Event Descriptions 2026
Full information about our events. If you're interested in a particular category simply click on the colour-coded links below. Once a category has been opened, click on the left hand colour bar to close it.
Many more events will come on stream before we reach the closing date for entries on Sunday 19th April. Please check back often.
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Events marked 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). For further details on venues including accessibility, see our Venues page. Diary. How to make a Comment.
Info
Ticket information can be found on each event listing. 
denotes advanced bookings can be made from the Opera House Box Office 01298 72190 (or online) from early June. Our Tickets page has general advice about ticketing at the Fringe.
have been suggested by the entrant as generally suitable for family viewing. Events in the Children's Events category are specifically aimed at young people. In the event of purely Online events, click on the links within the event description.
Fringe
FRINGE AT THE CARNIVAL - Buxton Festival Fringe
Expect fancy dress and fun as the Fringe takes to the streets with its award-winning orange float. Thanks to Lomas Distribution and the Well Dressing and Carnival team for organising this highlight in the town's calendar, this year coinciding with World Fringe Day! Wear orange and give us a wave!
Around the Town 11 Jul 2pm to 4pm Free, Please be aware of road closures in Buxton on Carnival Day, Donations: Please give generously to the Well Dressing Charities Comments
FRINGE SATURDAY - Buxton Festival Fringe
Fringe Sunday moves to Saturday this year for what is generally the Fringe’s busiest weekend! Enjoy Pavilion Gardens refreshments and join us for family-friendly entertainment with music, singing, comedy and more! Pick up a Fringe programme, become a Fringe Friend and mingle with the stars at this fabulous outdoor party!
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Map 18 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free Comments
Children's Events
A TINY! CIRCUS - Stone and Water
Help us create our Tiny! Circus! There might be juggling mice, trapeze elephants, butterfly clowns and adventurous children! Make your own fabulous circus character: and everything is very small - no bigger than your hand! Find us on the lawns between the young children's playground and the miniature train station.
Pavilion Gardens – Playground (33m) Map 19 Jul 10:30am to 3:30pm Free, Ages 3+ Comments
Comedy
ABSOLUTELY! ONE-LINER JOKES - Kevin O'Brien
This is a one-liner jokes solo show that addresses the most important things in life in a very light hearted way.
(New Writing)
Beer & Bean Café Bar (135) Map 18 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm Free, Mildly Adult themes. , Ages 16+, Donations: £5 Comments(1)
BEHIND THE LAUGHTER - Laugh For Life Comedy
Laugh For Life Comedy teaches stand-up comedy for mental wellbeing. Come and see individuals who have completed the course and are performing their own material. This year we have two shows with even more comedians to entertain you.
'Highly Recommended' Edinburgh Fringe 2025.
Conservative Club (79) Map 17 Jul 3pm to 4pm, 7:30pm to 8:30pm £8 (Child £5, Conc £6), Ages 16+ Gallery
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 or henry.churney@btinternet.com Comments
DANCING WITH AUNTIE - Dreamshed Theatre
New Year's Eves are often memorable. However, nothing could have prepared 17 year old Barry and his girlfriend Susan, for the events of his family's 'do'.
Adapted from Bill Cronshaw's 2004 bitter sweet play which premiered successfully that year in Edinburgh, this new two-man version promises laughs and surprises! (New Writing)
St Anne's Community Centre – Hardwick Room (39b) Map 23, 24 Jul 4:30pm to 5:30pm, 25 Jul 5:30pm to 6:30pm £7.50, Ages 16+
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 Comments
THE JOY OF MYCOCK! - Dr Andy Mycock
UK's foremost amateur cockologist, Dr Andy Mycock, returns to the Buxton Festival Fringe with a comedic lecture (à la Dave Gorman) on the cultural history of cocks (phallic not fowl) and 'cock art'. The audience will create their own 'cock art', win prizes and join the 'Gallery of Mycock'! (New Writing)
The Palace Hotel – Cavendish Room (32e) Map 17 Jul 7:30pm to 9pm £8, Adult themes, Ages 18+
Tickets on the door. Comments
TERRY'S TERRYFYING TALES - Neil Donoghue
Breakout star of BBC 1's 'The Great British Sewing Bee', Terry Pastry, along with Fiddlesticks the cat, explore real life tales of UFOs and aliens from the last 80 years, told through film, puppetry, toys and ‘live cinema’.
A show for grown-ups, but suitable for children
The Pump Room (84) Map 18 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm £6 (Child £3, Conc £5), Mild peril not suitable for younger children, Ages 6+ Gallery
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 Comments(1)
Music
BAND OUT OF THE BOX - High Peak Big Band
High Peak Big Band return to the Fringe with a vibrant evening of jazz, swing, latin and the classic big band sound with vocals. The 19 - piece ensemble presents music ranging from the golden era of the ballroom and musical theatre to exciting arrangements of contemporary compositions.
