PRESS RELEASE 20th November 2014
With Buxton Fringe 2015 opening for entries on December 1, organisers say this year’s Fringe was particularly successful with ticket sales up an estimated 8% overall and 88% of audience members giving approval ratings of 4 or 5 out of 5.
Over 150 entrants put on nearly 600 performances around the town and beyond with the average audience figure for ticketed events a very healthy 33. The Fringe was also blessed with even more free events than usual thanks to a new innovation, Fringe at Five, a half hour showcase of events at the Pavilion Gardens bandstand to complement the Buxton Festival’s Song at Six. In another first, the Buxton Festival contributed four of its own shows to the Fringe programme.
Exceptional weather helped boost crowds with total spend in the Buxton area by Fringe audiences and performers contributing well over £300,000 to the local economy.
Speaking at the Fringe’s recent Annual General Meeting, Fringe chair Keith Savage commented: “Our survey evidence suggests that in financial terms Fringe 2014 compared well with past festivals… It was also graced by some outstanding performances and performers.”
Audience members seemed to agree with comments including: “Thoroughly enjoyed it. What a wonderful atmosphere. Incredibly well organised. A real asset to the town”, “Love it – just like a mini Edinburgh” and “Fantastic. I love the Fringe festival. One of my highlights of the year.”
At the AGM, Keith paid tribute to the hard work of the committee as well as Fringe supporters including sponsor the University of Derby Buxton plus Trevor Osborne of the Crescent Spa Hotel Project, the Old Hall Hotel, the Opera House, the Borough Council and the growing band of Fringe Friends. He also recorded the Fringe’s great debt to the late Peter Low, a much respected former Fringe chair who was an enthusiastic and loyal supporter to the end.
For full information on how to enter next year’s Fringe see www.buxtonfringe.org.uk where you can also become a Fringe Friend and see how to get involved behind the scenes.
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PRESS: For further information or to interview chair Keith Savage Send message to Marketing or tel: 01298 79351.