Buxton Fringe on course for another bumper year!

Press Release 17 March 2016. For immediate release.

Buxton Fringe, which runs from July 6-24, is already filling up with nearly 70 events to date and more entries coming in every day.

The second early-bird deadline with reduced entry fee is at the end of March with the final deadline for the printed programme being April 17. Currently music is the largest section with highlights including the return of award-winning early music ensemble Partita and three-times Fringe award-winner the Amaretti Chamber Orchestra, plus City of Manchester Opera, Bluesman Mike Francis (appearing as part of European Blues Awards Showcase Weekend) and prize-winning New Orleans pianist Dale Storr.

Comedy draws include Radio 4 News Quiz writer Mike Shephard and ‘bonkers’ comedian Paul Vickers, AKA Mr Twonkey, while in Theatre, popular Butterfly returns with Romeo and Juliet Underground at Poole’s Cavern and there are new shows from Fringe favourites The Off-Off-Off Broadway Company and Shadow Syndicate. In other categories, international dance duo COZY makes a welcome come-back and Buxton Drama League offers an unseasonal panto, Theseus & the Maze of the Minotaur. Visual Arts boasts new shows from award-winning Adrienne and Langley Brown and from Ilsa Elford, whilst Spoken Word has the story of Rosa Luxemburg from Jim MacCool, plus poet and singer Rob Barratt and traditional story-telling from Beneath the Stars. With plenty more to see and do including close-up magic, a perfume-making course and a whole other festival at Chelmorton, it is clear that audiences will be spoilt for choice come July.

Keith Savage, chair of the Fringe, adds: “On the evidence to date, it looks like Fringe 2016 is going to be as big as ever. Demand for venues is strong and we can see shows are spreading more widely across the town as performers are keen to get the best spaces for their acts. So, for example, we have landscape photographer Charlie Waite talking about his career at The Palace Hotel and New Orleans jazz pianist Dale Storr gigging at The Railway.

“It is also great to see that some Fringe theatre stalwarts are bringing brand-new productions this year. This gives us continuity but also keeps Buxton fresh and exciting. On top of that we know that there are still dozens of shows to be announced in the coming weeks.”

The Fringe is grateful to all its venues around the town and beyond, including the spectacular Buxton Dome, home of the Fringe's sponsor and close partner, The University of Derby.

For more information about what’s on and how to take part, please visit www.buxtonfringe.org.uk.

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PRESS: For further information, images or interviews about the Fringe Send message to Press or telephone Keith Savage on: 01298 70705 or 07952 193 521.