripping Records on South Bridge, said it would be a blow to have no big name outdoor events.

He said: "If they get the right bands it's usually very popular. It is always good to have an event on that scale and it doesn't happen often in Edinburgh."