Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year
Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.
Article Source: Brass Tacks Comedy
Last Updated: 11 December 2025 9:21
Following a hugely successful inaugural year, which saw Edinburgh comic Ayo Adenekan make his critically acclaimed debut thanks to the fund, the ‘Brass Tacks Debut Fund’ returns for its second year - applications open on 11th December and close 15th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of comedy industry experts including professional comedians, programmers and Brass Tacks Comedy.
Created in 2025 by Edinburgh based producer Brass Tacks Comedy, the fund aims to support a comic who may feel priced out by ever-expanding Fringe finances by paying venue costs, registration fees, marketing and more.
Local comedian Ayo Adenekan was the recipient of 2025’s fund, supported by Red Bull UK and Brass Tacks to debut his show ‘Black Mediocrity’ at Monkey Barrel in August 2025. Ayo Adenekan sold out his Fringe run, adding extra shows, receiving 4 and 5 star reviews and even picking up joint ‘Best Newcomer’ at the ISH Awards, as well as a ‘Bestie’ award from The Skinny as well as appearances on STV News and BBC Radio Scotland during Fringe. Since debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ayo has gone on to compete in the televised national finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards and be signed by United Talent, one of the world’s leading agencies.
Brass Tacks Comedy will once again partner with Red Bull UK to provide the fund, allowing a Scottish or Scotland-based comedian to perform their one hour debut at the biggest arts festival in the world next August, without some of the huge financial burden facing working class artists across the board. With Red Bull always aiming to support those who are pushing boundaries within their fields, whether sport, fitness, culture, or in this case, comedy, the fund has the potential to kickstart one talented comic’s career.
Katie Palmer, Brass Tacks Comedy said, “I’m so excited to be bringing this fund back for a second year, partnering with Red Bull UK once again to offer a Scottish comedian the chance of a funded debut Fringe run.
“Ayo Adenekan is a fantastic example of a new comedian who felt priced out of the Fringe, despite it being on his doorstep. We were able to support Ayo with this fund to help him have a hugely successful run, and to see the way that his Fringe debut has catapulted his career since is so exciting.
“I adore the Scottish comedy scene, and as Scots we pride ourselves on our sense of humour. Ask any comedy fan in the world their favourite comedians and most would name Billy Connolly, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle. And yet at the biggest arts festival in the world, on our doorstep, local talent is being priced out by the rising costs of performing at the Fringe. And you'll have to dig deep to see a Scottish comic on awards lists…
“The talent that we're at risk of losing are voices from the working class, voices from diverse, underrepresented groups and I would argue, those are the most interesting voices and the voices that audiences deserve the chance to hear.”
Comedian Ayo Adenekan said, “Getting to debut at the Fringe this year without the financial concerns absolutely changed my career. I would not have been able to afford the marketing, the press, the posters, the street team - things that massively help make a Fringe show a success. I got to focus on my writing and my show and I'm a better comedian for it.
“The fact that this fund was created for Scottish acts, by a Scottish company, is so important. The Scottish scene is often overlooked, even on our doorstep. The Fringe is an international arts festival but it's also a Scottish arts festival.
“I'll forever be grateful for the support I received, financially and also throughout the whole process of debuting at the Fringe.”
The Brass Tacks Debut Fund, partnering with Red Bull UK will mean the winning comic is supported by a team of comedy professionals from producers, technicians, PRs, programmers and more. The fund includes:
• One comedian’s upfront costs associated with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe including registration costs, venue costs, paid PR support, street team, poster and flyer printing, technician costs and bespoke marketing costs
• Brass Tacks Comedy as the comedian’s Fringe producer to guide and support them with Fringe planning including registration, administrative management including contracts, artwork, tech as well marketing planning and delivery, and day-to-day support throughout August
• Mentor support from Brass Tacks Comedy and other industry contacts
• Note: does not include accommodation costs
• View full eligibility criteria below
Brass Tacks Debut Fund Eligibility Criteria
• Comedian is Scottish or has lived in Scotland for the last two years
• Comedian is performing regularly on the Scottish comedy circuit
• Comedian will be in a position to have a 55-60 minute debut solo show ready for August 2026
• Comedian has not taken a 55-60 minute solo show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe previously
• Comedian is able to be in Edinburgh every day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (please note accommodation will not be provided as part of the funding)
• Comedian is willing to promote their Fringe show and will engage with the organisers to make the most of this opportunity, including media interviews, appearances, rehearsals and more
• Comedian feels unable to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival without financial support
Visit www.brasstackscomedy.com and follow @brasstackscomedy for updates on the Brass Tacks Debut Fund.
