The high cost of attending Edinburgh's festivals presents a significant obstacle for local residents seeking to enjoy the full range of events, one festival-goer has stated. Kaitlyn Smith, who has attended the Fringe festival annually since moving to Edinburgh a decade ago, highlighted the financial strain as the primary deterrent.
Smith, 25, has found work distributing flyers during the festival as a means to help offset the expenses of attending multiple performances. She noted that a single day dedicated to festival activities can cost between £100 and £200. "If you are coming on holiday, you know you are coming to the Fringe. You know that you are saving up money to see it, but we're here the whole month and obviously we would like to try and do the Fringe as well," she said.
Costs for basic necessities like food and drink also contribute to the overall expense. "But you are paying £7 or £8 for a pint, £10 or £12 for food - that's one meal. And that's not even starting on your tickets for shows," Smith explained. She believes the quality of the shows justifies the ticket prices, but acknowledges that seeing a large volume of performances is financially prohibitive for locals.
The city is accustomed to discussions about rising prices during August, the peak festival season. While the affordability of the festivals is a recurring concern, the extent to which costs are increasing remains a subject of ongoing observation. Performers and street artists are also a visible part of the festival atmosphere. Attendees navigate a city bustling with activity, from elaborate stage shows to impromptu performances on the street. 
