Actress Jessie Cave, known for her role as Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter film series, has raised concerns about the affordability of participating in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, particularly for parents. Cave, who is preparing to present her show "Only Work" at the upcoming festival, criticized the event’s high costs and the lack of accommodation for performers with children.

The 39-year-old performer and mother of four expressed frustration over the financial barriers associated with taking a show to the Fringe, describing the expenses as "extortionate." She highlighted that the festival environment does not appear conducive to artists who need to bring their children with them, potentially limiting access for parent performers.

"Only Work" will explore themes including motherhood and Cave’s recent decision to join the content-sharing platform OnlyFans. The show forms part of her return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where artists from across the world showcase their work each year.

Cave's comments contribute to ongoing discussions about the costs and accessibility of the Fringe, which remains one of the largest arts festivals globally but has long faced criticism over fees for performers and accommodation. Some industry voices have called for reforms to make the festival more inclusive and manageable for artists from diverse backgrounds, including parents.

While the Edinburgh Festival Fringe continues to attract thousands of artists and audiences annually, the high financial and logistical demands of participation continue to pose challenges, as highlighted by Cave’s remarks.