Buxton Festival Fringe has reached more people than ever before in 2013 with free events proving a big attraction during the July sunshine.
The Fringe's accessibility is evidenced by the thousands of people who experience it for free. Big outdoor events in Pavilion Gardens such as Fringe Sunday and the Food and Drink Fair plus the brand new concerts on the Pump Room Roof were huge successes as audiences flocked to the Gardens in the summer sun. All this year's Visual Arts exhibitions, including the Dome Art Fair and exhibitions at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery and the Green Man Gallery, were open to all free of charge and helped drive estimated total audience figures up to over 27,000, up 11% on last year's figures.
Though the wider economy continues to struggle, total spend in the Buxton area by Fringe audiences and performers contributed over half a million pounds to the local economy. A third of the audience were attending their first Fringe, which bodes well for the future, when considered alongside continuing high satisfaction ratings.
The quality of production attracted to Buxton continues to be high, with Buxton Fringe shows going on to notable success in Edinburgh. Comedy duo Max and Ivan were nominated for the prestigious Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards and Buxton's own Three's Company had a slew of five star reviews and a forthcoming London transfer for Not the Messiah.
Audience members commented that "The Fringe creates a wonderful atmosphere in Buxton" and that "It is one of the best things about Buxton - long may it continue". There was also great satisfaction among performers with feedback including: 'The team have been incredibly helpful' and 'Buxton is by far the most organised and pleasant fringe experience we've encountered so far'.
Fringe Chair, Stephanie Billen, added, "Free events are very important to us and it is great to see the Fringe reaching the wider Buxton public through the big outdoor occasions as well as the myriad events taking place all over the town and our thriving Community Links programme. The whole thing is very much a team effort and we are particularly grateful to our main sponsor, the University of Derby Buxton plus Trevor Osborne of the Crescent Spa Hotel Project; the Cavendish Arcade; the Old Hall Hotel; the Opera House; the Borough Council and all our loyal volunteers, growing band of Fringe Friends and venues."
Anyone keen to become involved behind the scenes or who has an interest in the Fringe is invited to contact Stephanie - Send message to Info
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