Brighton Fringe takes action against 'no pay' venue

Brighton Festival Fringe is taking legal action against a venue which it claims has not paid artists because it ran into financial difficulties.

The Freerange tent, run by Future Tents, in St Peter's Garden, London Road, hosted more than 40 shows between 30 April and 23 May.

Brighton Fringe said it appeared the firm had financial problems and had not paid a number of performers.

Future Tents was not available for comment on Thursday.

Brighton Fringe said it was also owed money by Future Tents and it was taking legal action against the firm.

'Out of pocket'

Heather James, chair of the Fringe board, added: "This is a deeply regrettable situation.

"It is unacceptable that any promoters or suppliers should be left owing money by a Fringe venue.

"I should make clear that Freerange is an entirely separate organisation from the Fringe, and that the Fringe has fulfilled all its contracts and legal obligations by paying in full all promoters and venues that registered directly with the Fringe."

She added: "We were not aware that Freerange were in financial difficulties until after we had paid out all money owing to them from Fringe ticket sales, as we were legally bound to do.

"We have formally requested that they pay over any money due to promoters and suppliers.

"As stated above, we deeply regret the current situation. The Fringe is also owed money by Future Tents, and is involved in legal action to try and recover this.

"We hope that any promoters or suppliers who have been left out of pocket by Future Tents may still be able to recover their money."

Anyone can register an event with the Fringe, which runs alongside the main Brighton Festival.

Tickets can be bought through the Fringe which then pays the venue or performer once the festival is over.