Fringe for Free 2017

We have plenty of free stuff to do at the Fringe, and it's all listed here. Look out too for free child tickets and generous concessionary prices for many shows. Fringe Friends also receive 10% (and sometimes more) off full ticket prices.

All of the shows are listed here.

Events marked Family Friendly have been suggested by the entrant as generally suitable for family viewing. NB Events in the For Families category tend to be specifically aimed at young people.

Please note that details of performances, including times and dates, may be subject to Late Changes. Numbers in brackets refer to venue numbers (see map)

         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

Diary Venue Map

 Dance

Scenes from Buxton Day of Dance 2016

BUXTON DAY OF DANCE - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men Family Friendly
A feast of traditional dancing from around the country. The streets of Buxton will be filled with the music, colour, passion, energy and humour that the Morris brings. Over 150 dancers and musicians from 16 different Morris sides hosted by Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men.
Around the Town (47) 15 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free Review Comments

Salsa lesson

A NIGHT IN HAVANA - Wallflower Dance
Join the fiesta and let Wallflower Dance take you to Cuba! Enjoy authentic tapas, live Latino rhythms and dazzling dancing. Soak up the party atmosphere or 'shake your maracas' with the optional beginners' salsa at 8pm, beginners' cha-cha at 9pm followed by live music from Easy Feet at 9.30pm.
South 16 (43) Google Map 13 Jul 6pm to 11:30pm Free Review
Further information: Event free, dance class £5 (Child and Conc £4) Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 For Families

ST LUKE'S SINGS - St Luke's CE Primary School Family Friendly
St Luke's School choir and dance group will be travelling from Glossop just to entertain you. Choose a song or a dance from their Human Jukebox and stand back! It couldn't be simpler or more delightful.
Buxton Opera House Forecourt (08) Google Map 20 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free Review Comments

a small lobster might wriggle across the grass

TINY! BEASTS, BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES - Stone and Water Family Friendly
Join our artists and make your own menagerie of tiny creatures, from mini-mammoths to palm crocodiles and hand rabbits. We provide the materials, you bring the smiles and wild ideas. Tiny! activities are always fun and are back for their sixth year of liveliness!
Pavilion Gardens – Old Bowling Green (33e) Google Map 16 Jul 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm Free, Ages 2+ Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Music

100 YOUNG MUSICIANS SET TO WOW BUXTON - Nottingham Music Service
Nottingham’s Robin Hood Youth Orchestra will join forces with their counterparts from Karlsruhe, Germany in a fantastic concert, featuring a diverse repertoire of classical, film and popular music. They’ll be performing at the bandstand at 5pm but keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned for pop-up performances all around town!
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Google Map 15 Jul 5pm to 7pm Free Review Comments(1)

BUXTON TAP HOUSE LIVE SESSIONS - Buxton Tap House
Seven nights of live music from the best bands and performers in the region. 6th - Sling; 7th - Octofunk; 12th - Bryn's Open Mic Night; 13th - Honeyfeet Trio; 14th - Liam Mclair; 20th - Tom Blackwell; 21st - Andchuck. Jazz, blues, folk, funk and every combination thereof!
The Buxton Tap House (23) Google Map 6, 7, 12-14 & 20, 21 Jul 9:30pm to 11:30pm Free Review
Further information: sam@buxtontaphouse.co.uk or 01298 214085 Comments

CLOSE HARMONY CLASSICS AT THE CHESHIRE CHEESE - Close Enough - Barbershop Singers
Four former Oxford choral scholars form a fearsome foursome, singing fun four-part harmonies including My Evaline and Loch Lomond. They're feisty; they're flamboyant; they sing close harmony and they’re Close Enough!
The Cheshire Cheese (93) Google Map 7 Jul 9pm to 10:30pm Free Review
Further information: closeenoughbarbershop@gmail.com Comments

LOCAL MUSICIANS' SHOWCASE CONCERT - Club Acoustic Family Friendly
Once again Club Acoustic is proud to present a feast of outstanding local musical talent in a showcase of acts from the wide and varied range of our regular performers. A Fringe regular and past winner of the Spirit of the Fringe Award. Free entry, no tickets. Come along!
Underground at The Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 19 Jul 8pm to 11pm Free Review Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Spoken Word

The famous five

FESTIVAL SPOKEN WORDS - Buxton Spoken Words
Buxton Spoken Words' regulars: Ryan Tomlinson, Karl Largan, Les Oldfield, Jill Neves and Derek Baker present an entertaining and varied programme of poems and short stories, from a story about a prostitute in Roman Buxton to a poignant tale of a fallen soldier. (New Writing)
The Tea Chest (103) Google Map 12 Jul 7:30pm to 8pm Free, Adult themes Review Comments(1)

www.HistoryPod.net

HISTORYPOD: LIVE - Scott Allsop
A live recording of the UK's most popular daily history podcast. Tales of obscure historical events rub shoulders with their more celebrated counterparts to prove that something worth remembering happened on every day of the year. 'Quirky, cool…not to be missed'. Times Educational Supplement. 'An excellent storyteller'. Fringe Review. (New Writing)
Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Google Map 8 Jul 11am to noon, 9 Jul 12:30pm to 1:30pm Free, Limited space - 12 tickets only per show Review
Further information: tickets@historypod.net Comments(4)

Bryce Main. Author of Love & Coffee and Heaven Help Us.

