Brighton Fringe has signed what it calls a UK-first agreement with the performers’ union Equity, aimed at improving working conditions and protections for artists in fringe theatre. The two organisations announced the partnership on 19 October 2026, in a statement on the Brighton Fringe website.
It is the first agreement of its kind between Equity and a UK fringe festival, according to the announcement. Sussex News reports it was unveiled at Brighton Fringe’s registration launch on Thursday 15 October, ahead of the 2027 festival.
What the agreement covers
Employment protections. Equity and Brighton Fringe will work together so performers, creative team members and stage management are protected at a producing level under employment law, including minimum wage, holiday pay and statutory rest breaks.
Credit. All crew will be properly credited for their work.
Safer spaces. The two organisations will jointly develop best-practice anti-harassment and Safer Spaces policies.
Venue agreements. The agreement supports venue operators in issuing clear agreements from the outset that set out hire charges, box office splits and financial obligations, so venues can operate fairly and transparently.
Sustainability. They will support venues and artists in adopting greener practices and reducing the festival’s environmental impact.
How it works in practice
The announcement describes the agreement as a collaborative framework to help participating artists and venues put best practice in place. Sussex News reports that Brighton Fringe is an open-access festival and does not directly engage performers, so the framework is aimed at the venues that take part.
Producers planning to take part in Brighton Fringe 2027 are invited to contact Equity to discuss using an Equity contract. Equity also encourages other fringe festivals to get in touch about similar agreements.
What both sides say
“Equity is thrilled to have worked with Brighton Fringe on securing this first of its kind agreement.”
Milly Arnott, Equity Organiser for the East and Southeast
Arnott says the agreement is a major step forward in strengthening protections for performers across the UK fringe sector.
“Fringe festivals play a vital role in the UK’s arts ecology.”
Jonathan Maydew, Brighton Fringe Festival Executive Director
Maydew says the agreement supports artists and venues and moves Brighton Fringe towards being the most artist-centric, community-driven fringe possible.
Same day, another Fringe announcement
Brighton Fringe also published its statement on venue accreditation for 2027 on 19 October. In it the festival says the Rotunda Theatre is not a registered or accredited venue. We have set out both sides of that dispute in our report, Rotunda Theatre Not Returning to Brighton Fringe 2027 as Venue Weighs Legal Action.
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