Fringe for Free 2018
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 
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 Visual Arts Other Events
Dance
BUXTON DAY OF DANCE - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men and Guests
A feast of traditional dancing around the town with 16 Morris sides. The streets of Buxton will be filled with the music, colour, passion, energy and humour that the Morris brings. Venues include: Market Place, Broad Walk, The Slopes, Opera House Forecourt, Spring Gardens and Pavilion Gardens.
Around the Town (47) 21 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free Review
Further information: chapelmorris.org Comments
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For Families
CHELMORTON VILLAGE FESTIVAL 2018 - Chelmorton Festival 2018
A great range of family-friendly events including: Pub Quiz, Tractor Rally, Scarecrow Competition, Dog Show, Dry Stone Walling, Silver Band, Raffle, Tombola, Saturday Stalls, Church Exhibition, Art and Photography Exhibition, Weigh the Sheep, Saturday Night Live Band, Croquet, Strawberries and Cream. Other venues include the church and The Church Inn.
Chelmorton Institute, Chelmorton SK17 9SH (80) Google Map 16 Jul 8am to 9:30pm, 17 Jul 9am to 6pm, 18 Jul 9am to 9pm, 19 Jul 9am to 8:30pm, 20 Jul 9am to 4:30pm, 21 Jul 9am to midnight, 22 Jul 9am to 7:30pm, Prices and times of individual events vary. Bookings via chelmorton.net or 01298 85761 Review Comments
LOST STORIES OF BUXTON - Stone and Water
Buxton secrets: help us invent the lost stories of Buxton. Join storyteller Gordon MacLellan for a morning (or afternoon) of secret passages, treasures, ghosts and adventures. Hear old stories and make up new ones, turning stories into storycastles and wonderwoods. No tickets needed. Drop by and join in. All materials provided.
Buxton Library (05) Google Map 19 Jul 10:30am to 12:30pm, 1:30pm to 3:30pm Free Review Comments
TINY! AN UNDERWATER WORLD - Stone and Water
The Tiny! team is back for another day of making and laughter. Join us in creating a whole submarine world in our sea tent. Mermaids and monsters, sharks, dolphins and seahorses: who knows what will be wriggling in our seaweed? Join us in the Gardens near the young children’s playground.
Pavilion Gardens – Playground (33m) Google Map 15 Jul 11am to 3pm Free, Ages 2+ Review Comments
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Music
CATZ ROCK TO THE SUN - Herding Catz Blues Band
A great rocking Friday night. See the sensational Catz acoustic set with special guest from Nashville USA, Mark Allen. Blues, rock and some tracks off the newly released album. (On Tuesday 10th, Mark and the Catz will be on the Blues Train from Manchester finishing up at The Palace Hotel 8-9pm). (New Writing)
Old Sun Inn (108) Google Map 13 Jul 9pm to 11pm Free, Ages 18+ Review
Further information: Herdingcatzmusic@gmail.com Comments
CLOSE ENOUGH AT THE CHESHIRE CHEESE - Close Enough
The feisty foursome picked up a 2017 Fringe nomination for their slick and stylish singing. Join Woody, Tom, Tom (!) and Johnny, as they return for one night only to perform their unique mix of classic barbershop and choice close harmony arrangements: guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
The Cheshire Cheese (93) Google Map 6 Jul 9pm to 10pm Free Review
Further information: closeenoughbarbershop@gmail.com Comments
CLUB ACOUSTIC AT THE FRINGE - Club Acoustic
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 since 2012. Free entry, no tickets. Come along!
Underground at The Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 18 Jul 8pm to 11pm Free Review
Further information: buxton.club.acoustic@gmail.com Comments
GIVE PEAS A CHANCE - Serpentine Community Farm
Open air (shelter in polytunnel if rainy) acoustic set amongst Serpentine Community Farm's raised beds and gardens. Will Hawthorne (even his name is green-themed) will sing and play for us. Come early for coffee and cake, stay later to see what we're growing.