LOVE & COFFEE - Bryce Main
A reading by author Bryce Main from his debut book Love & Coffee, a series of short, memorable, observational stories based around the loves and lives of people who visit a city centre coffee shop. (New Writing)
Charlotte's Chocolates – Cavendish Arcade (77) Google Map 11 Jul 3:30pm to 4:30pm Free Review Comments

THE UNSUNG - Genevieve Carver and The Unsung Funeral Band
You’ve heard of Kurt Cobain. And Jim Morrison. But have you heard of Scott Johnson, or Lina Prokofiev? This 'funeral party for the forgotten heroes of musical history' is a worldwide tour in poetry and sound exploring how music claimed the lives of those who have loved it most. (New Writing)
St Peter's Church – Church (42a) Google Map 18 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm Free Review
Further information: theunsungpoetry@gmail.com or 07521 732324 Comments(1)

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Street Theatre

credit: Sofia Huxford Rodriguez

BUXTON CARNIVAL PROCESSION - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
Last year the Fringe float won a cup! Join a cast of thousands for the biggest and best free event in the town's calendar. There will be bands, the legendary Billerettes and dozens of decorated floats. Thanks to the Well Dressing and Carnival committee for making this happen.
Around the Town (47) 8 Jul 1pm to 4pm Free Comments

The Bandstand (credit: Lily Brown)

FRINGE AT FIVE - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
The perfect way to begin your Festival evening; find a bench by the Bandstand in the Pavilion Gardens and be entertained by Fringe singers, musicians, actors, dancers, magicians and storytellers. You may be invited to join in. Who knows? Check at the Fringe information desk for what is happening day-to-day.
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Google Map 10-22 Jul 5pm to 5:30pm Free Review Comments

The Fringe (credit: Sofia Huxford Rodriguez)

FRINGE SUNDAY - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
Our annual party in the sumptuous Pavilion Gardens - a mixture of song, dance, magic and theatre. Free entertainment courtesy of Fringe performers. Bring a picnic, buy a coffee or ice cream, relax and soak up the Buxton Fringe atmosphere.
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Google Map 9 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free Comments(1)

Klang!

THE SHAKESPEARE JUKEBOX - Buxton Drama League Family Friendly
The ‘upstart crows’ of The Shakespeare Jukebox return to the Opera House forecourt for another summer of open-air Shakespearean revelry. Make a donation to charity, choose a scene from the Jukebox playlist and challenge our rolling team of actors to feats of memory and dramatic flexibility!
Buxton Opera House Forecourt (08) Google Map 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 18 & 21, 22 Jul 6pm to 7pm Free Review Comments(1)

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Theatre

JEU JEU LA FOILLE'S FRONTAL LOBOTOMY - Jeu Jeu la Foille
Visual storytelling and poetry, with a Tom Waits-inspired soundtrack and a smattering of weird science. Burlesque maverick Jeu Jeu la Foille fuses original beat poetry with Waitsian tormented lullabies and woozy mythology punctuated with scientific accounts of transorbital lobotomy and featuring a toy shop orchestra of musical reprobates. (New Writing)
Green Man Gallery – Ground Floor Gallery (86a) Google Map 22 Jul 8pm to 9pm Free, Mild horror and partial nudity. Adult themes. Review
Further information: vickyhancock@hotmail.com, at the Gallery, hello@thegreenmangallery.com or 01298 937375 Comments

credit: Esteljf, deviantart

WAITING FOR GANDALF - Chris Neville-Smith
Meet Kevin Brook, self-confessed fan of all things Lord of the Rings. On the night before 'Gandalf' signs a new movie companion book, Kevin waits for his idol. But what's the real reason for his devotion? 'A nuanced, sympathetic performance.' **** Julia French, Broadway Baby. 'Dark-as-hell.' Richard Stamp, FringeGuru
United Reformed Church – Blue Room (55c) Google Map 18, 19 Jul 8:30pm to 9:30pm Free, Some upsetting themes Review
Further information: Entry is free - but donations will go to charity Comments

