THE LATEST NEWS FROM FRINGE HQ

KIRKCUDBRIGHT FRINGE FESTIVAL ADMINISTRATOR (FREELANCE) REQUIRED

Organisation: Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival CIC (KFF)

Location: Hybrid – home-based; office-based before / during immediate Festival period

Contract Type: Freelance

Dates: From beginning February 2026 to end October 2026

Hours: 235 in total to be spread variably to fit needs of Fringe Festival  

Fee: £3, 525 (£15 per hour)

Closing Date: November 28th 2025; interview in December 2025

About Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival

• Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival was set up to be contemporary, diverse and challenging. The Fringe aims to bring national and international voices to the town and to engage and champion local talent and businesses - putting them and the vibrancy of the town at the centre of what we do. The Fringe builds on the work of previous generations who have made Kirkcudbright a successful destination town and intends to contribute to making the town a place which serves its own communities and welcomes visitors from far and wide.

• The first Fringe in September 2023 sold 1,200 tickets; the second in 2024 1,600 tickets; followed by 1,950 tickets in 2025. We ran 40+ events in our first year; 50+ in our second; 60+ in our third. In the first we used 16 venues across the town; in the second 20 venues and in the third 25 venues. All this helped create a ‘buzz’ and ‘feel’ of excitement and real occasion much commented upon by Fringe attendees.

Overview

• We are seeking a proactive and organised freelance Festival Administrator to join our team for the 2026 Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival that takes place over the weekend of September 3rd to 6th September 2026.

• This freelance role offers a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience / interest in arts administration (or similar) to gain hands-on experience across all areas of festival delivery for the fourth year of a thriving Festival.

• Working flexibly from the beginning of February 2026 to the end of October 2026 the Festival Administrator will support the smooth running of the Festival and play a key part in communicating with artists and venues, maintaining systems, and ensuring a great experience for performers and audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Support KFF Directors with administrative tasks throughout the contract period including performers’ contracts, ticketing, finances, social media etc.

• Provide artist liaison and support during registration and in lead-up to the Festival.

• Liaise with festival venues during planning and delivery stages.

• Support festival delivery, including venue visits, troubleshooting, and artist support.

• Contribute to improving festival systems and communications.

• Support KFF Chair and Treasurer with financial matters including online banking

Person Specification

Essential

– Strong organisational and administrative skills.

– Strong knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

– Excellent written and verbal communication.

– Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

– Proactive, self-motivated and adaptable.

– Collaborative, friendly and flexible team player.

– Commitment to KFF’s values: inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and celebrating Kirkcudbright’s communities.

Desirable

– Experience in events or arts administration.

– Experience working in a festival or live events environment.

– Knowledge of Kirkcudbright’s venues, community and cultural context.

Fee and Working Pattern

• This is a freelance role beginning February 2026 to end October 2026 and hours per week will be variable. The period from May until the end of September will be the busiest time, and the work pattern will be discussed with the successful candidate.

• The fee is £3,525 payable in instalments to be agreed with successful candidate.

• Evening and weekend work will be required during the Festival period, with flexibility expected and offered in return.

How to Apply

• To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter (maximum one page) outlining your interest and how your skills meet the person specification to Rosie Ilett, KFF Chair, by email - rosieilett@hotmail.com - by Friday 28th November 2025.

• Interviews will take place in December 2025. If you require the application materials in an alternative format or any adjustments to the process, please let us know.

Equal Opportunities

KFF is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. We particularly welcome applications from people underrepresented in the arts including those with sensory impairments, disabled people, neurodivergent people, or from the Global Majority.