13/06/2026
Response to Comments Issued by the City of Edinburgh Council
The Corstorphine Fair Committee welcomes the Council's recognition of the important role that community events play across Edinburgh. However, there are a number of points within the Council's response which require clarification.
Firstly, the Council has referred to Corstorphine Fair as an annual event. In reality, Corstorphine Fair has operated as a biennial event for over 40 years, a fact well known to the Council through previous applications, engagement with officers and the historical operation of the Fair.
Secondly, the suggestion that applications were submitted late is incorrect. The Marches and Parades notification, Public Spaces application and Public Entertainment Licence application for the main Fair were all submitted on 14 February 2026, almost four months before the event took place and well within the Council's desired timescales. The Market Operator Licence application was submitted on 8 May 2026, in the same manner and broadly within the same timeframe as previous Corstorphine Fairs.
As has been the case in previous years, it is not possible to provide a definitive list of every stallholder months in advance of the event. Community events evolve in the lead-up to delivery, with local groups confirming participation at different stages. For this reason, organisers have traditionally provided the Council with the previous event layout and site plans, which, in the case of Corstorphine Fair, are substantially similar from one Fair to the next.
The Committee also remains concerned regarding the interpretation and application of Market Operator Licensing requirements. Throughout this process, organisers became aware that different community events across Edinburgh appeared to receive differing advice regarding the treatment of community and commercial stalls. Other gala organisers have since reported experiencing similar difficulties and uncertainty.
In addition, Corstorphine Fair is not alone in having received important licensing documentation at the last minute. Organisers of other community events have advised that licences are frequently issued the day before an event, and in some cases on the day itself. Against that backdrop, suggestions that organisers should simply have resolved all outstanding matters earlier fail to recognise the realities experienced by many volunteer-led events.
The Committee has consistently acknowledged the efforts of individual officers who sought to assist throughout the process. Our concern has never been directed towards those individuals. Rather, it relates to whether existing systems provide sufficient clarity, consistency and support for the volunteers who dedicate countless hours to sustaining Edinburgh's community traditions.
Corstorphine Fair 2026 ultimately proceeded safely and successfully due to the extraordinary commitment of volunteers and the goodwill of the local community. The Committee hopes that the experiences of Corstorphine Fair, alongside those of other community events, will lead to constructive discussions regarding how Edinburgh can best support the volunteers who make these events possible.
In response to these shared concerns, organisers are now establishing the Edinburgh Community Events Federation (ECEF) – a new network bringing together gala days, fairs and other volunteer-led events from across the city. The Federation aims to provide a collective voice for community organisers, promote the sharing of knowledge and best practice, and work positively with decision-makers to achieve greater clarity, consistency and support for the events that play such an important role in community life.
More information can be found at www.ecef.org.uk.
This is not about avoiding regulation or reducing standards. It is about ensuring that guidance is clear, processes are proportionate and community organisers are treated consistently.
The traditions that communities have built over generations deserve nothing less.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-gala-organisers-call-for-council-to-review-licensing-and-support-for-community-events-8668601?fbclid=IwY2xjawSaOJtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBWbmxTbnQ1Wlh0ZEdENTNQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmToAAiQLq-K0om1r0Ehjeomdenq9USZoTouEH2dfIMhTqi-vvQw2daTLMYp_aem_YWdncwDHISxdZW3yGgu_wT_vbzrj&brid=YWdncwG3Oy6SvVXjEbEIyRVMSkuk
Last-minute difficulties fuel organisers’ concerns