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 Visual Arts

credit: Rachel Slaney

2017 ART EXHIBITION - Burbage Art Group Family Friendly
This year's bumper exhibition runs for an extra hour! A Fringe fixture, it boasts a high standard of work including watercolours, oils, collages, textiles and more, with its talented artists increasingly enjoying wider recognition. Free cakes, refreshments and children’s quiz. The group meets weekly and welcomes newcomers including beginners.
Burbage Institute, Nursery Lane, Buxton SK17 6UL (53) Google Map 15 Jul 11am to 4pm Free, Part of the Buxton Art Trail. Further information: 01538 266220. Review Comments

BUXTON ART TRAIL 2017 - Buxton Art Trail Family Friendly
Announcing the fourth Buxton Bienniale! Take the trail and discover an exciting range of contemporary and traditional arts and crafts. Works by amateur and professional artists from Buxton and beyond at venues all around the town. See the BAT brochure with map.
Around the Town (47) 15, 16 Jul 11am to 6pm Free Review
Further information: buxtonarttrail.com/contact-us/ Comments(3)

Claude Andre Glass

DERBYSHIRE H₂O - High Peak Artists Family Friendly
Water, water everywhere… especially here in Derbyshire! Exhibition by established, award-winning High Peak Artists group. Paintings, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, glass and jewellery all depicting water in many forms – streams, waterfalls, rivers, rain, limestone erosion, springs, wells, water mills, water sports, life under water, villages under water and more…
Pavilion Gardens – The Art Cafe (33f) Google Map 5-23 Jul 10am to 4:30pm Free, Part of the Buxton Art Trail Review Comments

Derbyshire Moors by Harry McArdle (winner of the 2016 Derbyshire Open)

DERBYSHIRE OPEN 2017 - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery Family Friendly
The annual Derbyshire Open attracts amateur and professional artists of all ages competing for a range of prizes and a place in the museum collection. Now in its 35th year, the resulting exhibition is the highlight of our summer programme.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 5-7 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 8 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 9 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 11-14 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 15 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 16 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 18-21 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 22 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 23 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free, Part of the Buxton Art Trail Review
Further information: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk Comments(1)

THE FREEZER ART FAIR - Underground Family Friendly
A singular micro-exhibition in Buxton's newest, smallest and coolest space – The Buxton Festival Fridge. A new artist each week curates a finely distilled display of just three works, inside an old brewer’s industrial fridge. Fine art for the Twitter generation. Some works for sale. Full info at: underthefringe.com/freezer
Underground at The Old Clubhouse – Buxton Festival Fridge (21a) Google Map 6 Jul 3:30pm to 10:30pm, 7-9 Jul 1pm to 10:30pm, 10 Jul 3:30pm to 10:30pm, 11-14 Jul 1pm to 10:30pm, 15, 16 Jul 11:30am to 10:30pm, 17 Jul 3:30pm to 10:30pm, 18-21 Jul 1pm to 10:30pm, 22 Jul 11:30am to 10:30pm, 23 Jul 1pm to 5pm Free, Part of the Buxton Art Trail Review
Further information: underthefringe.com Info: 0208 144 0070. Comments

The Great Dome Art Fair

THE GREAT DOME ART FAIR - Peak District Artisans Family Friendly
Browse and buy from a huge range of outstanding art and design direct from PDA’s members at our award-winning annual exhibition. Meet our newest members and enjoy our popular talks and demonstrations, and unique Artists’ Original Postcard Raffle.
University of Derby Buxton – Dome (04c) Google Map 21 Jul 6:30pm to 8:30pm, 22, 23 Jul 10am to 4:30pm Free Review Comments(1)

Sunshine; An Original Collagraph Plate

LOUISE JANNETTA FINE ART - Louise Jannetta Gallery & Studio Family Friendly
For a more intimate meet-the-artist opportunity, former Fringe Award winner Louise Jannetta is opening up her gallery and studio packed with new works. Awards: visual arts event winner 2011, nominated 2013 and 2016. Nominated for Visual Artist 2010 and 2013.
Louise Jannetta Art Studio (rear of 24 Dale Rd) (14) Google Map 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22 Jul 10am to 4pm Free, Part of the Buxton Art Trail Review Comments

Water Play by Caroline Small

WILDNESS AND WET - The Green Man Gallery Family Friendly
'Oh let them be left, the wildness and wet. Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet.' Gerard Manley Hopkins. An intriguing group exhibition inspired by the wild and watery, local landscape. Includes paintings, drawings, photography, print-making, mixed media and textiles.
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 5 Jul 6:30pm to 8:30pm, 6-23 Jul 10:30am to 5:30pm Free, Part of the Buxton Art Trail Review
Further information: hello@thegreenmangallery.com Comments