Image: Ayo Adenekan
Image credit: Beth Moar
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Free beer for gingers over Burns Weekend at Wee Vault Taproom
An Edinburgh brewery is offering free beer to gingers this Burns Weekend to mark the annual celebration of national poet Robert Burns.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Missing portrait of poet Robert Burns is found after 220 years
A lost portrait of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, by the renowned artist Sir Henry Raeburn has been found after over 200 years.
READ MORE
Vue Edinburgh Omni welcomes a luxurious new seat
Film fans in Edinburgh can enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue's biggest and comfiest Ultra Lux seat!
READ MORE
Deer Park to screen a full year of live sport alongside its golf and leisure offering
As part of its wider leisure offer, Deer Park will screen a wide range of major sporting events, allowing guests to relax, socialise and enjoy some of the biggest moments in sport!
READ MORE
Award winning Edinburgh restaurant Eleanore will close at the end of January for refurbishment
Roberta Hall McCarron's award-winning restaurant Eleanore will close at the end of January for a refurbishment, reopening in March with a renewed focus on a warm, neighbourhood bistro.
READ MORE
An unforgettable celebration of Robert Burns on Calton Hill
Café Calton is welcoming guests to celebrate Scotland's national poet in one of the most distinctive and awe-inspiring spaces in the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh pub serves up ultimate Burns Night Stab a Haggis experience
An Edinburgh pub is adding a touch of drama to its Burns Night celebrations by serving up the ultimate 'Stab a Haggis' experience over the weekend of 23rd to 25th January.
READ MORE
Winter magic sought for West Lothian country parks
West Lothian Council is inviting commercial events operators to add some sparkle to the area's fantastic country parks this autumn and winter.
READ MORE
Stars start to roll in for Fringe By The Sea 2026
Fringe By The Sea - East Lothian's award-winning, independent multi-arts festival - is gearing up for another ambitious year, unveiling its first wave of shows!
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Pomelo to pop up at two restaurants this January, including a veganuary chef table experience
Jun Au, chef-owner of Edinburgh's award-winning Asian restaurant, Pomelo, will be holding pop-ups in two neighbourhood restaurants across the city - Argile in Marchmont and Norah in Newhaven.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
READ MORE
The Scottish Gallery Press Announces the publication of James Morrison: Under a Northern Sky
The Scottish Gallery announces the publication of James Morrison: Under a Northern Sky, celebrating the life, legacy, and extraordinary landscape career of one of Scotland's most admired painters.
READ MORE
World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins
Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!
READ MORE
The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue
There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.
READ MORE
BFFs over Boyfriends: Flight Club is the ultimate Galentines therapy
Flight Club is calling all those focusing on friends this Valentine's to round up their gang of guys or girls and celebrate platonic love with its Galentine's Brunch.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh partners with BLANK Running Club to launch healthy living set menu and January Breakfast Run
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh, located in the heart of St James Quarter, is teaming up with BLANK Running Club this January to inspire healthy living through food, movement and community.
READ MORE
Scotch malt whisky liqueur brand pours out support for Edinburgh Team GB curlers at Winter Olympics
The country's only Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur brand, Magnum, is throwing its support behind Edinburgh's Team GB men's curling team at this year's Winter Olympics!
READ MORE
The Cool Hand Cup is back!
Marston's is calling on punters to step up to the oche in over 500 pubs, to be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against champion Luke Humphries!
READ MORE
Viral Buckie Bomb beer returns after trending on Reddit across Scotland and Ireland
A cult Buckfast-inspired beer is making a comeback this January after fans demanded its return across Reddit.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Little Seedlings Club this February
Children will learn what compost is, the difference between green and brown waste, and what can and can't be composted at February's Little Seedlings Club from Dobbies'!
READ MORE
East Lothian Information Hub announce events for 2026
East Lothian Information Hubs are 'One Stop Shop' events, where members of the public can engage with multiple organisations face-to-face.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.
READ MORE
17 Edinburgh gyms open up to corporate fitness users in new city wide partnership
EGYM Hussle and Edinburgh Leisure unite to strengthen corporate fitness offering to help create a city 'where everyone is inspired to engage in physical activity'.
READ MORE
Edinburgh theatre redevelopment hits major milestone with funding secured from the Scottish Government to complete the main construction work
The King's Theatre has been awarded £2.5million from the Scottish Government, closing the funding gap for the main construction works needed to redevelop this much-loved Tollcross landmark.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links