Buxton Fringe (July 3 to 21) will have more than 190 events this year, with the entries hailing from both the UK and the other side of the world. One of the biggest UK Fringes between Edinburgh and Brighton, the Fringe runs in parallel with the prestigious Buxton International Festival and is renowned for its friendliness, eclectic programme and lively atmosphere.
It was established a year after the festival in 1980, and 2024 marks its 45th event. This year’s Fringe will see a fascinating mix of the local and international with street theatre exploring the town’s rich history and theatre and spoken word events hailing from Canada, the US and Australia. There is even a swing-dancing class all the way from Chicago.
The Fringe is open to all and features rising talent and established stars, such as comedian Rob Rouse from BBC’s Upstart Crow and Radio 4 performers Tom Wrigglesworth and The Divil’s Own’s John Meagher. Comedy, music, and theatre make up the biggest categories, with their combined offerings adding up to an extraordinary feast of entertainment, reflecting everything from stand-up to Shakespeare and classical music to rock.
Stephen Walker, the Fringe chair, said: It’s wonderful to see how awareness of Buxton’s friendly Fringe has spread far and wide. Alongside the cream of local talent and exciting acts from across the UK, we welcome more international performers than ever before. There are ambitious shows in every category, with big bands, orchestras, and choirs rubbing up against magicians, drag artists, and Morris dancers.
Despite the setback of the temporary closure of Buxton Museum, Visual Arts has bounced back with exhibitions at The Crescent and the Pavilion Gardens, plus immersive, intimate, and participatory events for all tastes. Children’s events offer family fun, and there are entries in every category, including film, the genre-defying, and more.
July’s Buxton Fringe takes place in venues all over the town and beyond, with multiple events happening at managed venues, including The Green Man Gallery and Underground, which has taken over a shopping unit at Buxton’s Spring Gardens. There are also online events. During the Fringe, the information desk in the Pavilion Gardens Conservatory will be open every day.
The Fringe will present its free showcase of events, Fringe Sunday, at the Pavilion Gardens on July 7, as well as Fringe on Friday at the Bandstand on July 5 and 12 and its ever-popular Fringe float as part of the town’s carnival on July 13.
