Over the last thirty years Buxton Festival Fringe has gained a reputation as one of Britain's friendliest festivals in a town that also is home to Buxton Festival which features rarely performed opera, a music and literary series.
Buxton is a Spa, Festival and University town, surrounded by the hills of the Peak District in the heart of the country. The Fringe is an integral part of the town's cultural reputation and is the biggest UK Fringe between Edinburgh and Brighton.
The Fringe is a great success story, hosting its biggest ever programme in 2012 with well over 500 events from 170 entrants. While economic conditions are far from benign, Fringe ticket sales were up 24% to an estimated 12,000, and with a host of free events, estimated total audience figures were more than double that.
The 2013 Fringe takes place between July 3 and 21 and with a programme comprising Theatre, Comedy, Music, Dance, Film, For Families, Spoken Word, Street Theatre and Visual Arts, there is (quite literally!) something for everyone. This year's festival is already coming together with entries being listed as they come in on the Fringe website http://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk The free printed programme will be widely distributed from the beginning of June.
As a completely open-access festival, the Fringe does not undertake any selection or censorship, and provides a showcase for performers and artists of all kinds in a variety of venues. It does its best to ensure that every event in the Fringe receives a review, and organises the much sought after awards at the end of each festival.
Buxton Fringe's philosophy is that art is for all and the Fringe, run by dedicated volunteers, spreads the word by entering a float in the Buxton Carnival and promoting a free open-air showcase of Fringe events called Fringe Sunday (this year on July 7).
The Fringe also conducts community initiatives such as providing work experience for local students, encouraging entrants to perform in schools, care homes and youth organisations, and providing free tickets via the housing association Adullam.
A BAFA member, the Fringe co-hosted BAFA's annual conference in Buxton in October 2007 and has taken part in BAFA's Roadshows, giving a well-received presentation on Social Sustainability in London in 2012.
Fringe chair Stephanie Billen says: "Anyone can enter the Fringe so it is always fresh and relevant, as we see established performers and those starting out. The Fringe is known for its intimate atmosphere and reputation for friendliness. The spa town of Buxton is very supportive of the arts and we are especially grateful for the help we receive from many organisations including our main sponsor, the University of Derby Buxton, plus supporters Trevor Osborne of the Crescent Spa Hotel Project, the Old Hall Hotel, the Cavendish Shopping Arcade and High Peak Borough Council."
For further information please contact:
Press Officer, Steve Walker: Send message to Press
Chair, Stephanie Billen: Send message to Info or tel 01298 79351