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 Other Events

Brooklyn Brewery Logo

BROOKYLN BREWERY TAKEOVER & LIVE MUSIC: EASY FEET - Monk Cocktail Bar
Brooklyn Brewery brings NY to Monk for an epic evening of delicious beers, games and live music. Join Brooklyn’s Chris Moore at 8pm for a guided tasting session, or taste your own way through any of Brooklyn’s 10+ legendary craft beers, with Easy Feet getting your feet hopping.
Monk Cocktail Bar (49) Google Map 5 Jul 7pm to 1am Free, Ages 18+ Review
Further information: 8pm Tasting session ticket £15 Comments

rainbow picnic cake from Little Chekky Cakes

BUXTON PRIDE PICNIC - Stone and Water Family Friendly
Celebrating Queer Buxton (LGBT+ and all our friends!) with a picnic of gracefulness, silliness and frivolous strength. Bring your own exquisite nibbles, an umbrella or parasol if appropriate, and join us on the lawn. Add a poem to read, an elegant dress or simply your own wonderful self.
Pavilion Gardens – Old Bowling Green (33e) Google Map 22 Jul 3pm to 6pm Free Review Comments

Casamigos Logo

CASAMIGOS TEQUILA TAKEOVER & LIVE MUSIC EASY FEET - Monk Cocktail Bar
Casamigos brings Mexico to Monk for an evening of incredible tequila, awesome cocktails and live music. Join Brand Ambassador Sam Plummer from 7.30pm for a tequila masterclass alongside a tasting of Casamigos (ticket £12), and/or join the party from 8.30pm with Easy Feet getting your tequila-soaked toes tapping!
Monk Cocktail Bar (49) Google Map 19 Jul 7:30pm to 1am Free, Ages 18+ Review
Further information: 7:30pm Tequila talk and tasting session £12 Comments

CHELMORTON FESTIVAL - Chelmorton Villagers Family Friendly
Chelmorton village hosts a full week of events with exhibitions, evening events, a village fair on the Saturday and more. New this year are a stone walling course and a quilt exhibition, while our regular crime writers' panel is spearheaded by the well-known local writer, Stephen Booth. Venues include the church, The Church Inn as well as the Institute.
Chelmorton Institute, Chelmorton SK17 9SH (80) Google Map 10 Jul 10:30am to 10:30pm, 9pm to 10:30pm, 11 Jul 10:30am to 7:30pm, 12 Jul 10:30am to 9:30pm, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, 13-15 Jul 10:30am to 6:30pm, Prices and times of individual events vary. Bookings via www.chelmortonvillage.org.uk Review Comments

credit: Ian J Parkes

FRINGE 2017 AWARDS - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
Join us at The Rotunda on the Old Bowling Green to celebrate all that has caught the ears and eyes of judges and reviewers at this year's Fringe. We'll be aiming to recognise all that was freshest and most exciting. Mingle from 1.30pm and the award-giving starts at 2pm.
Pavilion Gardens – Rotunda (33k) Google Map 23 Jul 1:30pm to 3pm Free, Open to entrants, Fringe Friends and by invitation Comments

FRINGE LAUNCH PARTY - Underground Family Friendly
Join us for the official launch of the 2017 Buxton Festival Fringe, at Underground's new base above The Old Clubhouse. Catch preview performances from across the Fringe, mingle with the stars and help us toast the 38th Festival Fringe! No booking required - just come along!
Underground at The Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 4 Jul 8pm to midnight Free
Further information: 0208 144 0070. More details: underthefringe.com Comments

Early 20th century museum notice identifying archaeological finds

MEET THE MUSEUM EXPERTS - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Explore the museum and its collections more widely in these brief talks by heritage specialists from Derbyshire and further afield. Pick up a programme at the museum, the Fringe box office or online for a list of speakers. Winner of Other Events, Buxton Festival Fringe 2016.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 11-16 & 18-23 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free Review
Further information: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk Comments(1)

THE SPRINGS BOOK SWAP - The Springs Shopping Centre Family Friendly
Situated in the heart of the shopping centre. Exchange one of your old books for any of those donated to the exchange. Bring along any books you have finished with and pick up another, plus why not stop and read them inside the exchange and discuss books with other visitors?
The Springs Shopping Centre (38b) Google Map 10-15 Jul 9am to 5:30pm, 16 Jul 10am to 4pm, 17-22 Jul 9am to 5:30pm, 23 Jul 10am to 4pm Free Review Comments

WORLD FRINGE DAY - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
Edinburgh Fringe was founded 70 years ago and today Fringes all over the world are celebrating. Join us for a pot pourri of readings, talks, music, comedy, theatre, art and film in The Pump Room at the heart of England's leading spa town! Event details from the Fringe Desk.
The Pump Room (84) Google Map 11 Jul 11am to 10pm Free Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events