Serpentine Community Farm (107) Google Map 22 Jul 2pm to 3pm Free Review
Further information: serpentinecommunityfarm@gmail.com Comments
INFORMAL MUSIC NIGHT - SONGS, JIGS, REELS, SLIDES - The Occasional Band
The Occasional Band - guitar, concertina, fiddle, whistle - acoustic song and instrumental music with an Irish origin (sorry folks - we don’t do singalong!)
The Cheshire Cheese (93) Google Map 20 Jul 9pm to 10:30pm Free Review
Further information: mcgill_alex5@hotmail.com Comments
LIVE MUSIC AT THE BUXTON TAP HOUSE - The Buxton Tap House
A number of live performances: Thursday 5th - Timothy Hoad; Friday 6th - Ben Williams; Thursday 12th - Liam McLair; Friday 13th - Sling; Thursday 19th - Tom Blackwell; Friday 20th - Andchuck.
The Buxton Tap House (23) Google Map 5, 6, 12, 13 & 19, 20 Jul 9pm to midnight Free Review Comments
SONGFEST - Kaleidoscope Community Choir
A selection of songs from around the world celebrating the joy of singing together - a sentiment endorsed by Kaleidoscope Choir, Buxton’s community choir, a collaborative outreach project run by Buxton International Festival and Buxton Opera House.
Spiegeltent – Pavilion Gardens (33p) Google Map 10 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free Review Comments(1)
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Spoken Word
BRING A BOOK AND SHARE A STORY - Buxton Festival Fringe
Have you read something that you have loved and want others to read? Bring a book or two with you; tell us what you relish about them; read a passage that really gripped you. For passionate readers everywhere, a chance to meet like-minded souls. Maybe swap a book?
Buxton Library (05) Google Map 11 & 18 Jul 5:30pm to 6:30pm Free Review
Further information: whiteknowle@hotmail.com Comments
TROUBLE AT T’ MILL - Discover Buxton/Buxton Festival Fringe
200 years ago the cotton mills at Cressbrook and Litton - just a few miles from Buxton - were the scenes of some of the worst excesses of the Industrial Revolution. Children were exploited mercilessly. Hear their stories. With thanks to the Working Class Movement Library for the original script.
Buxton Library (05) Google Map 5 Jul 3pm to 4pm Free Review Comments
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Street Theatre
BUXTON CARNIVAL PROCESSION - Buxton Festival Fringe
Join the town for the biggest event in the calendar. Dozens of floats, bands, dance teams and party animals parade as part of the Well Dressing celebrations. Process with the Fringe team. Last year we had a large carrot! Note: Carnival is on the Fringe's middle Saturday for 2018.
Around the Town (47) 14 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free Comments
FRINGE @ 5 - Buxton Festival Fringe
Join us in the Pavilion Gardens for some late afternoon free entertainment. It could be song, dance, comedy, theatre - but it will be some of the brightest and best of this year's Fringe keen to show you what they have to offer. Check at Fringe Information Desk daily for programme.
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Google Map 9-21 Jul 5pm to 5:30pm Free Comments
FRINGE ON THE MARKET! - Fit Up Productions
Fit Up Productions are bringing Fringe to the market! They will be performing fantastic street/circus shows on their fabulous outdoor stage. There will also be the Fringe's finest performing their work! This family-friendly event will pass the hat in the tradition of street theatre!
The Market Place (99) Google Map 7 Jul 10am to 3pm Free Review
Further information: fitupproduction@gmail.com Comments(1)
FRINGE SUNDAY - Buxton Festival Fringe
Join us in one of Buxton's jewels for an afternoon of free entertainment. Music, dance, theatre, magic, children’s entertainment! Bring a rug, a picnic, family and friends. Pick-up a map and join a treasure hunt through the Gardens organised by University of Derby students. Leave it all to us.
Pavilion Gardens – Bandstand (33a) Google Map 8 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free Comments
THE SHAKESPEARE JUKEBOX - Buxton Drama League
The multi-award-winning Shakespeare Jukebox returns to the Opera House forecourt with scenes and speeches from the Bard’s work performed with energy and humour, and all for charity. Just pick the piece you want to see from the Jukebox playlist, make a donation and prepare to be entertained and amazed!
