London's Olympics threaten to muscle in and force Fringe to change date

THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe may be forced to switch dates to avoid clashing with the London Olympics, the event's biggest promoter has warned.

William Burdett-Coutts, the artistic director of Assembly Theatre, said the move should be seriously considered because of the potential damage that could be done during the 2012 Games.

He said fears about the level of media coverage Edinburgh's festivals may be able to attract was the main reason for considering a switch.

The London Games will be staged during the first two weeks of the festival season, starting on the opening weekend of the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival and finishing two days after the start of the Edinburgh International Festival.

However, the Olympics, which will run from 27 July to 12 August, will clash with the first nine days of the Fringe proper and several additional days of previews.

Mr Burdett-Coutts said: "

I think we have to give serious consideration to moving the dates of the Fringe. You only have to look at how much media coverage was devoted to the Olympics this year, and that is going to be hugely magnified in four years' time.

"Melbourne did exactly the same thing with its comedy festival when it hosted the Commonwealth Games, and it was a huge success.

"I can't see how we could move the entire Fringe back in the calendar, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem to move it forward a week, and it would bring it into line with the International Festival again. We need to come to some kind of decision as soon as possible."

Charlie Wood, the director of Underbelly, said: "The Olympics didn't have too much of an impact on audience numbers this year as they were being held through the night in China, but that's not going to be the case in four years' time.

"We noticed a big drop-off in numbers the last time the Games were held during the day in Athens. It could have a huge impact in 2012."

Anthony Alderson, artistic director at the Pleasance, said: "I'm not sure I'd be in favour of moving the dates. We should be looking at how to capitalise on the fact that the Olympics are on at the same time and start to work on potential marketing campaigns."

Jonathan Mills, the director of the Edinburgh International Festival, said organisers were in talks with agencies and sponsors in the hope of benefiting from the London Olympics.

"An important initiative was devised in Australia, whereby people visiting Sydney for the 2000 Olympics were encouraged to stay for one more night in Australia, in a place other than Sydney," he said. "This was of enormous economic benefit to the whole country, not just Sydney or New South Wales.

"We need to be really audacious and ambitious for Scotland to host a truly global series of summer festivals in 2012 in order to span both the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Tim Hawkins, general manager of the Fringe, said they wanted to take advantage of the extra visitors who would be heading to the UK in 2012, and talks would be held with all interested parties to decide when that year's event should take place.

"We are looking into the impact the London Olympics will have on the Fringe and we want to involve all stakeholders in a wider discussion about when the Fringe should take place."

Mike Hart, founder-director of the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival, said: "Subject to pressure from the other festivals I think we'll just go along with our normal dates which vary slightly each year. However we'll be keeping a watching brief on what the others are planning and would probably go along with them."

Deidre Brock, the city council's culture leader, said: "We will support the Fringe to take whatever action they feel appropriate to stay successful."