Archive: This article describes the 2026 Buxton Fringe. The organiser lists the next festival for 7–25 July 2027.
Buxton Festival Fringe 2026
Buxton Festival Fringe ran from 8 to 26 July 2026.
The organisers reported more than 230 entries, making 2026 their largest Fringe programme to date.
The 2026 event was the 47th Buxton Festival Fringe.
Comedy Takes Centre Stage with Brand New ‘Comedy Hub’
The organisers reported more than 90 comedy entries, including stand-up, improv, music and variety.
Underground Venues announced a programme of comedy and other performances.
A new comedy hub, Den of Laughs at the Lee Wood Hotel, announced shows across two weekends, 11–12 and 18–19 July 2026.
The Lee Wood Hotel is a 5-10 minute walk from the town centre; easily accessed via Devonshire Road (past University of Derby), or Manchester Road.
Den of Laughs also advertised the Fringe Flavour Compilation Show, a mixed comedy bill.
Underground’s 2026 managed venues were at Spring Gardens and Buxton Working Men’s Club, on Lightwood Road.
The advertised line-up included:
- Kate Butch: A Kate in the Hand Is Worth Two in the Butch.
- Jonny & The Baptists: Live on Stage.
- The Totally Improvised Musical.
- Jake Yapp: Cornershop Showdown.
- Rob Rouse and Tom Wrigglesworth: The Unlikely Weightlifters.
- Angela Bra: Secret Diary of a Bingo Call Girl 2: The Balls Are Back in Town.
Fringe Marketing Officer Stephanie Billen said in June 2026:
“With this year’s enormous comedy offering at the Fringe, there is a huge choice of entertainment with shows that straddle various genres and many that could definitely use some unabashed audience involvement!”
Far More Than Comedy
The 2026 programme also included theatre inspired by Shakespeare, historical figures, mental health, artificial intelligence, ghosts, romance and more.
The music programme included classical, folk, rock, jazz and contemporary performances.
The 2026 programme also included:
- Spoken word
- Dance
- Film screenings
- Street theatre
- Magic
- Visual arts
- Children’s events
- Family entertainment
The programme covered a wide range of performances and events.
Fringe Saturday: The Unmissable Middle Weekend
The organisers’ preview listed more than 54 shows and events on Saturday 18 July, including the free Fringe Saturday showcase.
The preview highlighted:
- Buxton Day of Dance, with Morris dancers in the town centre.
- Fringe Saturday at the Pavilion Gardens Bandstand
- Open-air performances from Two Left Hands
- High Peak Pride Picnic
- The Shakespeare Jukebox
- Indoor shows at venues across the town, including Underground, the Crescent, Pavilion Arts Centre and the Palace Hotel.
New for 2026: Sunday Socials
Sunday Socials were introduced for 2026.
The advertised gatherings were at the Pump Room on 12 and 19 July, from 3pm to 5pm.
Kick Off the Fringe at the Launch Party!
The launch party was advertised for 7 July, from 7.30pm to 11pm, at Underground’s Buxton Working Men’s Club venue.
The 2026 festival has ended. See Buxton Festival Fringe for current programme and booking information.
Plenty of Free Events to Enjoy
The 2026 programme included free events as well as ticketed performances.
The images below accompanied the original guide.
Something for Everyone
Fringe Chair Ian Bowns told The Quinntessential Review in July 2026:
“The Fringe feels more accessible than ever this year. We are delighted to have attracted so many performers, and the diversity of entertainment means there really is something for everyone!”
The programme brought performances and community events to venues across Buxton.
The Fringe is a registered charity. See buxtonfringe.org.uk for how to donate, become a Fringe Friend or to volunteer.
Buxton Festival Fringe
When: 8th – 26th July 2026
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