PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release June 2026
Buxton Fringe (July 8th-26th) is celebrating its biggest ever festival with over 230 entries including a bumper comedy line-up plus theatre, music and a wealth of other entertainment taking place in a huge variety of venues.
One of the biggest UK Fringes between Edinburgh and Brighton, the Fringe runs in parallel with the prestigious Buxton International Festival (July 9th-26th) and is renowned for its friendliness, eclectic programme and lively atmosphere. It was established a year after the Festival in 1980 and 2026 marks its 47th event.
2026’s Fringe includes over 90 comedy shows, boosted by a new comedy hub at the Lee Wood Hotel as well as a sizable line-up from Underground Venues. There is also a bulging music category with classical, rock, folk and more, and an exciting range of theatre taking inspiration from historical figures, Shakespeare, AI, mental health, ghosts, 21st century dilemmas, love stories and everything in between. The Fringe is open to all and features both rising talent (local man Dr Andy Mycock having already gone viral riffing on his difficult surname) and established stars such as Drag Race’s Kate Butch and Unlikely Weightlifters podcasters Rob Rouse and Tom Wrigglesworth.
Fringe excitement threatens to reach fever pitch over the middle weekend when on Saturday 18th alone there are 54 events including Morris sides from all over the town for Buxton Day of Dance and attractions in the Pavilion Gardens such as free showcase Fringe Saturday on the Bandstand plus Two Left Hands’ open-air theatre, High Peak Pride Picnic and The Shakespeare Jukebox.
Meanwhile indoor venues include two busy spaces run by Underground, celebrating its 21st year at the Fringe, plus grand buildings such as The Crescent, the Pavilion Arts Centre and The Palace Hotel, intimate wine bars, church halls, a historic bookshop and out of town venues. Performers hail from all over the world including Australia and Ukraine as well as from the UK and the Peak District.
Diverse entertainment includes spoken word, dance, film, street theatre, visual arts, children’s events, magic and more. Helping audiences navigate what’s on, the Fringe Information Desk in the Pavilion Gardens’ Octagon Lounge, will be open every day. Further free Fringe promotional events include the Launch Party at Underground at the Working Men’s Club on July 7th, and new Sunday Socials for performers to meet the public. Events are listed on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk and the free to download Buxton Fringe app as well as in the printed programme.
Fringe chair Ian Bowns says: “The Fringe feels more accessible than ever this year. We are delighted to have attracted so many performers and the diversity of entertainment means there really is something for everyone!”
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