Tickets are being snapped up for the biggest ever Brighton Fringe.

Bosses yesterday announced a 10% increase in sales as they revealed the cover of this year’s programme.

The events through May and into June include more than 700 shows.

Tickets went on sale to Friends of the Fringe last Wednesday and to the general public yesterday.

But despite being released a week later than last year, organisers are already reporting a 10% increase in sales.

Event director Julian Caddy said: “I think that the sales reflect the strength of our programme and the hunger for the Fringe locally.

“We are really pleased with how everything is looking and can’t wait for May 4.”

Organisers broke away from their usual photographic programme cover this year and instead enlisted local artists to help out.

Carlos Garde-Martin, from Patcham, was chosen to come up with a design.

The 31-year-old said: “I saw an advert on the Arts Jobs website, so I went for it.

“I was really pleased when I was chosen and delighted with how it has turned out.

“The theme was discovery so I created this brain with all the different ideas which make up the Fringe.

“I’m originally from Crawley but have lived in the city for eight years.

“The Fringe is a huge event and really important for local artists.

“It’s a real honour to be part of it.”

Carlos will stage his own exhibition in the North Laine pub throughout May and will also run a workshop in the Jubilee Library.

Mr Caddy added: “We’re delighted with how the cover has worked out. It looks fantastic.

“It’s great that we can support local artists in the process and it is something we will look to do in the future.”

The Fringe’s shows can currently be viewed online with the finishing touches still being made to the brochure.

From Tuesday, 100,000 brochures will be distributed in libraries, cafes, shops, bars and restaurants.

For more details and to buy tickets, visit www.brightonfringe.org.