With so much time given to entertaining ourselves over the last fifteen months, the return of Buxton’s Festival Fringe is especially welcome. From the 7th to the 25th of July, the town explodes with a mind-boggling variety of theatre, music, film, art and comedy. As usual, events will take place in a variety of venues across the town.
The organisers are looking forward to seeing their regulars again but if you’ve never been to a Fringe event before, what better time to dive in? We’ve all had our fair share of Netflix and bread-making and the thrilling spontaneity of a live performance is the perfect antidote. As we’re not quite out of the woods yet, there will be some minor adjustments to keep everyone covid-safe. Booking early is recommended and the website is now live. Some of the events are free!
Regardless of whether you’re a regular Fringe goer or a complete newbie looking for a fresh experience, their website is very easy to use. Events are colour-coded in categories; children’s events, comedy, dance, film, music, spoken word, street theatre, theatre and visual arts so you can quickly locate your vibe. The Fringe Information Desk is also a great source of information and inspiration; this year it’s located in the Conservatory just before the Pavilion Tea Room and open 10am – 7pm every day of the Fringe.
Of course, the Fringe offers you ample opportunity to venture out of your comfort zone so don’t play it too safe. It’s not all for the grownups, some of the Fringe is for children too. You will no doubt be keen to get your kids out of the house and experience something new.
With so much to see, the Fringe can feel a little daunting. Luckily, the website comes with a handy planner so you can cram in as much culture as possible; the website diary allows you to filter according to date, category, venue, online and more. The Buxton Fringe App is also free to download and great when you are on the move. The other good news is that some of the events are online this year so you can watch them from the comfort of your own sofa.
Buxton Festival Fringe is one of the biggest open arts festivals in the UK. Many of the acts are passing through, warming up for Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. Buxton’s smaller cousin is always a chance to get a preview and of course, enjoy the unique character and hospitality of the our spa famous town while you’re at it.
Remember Fringe @ 5? This year, it becomes Fringe 10 – 5, every day during the festival, as their popular traditional busking showcase will invite performers past and present to join them on the promenade by the Pavilion Gardens Conservatory. Performers should head to the Fringe Information desk to find out how to join in the fun! Enjoy a picnic and some Derbyshire ice cream, mingle with the stars and share your fun on social media #fringe10to5
This will be one of the first big events to return to Buxton and what has been an extraordinary year, it marks a beginning: in 2021 Buxton Festival Fringe is a celebration of the return and re-opening of live culture – the offscreen and real-life kind – and the gradual relaxation of lockdowns. To say we’re excited about it is something of an understatement.
Buxton Festival Fringe
T: 07719 528419 (Fringe Information desk during Fringe only)
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