Kerry Teakle caught up with the person behind the idea, Ronit Fazekas, to find out more about LittleBirdyTix and nabbed a discounted special offer for The Wee Review readers too. For the price of two Fringe tickets, which is the cost of the membership, you and a friend can get to experience listed shows for free.
What’s it all about?
Little Birdy Tix has been running in Australia for three years. Due to popular demand we are launching here at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Little Birdy Tix was created to help artists and audiences connect. It’s a way for artists to invite new audience members to see their shows, and a way for the public to try new shows by taking the financial risk out of it. It’s all about experiences.
Where did the idea come from?
I have been a Ticketing Manager at major venues and festivals in Australia and the UK, and saw a need to help artists with minimal advertising budget access their newest fans. I also saw that the general public were often overwhelmed by choice, finding it hard to narrow down a show to see with the result that they wouldn’t buy a ticket for fear of paying for something they weren’t sure they would enjoy. Little Birdy Tix helps them try before they buy, so to speak.
How does it work?
It’s simple really, purchase a membership, log in, reserve tickets and start seeing shows. Each member can reserve up to two free tickets per show listed on the site. Members have until four hours before a show starts to change or cancel their reservation. Members’ tickets will then be waiting at the venue box office for them; they simply show their photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport to collect the tickets.
What’s the point of it?
To get people out and about see live performances and attending events.
How much does it cost?
It’s £35 for an annual membership but Kerry’s negotiated a special offer for all The Wee Review readers (see below)
There must be a catch?
There are no catches – the artists and we just ask that you to let your friends and family know what you have seen. Oh and if you don’t pick up your tickets, it’s three strikes and you are out, which guarantees that people are committed to using their ticket allocation.
Which venues have signed up for it?
We are working with Assembly Festival, Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival this year. Underbelly and
Pleasance have started to add their shows too. We also have a group of UK festivals and independent venues starting to use it for the Fringe with the plan to continue throughout the coming year.
How can I become a member?
You can sign up and get going at www.littlebirdytix.co.uk. Also see www.facebook.com/littlebirdytixUK and @lilbirdytixUK on Twitter.
READER OFFER
So you want to start seeing shows for FREE? The Wee Review has a special offer for you to become a Little Birdy member. Use the code “The Wee Review” and an annual membership is yours for £25 for a year (normally £35)
Happy festival viewing.