Buxton Opera House Forecourt (08) Google Map 6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 17 & 20, 21 Jul 6pm to 7pm Free Review Comments(1)
ST LUKE'S SINGS - St Luke's CE Primary School
The children of St Luke's CE Primary sing and perform a range of pieces. The selection of what is performed next is decided by the jukebox.
Buxton Opera House Forecourt (08) Google Map 13 Jul 1:30pm to 2:30pm Free Review Comments
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Visual Arts
2018 ART EXHIBITION - Burbage Art Group
This popular, long-established exhibition features accessible works using watercolours, oils, textiles and more. Free cakes, refreshments and children's quiz make this a family occasion while the high standard of work has resulted in wider recognition for several of its artists. This friendly group meets on Wednesday evenings and welcomes newcomers.
Burbage Institute, Nursery Lane, Buxton SK17 6UL (53) Google Map 21 Jul 11am to 4pm Free Review
Further information: 01538 266 220 Comments
3 OF US GOING SOMEWHERE... - Brown, Elliott & Brown
Recent work by three award-winning Buxton artists. Langley Brown: Buxton by the Sea and Pinstripe Pigeon series of paintings and drawings; Norman Elliott: abstract prints and paintings; Adrienne Brown: embroidered photomontages, linocut prints and mixed media paintings. Prints, greetings cards and refreshments available.
Buxton Methodist Church – Downstairs room (06c) Google Map 20, 21 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free, For disabled access please ring 07772 604803 Review Comments
AUTOPOIESIS - SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND OBJECTS - CJ Robinson and Hugo Edwardes
An atmospheric art exhibition hidden in the basement of The Bungalow, Autopoiesis generates sound art, projection and sculpture by applying loosely defined (and frequently broken) rules, to find unknown relationships between found sound, words and objects, in an unusual setting.
The Bungalow, Lightwood Ave, Buxton SK17 7AZ (98) Google Map 6 Jul 5pm to 9pm, 7, 8 Jul noon to 8pm, 9-13 Jul 6pm to 9pm, 14 Jul noon to 9pm, 15 Jul noon to 6pm Free Review
Further information: 07505 144360 Comments(2)
COLLECTORS AND CURIOSITIES: BUXTON AND BEYOND - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Buxton Museum was founded in 1893 making us 125 years old this year! Our summer exhibition will celebrate some little-seen objects and artworks, many from outside the Peak District, and the people who donated them. Join us for an exhibition preview on Friday July 6th, 5-7pm.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 6 Jul 5pm to 7pm, 7 Jul 10am to 5pm, 8 Jul noon to 4pm, 10-14 Jul 10am to 5pm, 15 Jul noon to 4pm, 17-21 Jul 10am to 5pm, 22 Jul noon to 4pm Free Review
Further information: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk Comments
THE DERBYSHIRE OPEN 2018 - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Each year we invite professional and amateur artists to submit work that illustrates why the county is special to them. The resulting exhibition is now in its 36th year and is the highlight of our summer programme. Sponsored by Tarmac and the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 4-7 Jul 10am to 5pm, 8 Jul noon to 4pm, 10-14 Jul 10am to 5pm, 15 Jul noon to 4pm, 17-21 Jul 10am to 5pm, 22 Jul noon to 4pm Free Review
Further information: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk Comments
FUTURE ARTISTS @ BUXTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL - Buxton Community School
A collection of work by A Level and GCSE students from Buxton Community School, featuring work from lower school students. There will be a selection of students’ work available to buy (and of course nibbles!)
Buxton Community School – Art Department (02d) Google Map 14, 15 Jul 10am to 3pm Free Review Comments
THE GREAT DOME ART FAIR - Peak District Artisans
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 13 Jul 6:30pm to 8:30pm, 14, 15 Jul 10am to 5pm Free Review Comments
INTO ABSTRACTION - The Louise Jannetta Gallery & Studio
Louise Jannetta will be showing work developed for the Fine Art BA she is studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. Although utilising some familiar techniques this new body of work explores abstraction, colour and form to investigate some accepted cultural norms.
