Festival ’21: Frequently Asked Questions

Please check back here regularly, and certainly on the day that you plan to visit Summerhall, as this is where we will post updated information about any changes or new information.

Live in person events

Are events taking place in-person at Summerhall this August?

Yes! All our in-person events will be taking place outdoors in a newly created, covered, marquee area, which we’re calling the Secret Courtyard.

What Safety Measures are in place for live events at Summerhall?

We’ve been working with the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that our live events are as safe as possible for audiences, performers, and our staff. We will be adhering to all Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines, including the following:

  • Tickets sold in seated household bubbles of 1, 2, or 4 people.
  • 1 metre distancing between seating bubbles.
  • Masks are mandatory when indoors (unless exempt).
  • Regular deep cleaning by Summerhall staff and professional cleaning company Daybreak.
  • All events taking place outdoors.
Is the Secret Courtyard accessible?

Yes. We are committed to ensuring that Summerhall is as accessible as possible to everyone. While some of our events spaces are not normally accessible, all areas in use during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2021 are fully accessible. If you require additional space (for example, if a member of your group is a wheelchair user), please let us know when booking tickets. If you have any specific access questions, please visit our Accessibility page.

How do I book tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online from summerhall.co.uk or edfringe.com

How do seating bubbles work?

To ensure that we are able to maintain physical distancing between seating areas, tickets are sold in bubbles of either 1, 2 or 4 seats. Please book the appropriate bubble size for your party (for example, a group of 3 people would need to book a bubble of 4 seats). Please note that all seating bubbles are at least 1 metre distanced from each other. Bookings which include multiple bubbles will therefore not be positioned next to each other.

What time should I arrive for my performance?

To keep our performance areas as safe as possible, queuing will start 30 minutes before the performance begins, and we will seat audiences 15 minutes before the performance. Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before the show – you will be turned away from the queue.

What should I bring with me when I visit Summerhall?

A face mask, bottle of water, and a fully charged phone for e-ticketing. Please do not bring large items of luggage – Summerhall does not provide a coat or luggage check and we’re unable to store items for you during your visit.

How do I pick up my ticket?

To keep audiences safe this fringe, we are using a fully automated e-ticketing service for our Secret Courtyard performances. This means that you won’t have a physical ticket; instead, you should simply bring your email to show our Front of House team, who will scan the QR code included. Please make sure your party arrive together, as you will need to be seated as a group.

How to do I find the Secret Courtyard when I arrive at Summerhall?

Head into the venue via the main entrance, and make your way through to the Courtyard Bar. Our staff will be on hand to help, and signage will direct you to the start of the queue and then on to the Secret Courtyard stage.

Step-free access is available via the side entrance to the Courtyard on Summerhall Square (to the south of Summerhall).

What if I arrive late?

To ensure Covid safety and to avoid disrupting performances, latecomers will not be admitted. Due to Covid restrictions, it may take slightly longer than usual to reach the performance area, so please bear this in mind when planning your visit.

Can I get a drink before the show?

Our bars (The Royal Dick, the Courtyard Bar, and The Gallery Bar) will all be open daily during the festival, and you are welcome to pop in for a drink before the performance (subject to capacities). You are welcome to take drinks into the show – please just let us know when ordering.

Can I get a drink during the show?

During our evening gigs (those part of our Nothing Ever Happens Here music programme), we will be offering audiences the opportunity to buy drinks from our bar whilst remaining in their seats, using our dedicated app. During the day, we’d recommend bringing a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

All bookings are non-refundable, unless you are unable to attend due to a positive diagnosis of Covid -19 or enforced period of isolation. In this case, please email boxoffice@summerhall.co.uk. In the unlikely event that any of our performances need to be cancelled, all customers will be offered refunds.

What happens if the Scottish Government guidance on live events changes?

We are keeping a keen eye on updates from the Scottish Government and will respond to any changes accordingly. If the social distancing rules change, we may increase or decrease the capacity of the Secret Courtyard. In the unlikely event that any of our performances need to be cancelled, all customers will be offered refunds.

Digital Performances

Will there be digital performances from Summerhall this August?

Yes. Alongside our in-person events, our programme also includes live online performances and on-demand shows, specially reimagined for digital audiences.

How do I book tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online from summerhall.co.uk or edfringe.com

Where will digital performances be streamed?

After booking your ticket, information on how to watch the show will be available from your summerhall.co.uk or edfringe account, in a section called the wallet.

When can I watch digital performances?

Live online performances will be broadcast at specific times. Please check individual booking pages for more information.

On demand performances can be viewed at any point while the show is available. For the majority of shows, this is the full duration of the festival (Fri 6th – Sun 29th August 2021), but please check individual booking pages for more information.

How many tickets should I purchase for a digital screening?

We request that you purchase one ticket for each person watching the performance. While for the majority of our digital programme a single ticket will give you access to the full performance, we ask that you consider our performers, many of whom have been unable to work since March 2020, when deciding how many tickets to purchase. Your support at this crucial time is massively appreciated.

Some digital performances require every audience member to have their own individual ticket. Please check individual booking pages for more information.

Are tickets refundable?

 All bookings are non-refundable. In the unlikely event that any of our performances need to be cancelled, all customers will be offered refunds.