Trackside @ Buxton Brewery SK17 9RZ (133) Map 20 Jul 7:30pm to 10pm £10 (Child £5, Conc £8)
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 or brian.lightowler@yahoo.com Comments
BLOODLINES & BALLADS - Songbird Anna
An intimate session of original songs and storytelling inspired by Songbird Anna, featuring her folk-inspired music enriched by the autoharp. Tracing family histories from mariners to miners, Anna brings their struggles, resilience and triumphs vividly to life. The journey concludes with uplifting songs from Musical Postbag leaving audiences inspired, reflective and connected to the shared threads of our past. (New Writing)
St Anne's Community Centre – Main Hall (39a) Map 17 Jul 7pm to 8:30pm £9 (Child £8, Conc £10), Ages 16+
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 or www.tickettailor.com/events/songbirdanna/1986808 Comments
CELEBRATE THE CELTIC - High Peak Orchestra
Discover the 'Gaelic' symphony by America's first significant female composer, Amy Beach. Preceded by the drama of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet fantasy and Glazunov's colourful concerto for violin, soloist Orla McGarrity
St John's Church (40) Map 11 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £15 (Child Free)
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/high-peak-orch Comments
DECADE - Adrian Lord
Celebrate a decade of original piano music with pianist and composer Adrian Lord as he returns to the iconic Pump Room for two special concerts. Featuring handpicked highlights from his five albums, in an intimate evening described by reviewers as calming, atmospheric and engaging.
'A must watch performance' Pianist Magazine
The Pump Room (84) Map 23, 24 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm £12.50 Gallery
Bookings via www.adrianlordpiano.com Comments
MUSIC AND POETRY HOUR: PANGOLINS, MUSIC & POETRY - The Clarkes & Co
The Clarkes & Co, acoustic guitar, concertina and vocals, present “Pangolins and Poetry," a show containing Stephen Clarke’s collection of published poetry and original songs from their first two albums. Expect melody, wit, humour and the odd sing-along, embellished by Sue Clarke’s vocal harmonies and concertina playing.
Scrivener's Bookshop – Victorian Story Cellar (11a) Map 17 Jul 3:30pm to 4:30pm, 6:30pm to 7:30pm Free, Donations: "Pay what you feel" with 10% to go to animal charities Gallery
Further information: clarkerstephen@hotmail.com Comments
MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING - Cheshire Chamber Collective
Cheshire Chamber Collective are delighted to share orchestral, vocal and chamber music written by their in-house composer/arranger, Adrienne Spilsbury. This evening of Adrienne’s works will include music inspired by locations in Cheshire and North Wales, and by enduring musical friendships. (New Writing)
The Palace Hotel – Ballroom (32a) Map 18 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £12 (Child £0, Conc £10), Duration: 2 hours
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 Comments
PDMC COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA DAY - Peak District Music Centres
Join members of PDMC for our fourth, most exciting yet, community workshop: to learn and then play together extracts from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. Open to all ages at Grade 4 and above.
Directed by our own Gavin Usher, you'll be amazed what can be achieved by 3.30 pm.
Buxton Community School – Large dining room (02e) Map 12 Jul 10am to 3:30pm £10 Gallery
Bookings via www.pdmc.org.uk Comments
SERENADE ON A SUMMER NIGHT - Chapel en le Frith Ladies Choir
Chapel en Le Frith Ladies Choir will sing a rich and varied programme of songs, welcoming back the vocal and musical talents of guests Sam and Andrea Gilliatt. The choir was highly commended in 2025 for a 'truly uplifting performance'.
United Reformed Church – Green Room: Hall (55b) Map 17 Jul 7:30pm to 9:30pm £12 (Child Free), 2 hrs with interval
Bookings via mary.newiss@cbits.net Comments
Spoken Word
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU - Chapel Arts Creative Writing Group
The Chapel-based writing group, nominated for a 2025 Fringe Award, marks 2026’s 100th anniversary of the first public demonstration of television with stories, poems, monologues, mini-plays and more exploring the impact of all forms of electronic entertainment. A booklet will be on sale with proceeds to charity.
(New Writing)
Rems Café Bar & Restaurant, Chapel-en-le-Frith SK23 0HP (131) Map 9 Jul 7:30pm to 9pm, 12 Jul 2pm to 3:30pm £5 (Child and Conc £4.50), Possible strong language.
Tickets on the door. Comments
POEMS FROM THE DAILY MAIL - ANDY GILBERT
Andy Gilbert 'The UK's #1 Poetry Teacher' brings his hilarious award winning show on the importance of historical poetry to Taddington. This performance contains strong language and contextual vulgarity. Voted 'Best Poetry and Spoken Word Show' - Shaftesbury Fringe 2025
Bramwell Memorial Institute, Taddington SK17 9TU (100) Map 11 Jul 2:30pm to 3:30pm £5, Strong language/ Adult themes, Ages 16+
Bookings via Tickets on door Comments
STORY NIGHT - Writers in the Peak
Writers in the Peak are presenting a collection of original writing. Come along and join us for an evening of fun and enjoyment listening to tales, poetry and monologues, written and performed by local writers.
