If you thought Edinburgh Fringe was busy every August, imagine what happens when a legendary band like Oasis rolls into town at the same time.
This year, performers and locals alike have been struggling with what’s now being called the ‘Oasis effect’ — a chaotic surge that’s sent accommodation prices through the roof and brought the city’s transport to a grinding halt.
Fringe Performers Left Furious as Prices Skyrocket
With Oasis playing three massive gigs at Murrayfield Stadium, around 200,000 fans flooded Edinburgh, triggering a fierce battle for hotel rooms.
Some performers say the situation is “catastrophic,” with hotel rooms in the city centre reportedly costing as much as £4,000 a night.
For many Fringe artists, such eye-watering prices have forced desperate decisions — including sleeping in cars or finding lodgings miles away from the festival venues.
Locals and Comedians Vent Their Frustration
The city’s residents have even considered leaving to escape the mayhem, while some comedians have publicly blasted Oasis and their fans for being ‘inconsiderate’ by scheduling their reunion shows during the biggest performing arts festival on Earth.
The tension isn’t one-sided, either: Liam Gallagher, Oasis’s outspoken frontman, hit back with harsh words aimed at the Fringe, calling it a celebration of “thick s***” and mocking the performers’ acts as “juggling fing b*s” and “s**y card tricks.”
Oasis Fans Strain Edinburgh’s Transport and Venues
Edinburgh council had previously warned about “medium to high intoxication” levels and a “substantial amount” of older, rowdy fans expected at the concerts.
The influx of enthusiastic Oasis supporters caused crowding and disruptions at venues and on public transport, frustrating performers trying to get around the city.
The Financial Strain Hits Fringe Performers Hard
Many artists say the soaring accommodation costs have hit them where it hurts.
Amy Albright, a newcomer to the Fringe, has resorted to sleeping in her car for two weeks, showering at gyms between shows.
Comedian Chloe Petts described prices as “totally unaffordable” for most performers and visitors, while Holly Spillar revealed she’s already borrowed thousands just to afford her time at the festival — and expects to be paying it back for years.
Shows Cancelled as Audience Attention Shifts
Stand-up comic Kate Smurthwaite was forced to cancel two free shows because no one turned up — blaming the Oasis gigs for drawing attention away.
Kate called on the Gallagher brothers to be more considerate, especially since their concerts clashed with Fringe dates.
She also pointed out the struggle of navigating the crowded city and encountering drunken fans, which made her feel unsafe while promoting her shows.
Performers Speak Out About the ‘Oasis Effect’
In videos and social media posts, Kate and others lamented the dwindling crowds and rising tensions.
She accused the Fringe Society of failing to anticipate the clash and allowing Oasis to book gigs during the festival’s peak.
Other comedians echoed her sentiments, describing how many audiences deliberately stayed away to avoid the chaos.
Oasis Defenders Push Back
Not everyone agrees with the criticism. Some locals and fellow performers argued that Oasis isn’t to blame for empty venues or rising prices, pointing instead at landlords and the council for hiking accommodation costs every festival season.
Some Edinburgh residents also questioned whether Fringe attendees really flock to Oasis shows, suggesting the two groups might not overlap much.
The Fringe’s Tough Balancing Act
This isn’t the first time the festival has faced challenges balancing large events, but the ‘Oasis effect’ has brought the issue into sharp focus.
Performers face tough choices between chasing their dreams and dealing with skyrocketing costs and unpredictable crowds.
Meanwhile, fans enjoy their music but sometimes at the expense of the city’s famed arts celebration.
Fringe Stars Keep Fighting Despite Setbacks
Despite cancellations and struggles, many Fringe artists are determined to keep going.
Kate Smurthwaite, known for her outspoken comedy and feminist activism, has even sparked conversations about body positivity, challenging traditional norms in media appearances.
For now, performers hope for a more balanced festival experience next year — and maybe a little more respect from rock legends and their devoted fans.