Gilded Balloon Jobs — Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Teviot Row House, 13 Bristo Square, Edinburgh EH8 9AJ

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Applications go directly to Gilded Balloon — they handle hiring on their own platform.

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Hiring summary

Recruitment opens
April 2026
Typically closes
July 2026
Festival dates
31 July – 25 August 2026 (Fringe)
Site setup starts
Late July 2026
Approx. seasonal hires
~150
Pay range
£12.71–£14.00/hr

Roles they hire for

What it's like to work at Gilded Balloon

One of the original Fringe comedy venues, known for the Late 'n' Live show and a strong comedy-focused programme. Gilded Balloon operates from Teviot Row House (Edinburgh University Students' Union), Patter House on Potterrow, and the Basement. Their bar operation is one of the busiest on the Fringe, with a late-night programme that regularly runs past midnight.

Expect long, fast-paced shifts — the Teviot bar is one of the busiest hospitality venues in Scotland during August. Most roles run six days a week. Pay starts at the UK National Minimum Wage and rises with experience and shift type, with late-night premiums for bar staff working past midnight. The vibe is high-energy and comedy-focused; if you like a busy bar and don't mind late nights, Gilded Balloon is a great place to work the Fringe.

Pay

Most Gilded Balloon seasonal roles pay between £12.71 and £14.00 per hour.

For the bigger picture, see our Edinburgh Fringe pay overview, the 2026 pay rates breakdown, and the UK minimum wage explainer.

Programme details updating soon. Check back for show counts, schedules, and shift pattern data.

How to apply

  1. Open the Gilded Balloon recruitment page (the button below).
  2. Pick the role you want and submit your application directly.
  3. Apply early — the most popular roles fill first. Most positions are filled by July 2026.
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Frequently asked questions

No — Gilded Balloon does not provide accommodation. You'll need to arrange your own housing in Edinburgh for August.

Front-of-house roles are open to people without prior festival experience, but the Teviot bar runs at very high volume — busy bar experience is a strong plus. Technical roles require relevant experience.

Recruitment typically opens in April 2026 via gildedballoon.co.uk/contact/work-with-us, with most roles filled by July.

Most Gilded Balloon roles pay between £12.71 and £14.00 per hour, with late-night premiums for bar staff working past midnight.

Yes, provided you have the right to work in the UK. You will need a National Insurance number and a UK bank account before your first shift.

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See all Edinburgh festival venues →

Or see every venue currently hiring at the 2026 Fringe →

Quick facts

Roles they hire
Bar Staff Front of House Technical
Pay

£12.71–£14.00/hour

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