(New Writing)
The Old Clubhouse - Upstairs (21a) Map 14 & 21 Jul 7pm to 9pm £10
Bookings via 07497910930 Limited availability on the door Comments
Street Theatre
THE TOTALLY MADE-UP TOUR - Discover Buxton Tours
Join our award-winning tour company on this tongue-in-cheek, alternative walking tour of lower Buxton; but beware, you’ll never see the town in the same light again. Meet at the Crescent forecourt. Not wheelchair accessible: features steps, steep inclines and uneven surfaces. Ends Opera House. Places limited, booking advised.
(New Writing)
Around the Town 9, 15 & 23 Jul 11am to noon £10, Dad jokes throughout, occasional swearing, Ages 16+
Bookings via 07530457755 or email info@discoverbuxton.co.uk . Pay in cash on the day, pre-booking advised. More info at www.discoverbuxton.co.uk Comments
Theatre
FLIGHT: ONE MAN'S JOURNEY - Pricking Thumbs Theatre Company
Powerful imagery, humour, poignant drama-not to be missed! Follow the journey of Maneek, raised in a remote village, shadowed by tigers, ruled by a strict father. He battles fear and pursues a sense of belonging.
1 actor, 21 characters!
'Passionate, inspirational'; 'Gripped throughout'; 'Warm, dynamic. A wonderful experience'. (New Writing)
St Anne's Community Centre – Hardwick Room (39b) Map 23-25 Jul 2:30pm to 3:30pm £8 (Child and Conc £7), Ages 12+ Gallery
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 Comments
JOURNEY ON JED - Magdalen Theatre
In this poignant, humourous short play by previous Fringe award winner Mary Hennessy, Jed is confused and annoyed. His friends ignore him and his family won't speak to him. When his other self turns up and wants to punch him, he has to take an honest look at his life.
(New Writing)
The Old Clubhouse - Upstairs (21a) Map 17, 18 Jul 7pm to 8:15pm £10 (Conc £8), Strong language. Reference to addiction. Duration one hour, Ages 16+
Bookings via 07497910930 Comments
THE LAST THROW OF THE GUITAR - Clickers Theatre Group
A comedy set in 1973 about an unlucky and unsuccessful rock group manager, Tommy Daniels, who takes charge of an ambitious group called, The Blue Tolstoys. He books them a prime spot at a rock festival on the outskirts of Buxton but things go disastrously wrong.
(New Writing)
The Palace Hotel – Haddon Room (32b) Map 12 & 19 Jul 7pm to 8pm £12 (Child £8, Conc £10), Adult themes
Bookings via leslieoldfield362@yahoo.co.uk Comments
POCKET PIRATES - Utopia Unlimited
Pocket Pirates is a fast-paced, family-friendly take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. Bursting with well-loved songs, pirate antics, and youthful energy, this one-hour “pocket-sized” version is perfect for Fringe audiences of all ages.
(New Writing)
St Anne's Community Centre – Main Hall (39a) Map 12 Jul 2pm to 3pm, 5pm to 6pm, 7:30pm to 8:30pm £8
Bookings via www.ticketsource.co.uk/utopiaunlimited, Hello@utopiaunlimited.com, 07846049465 Comments
THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS - Nuworks: theatre made in Australia
A visceral and compelling drama about the life and times of American folk singer and civil rights activist, Woody Guthrie. An epic production by critically acclaimed Australian company, Nuworks. (New Writing)
St Mary's Church (41) Map 8, 9 Jul 7pm to 8:15pm £12, some strong language, Ages 12+
Bookings via Opera House 01298 72190 Comments
Visual Arts
BUXTON PHOTO CHALLENGE 2026 - High Peak Photography Club
Come and join Buxton's own photomarathon - a photography challenge to take six photos on six themes in six hours. All you need is your camera with empty memory card or phone. Arrive between 10am and 11am to get your themes then off you go! Everyone welcome.
The Old Clubhouse - Downstairs (21b) Map 12 Jul 10am to 4pm £5 (Child £3.50)
Tickets on the door. Comments
SUMMER SHOWCASE - Peak District Artisans
Celebrating 35 years of Peak District Artisans, our new Flagship Event will be held in the magnificent Octagon Hall. Showcasing contemporary artworks from some of the best professional artists and makers in the Peak District, this award-winning exhibition is an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase something totally unique.
Pavilion Gardens – Octagon (33d) Map 18 Jul 11am to 5pm, 19 Jul 10am to 4pm Free Comments
And More...
HIGH PEAK PRIDE PICNIC - High Peak Pride
Join us for an afternoon of fun, glamour and fabulous hats! There will be garden games, frivolities and of course Buxton's Big Gay Bake Off! Bring your own picnic and meet us on the lawns to relax, laugh and celebrate life! No tickets needed: just wander along and join in!
Pavilion Gardens – Swimming Pool Lawns (33n) Map 18 Jul 1pm to 4pm Free, Ages All Gallery Comments
UGLY BUG BALL - Serpentine Community Garden
Come and join us for a fun, family day at the Serpentine Community Garden to celebrate our new pollinator bed. Plenty of activities for all ages.. Plus music and refreshments, and a chance to look around the garden.
Serpentine Community Garden (107) Map 12 Jul noon to 4pm Free, Donations: welcome Comments
