High hopes for live arts festival

Buxton Fringe is gearing up for a summer of fun, with performers already coming forward to share their plans.

Running between July 7 and July 25 alongside the prestigious Buxton International Festival, ‘Fringe’ could be one of the earliest live arts festivals post lockdown, boasting events in every category including theatre, music, comedy, children’s shows, spoken word, dance, film, visual arts and more. 

Events are listed as they come in on both www.buxtonfringe.org.uk and the free Buxton Fringe App.

Fringe chair Stephen Walker says: “Entries to the Fringe are starting to come in and we see a quiet confidence that some events will be possible indoors, but there will also be plenty of options outdoors and online.

“Despite continued uncertainty, optimism abounds and lots of artists are working on shows. Whatever happens, the Fringe will continue to be a platform for creativity.”

Among entries so far are outside attractions such as Stone and Water’s children’s activities in the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Pride Picnic and acoustic music in the Serpentine Community Garden. 

The Green Man Gallery will be  hosting writers from Buxton Spoken Words, northern comedy with Whine, Women and Thong, comic poetry from Andy Gilbert, piano and songs from award-winning Egriega and Ormrod and an evening of jazz vocals from Annette Gregory.

The United Reformed Church is also shaping up to be another busy venue with an evening of wine and song with Chris Milner and talks on nature and Ted Hughes, by Steve Ely. 

Following last year’s trail-blazing mainly online Fringe, it also looks as if web-based entertainment is here to stay with Ashgate Heritage Arts offering their Crooked Spire Murder Mystery Musical and Writers in the Peak presenting monologues, poetry and music.

In recognition of the uncertainty surrounding this year, the Fringe has decided to extend its printed programme deadline to May 18. The entry fee remains a flat £50 with performers eligible for a full refund should they need to withdraw at any point before this date.

Stephen says the Fringe is in constant dialogue with performers and venues, all keen to offer audiences a safe experience in line with regulations as they stand in July.

Full ‘take part’ information including publicity tips and updated venues listings, is available on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk where you can also find out how to become a Fringe Friend or join the committee.

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