Edinburgh Fringe: Overview
For the third consecutive year, Crowdguard recently supported at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Each deployment at the Fringe involves close collaboration with Edinburgh City Council, the police, Edinburgh University, and Assembly Events, making it one of the largest and most complex projects in our calendar. We delivered a comprehensive hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) solution to safeguard festival goers.
The Challenge
The Fringe installation consists of three major projects delivered in a single day. This means covering five to seven busy locations in less than twelve hours.
The work is carried out on live roads and crowded streets, often alongside ongoing performances. Equipment deliveries are sometimes held up while acts finish, and barriers must be manoeuvred safely in front of large audiences.
On this occasion, a delayed vehicle on the motorway also pushed the schedule back by two hours, extending the working day from early morning until late evening.
The Deployment
To provide full coverage, Crowdguard deployed a range of rated products across the different sites, the strategy called for:
These were supplemented by semi-permanent bollards, with our team carrying out fitting, protective sleeves, and on-site maintenance. This combination ensured that each location received the right solution for its specific environment.
Partnership in Action
The project was shaped through collaboration. Police Scotland provided thorough assessments of what and where needed protection, while Edinburgh City Council, led by Claire Miller, worked with Crowdguard to agree the most effective solutions within budget.
This trusted relationship has strengthened and developed over time, with the Council purchasing H Stop units from us for their own stock after seeing the effectiveness and reliability of the product on past deployments. This transaction was of course supported by training from our team, and ongoing maintenance of solutions.
Edinburgh Fringe Results
The 2025 installation was completed across all sites in a single day, despite the logistical and timing challenges. The team’s experience and problem-solving approach ensured that public spaces were protected without disruption to the event.
Crowdguard’s flexible use of products and ability to mobilise (both team and kit) quickly and efficiently, combined with strong lasting partnerships, delivered a secure foundation for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to thrive this year.
Looking for a security partner with the experience and expertise to understand your venue and event type? Contact us.