Despite torrential rain and the Olympics, Edinburgh Fringe ticket sales exceeded 1.5 million. This is a 5% increase on the sales during the Olympic games in Sydney eight years ago and 9% decline on last years sales.

Organisers expressed satisfaction with the result. Jon Morgan, Fringe Director, says: “This is the third year that the Fringe has sold in excess of 1.5 million tickets signifying another fantastic year for the world’s biggest arts festival.”

“At the start of the festival many were worried about the loss of venues, impact of the Olympics and the economy. In a difficult year, with record rainfall and problems with ticketing, Fringe–goers have come out in force and enjoyed the festival.”

According to the Edinburgh Fringe Press Office, “There have been many successes, The World @ St George’s West opened to critical acclaim wining the Jack Tinker Sprit of the Fringe award and many other artists have had fantastic successes.

“The youngest comedian on the Fringe, Eros Valhos (aged 13) who was performing at Sweet Venues has landed a gig with Children’s BBC. Eight, new writing from the Edinburgh University Theatre Company, at Bedlam Theatre, have been invited to New York for a run after winning the Carol Tambor Award. The Tailor of Inverness by Dogstar is heading for the 2009 Adelaide Fringe after scooping the first ever Holden Street Theatres Award.”