Louise Jannetta Art Studio (rear of 24 Dale Rd) (14) Google Map 5-7, 12-14 & 19-21 Jul 10am to 4:30pm Free Review Comments
NATURE'S PATTERNS - High Peak Artists
Nature contains some amazing patterns – think of cloud formations, rippled sand, trees, branches and twigs, animal and insect markings, feathers, landscapes, reflections, rock strata, shell spirals, snowflakes, lichen, flowers and leaves. These and more are explored in this stunning exhibition of paintings, ceramics, photography, printmaking, textiles and jewellery.
Pavilion Gardens – The Art Cafe (33f) Google Map 4-22 Jul 10am to 5pm Free Review Comments(1)
SOMETHING LIKE THE COLOUR PURPLE - The Green Man Gallery Artists
Purple: the colour of magic and mystery, of wisdom and creativity, the colour we will wear when we are old. This year’s group exhibition by The Green Man Gallery’s Resident Artists takes its inspiration from the complex range of colours at the higher end of the visible spectrum.
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 4 Jul 6pm to 8pm, 5-22 Jul 10:30am to 5:30pm Free Review
Further information: the Gallery, thegreenmangallery.com or 01298 937375 Comments
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Other Events
THE BUXTON PRIDE PICNIC - Stone and Water
Celebrate Queer Buxton (LGBT+ and friends!) with an afternoon of graceful silliness and frivolous strength. Bring your own exquisite nibbles, an umbrella or parasol if appropriate, and join us for a picnic as elegant as we can make it.
Winner of last year's Spirit of the Fringe Award.
Pavilion Gardens – Swimming Pool Lawns (33n) Google Map 21 Jul 2pm to 5pm Free Review Comments
FRIDAY THE 13TH IN THE PUMP ROOM - Buxton Festival Fringe
We’re not superstitious! Join us in the historic Pump Room in Buxton’s Crescent for a day of free entertainment and, perhaps, education. With a different performance starting every 30 minutes. Music, comedy, theatre, dance, spoken word. Thanks to the Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa Heritage Trust for inviting us.
The Pump Room (84) Google Map 13 Jul 10am to 7pm Free Review Comments
FRINGE 2018 AWARDS - Buxton Festival Fringe
Find out who and what has caught the ears and eyes of judges and reviewers at the 39th Buxton Fringe. We’ll be aiming to recognise all that was freshest and most exciting. Mingle, nibble and sip from 1.30pm. Presentations from 2pm. The Twitter stream won’t capture the happiness or atmosphere!
Rotunda – Pavilion Gardens (33k) Google Map 22 Jul 1:30pm to 3pm Free
Further information: Open to entrants, Fringe Friends and by invitation Comments
FRINGE FORUM - Buxton Festival Fringe
A chance for performers, artists and audiences to meet some of those behind the organisation of the Buxton Fringe. Tell us what you like and enjoy most about the festival. How might the Fringe be improved? What can we do to celebrate the 40th festival in 2019? Who styles our hair?
Rotunda – Pavilion Gardens (33k) Google Map 12 Jul 2pm to 3pm Free Comments
FRINGE LAUNCH PARTY - Underground
Join us for the official launch of the 2018 Buxton Festival Fringe, at Underground's festival hub above The Old Clubhouse. Catch preview performances from across the Fringe, mingle with the stars and help us toast the 39th Festival Fringe! No booking required - just come along!
Underground at The Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 4 Jul 8pm to 11:30pm Free Review
Further information: underthefringe.com Info: 0208 144 0070. Comments
MEET THE EXPERTS - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Drop in for free lunchtime talks on a range of topics linked to our eclectic collections. Programmes available from Fringe Information Desk, museum or our website.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 10-13 & 17-20 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free Review
Further information: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk Comments
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