PRESS RELEASE For immediate release – October 16th 2026
Buxton Fringe has released statistics showing that combined performer and audience expenditure boosted the local economy by an estimated £374,596 in 2026.
This is the highest recorded figure from the Fringe since 2016 and takes into account expenditure from performers during their stay in Buxton plus audience spend on food, accommodation and ticket sales for shows by local performers. This very conservative estimate does not include the Fringe’s additional local expenditure on printing, design, merchandise and Fringe Information Desk wages.
Record-breaking in more ways than one, this was the biggest ever Fringe with over 230 entries. Respondents to its audience survey were overwhelmingly enthusiastic with the average approval rating being 4.58 out of 5 and 66% (more than ever before) scoring the Fringe 5 out of 5. The estimated figure for total tickets sold was 10,065 - up on last year’s 8,675 - with managed venue Underground reporting its biggest year since before the pandemic with over 180 performances across its two venues and more applications from acts than ever before. Underground went on to cite an encouraging return of more theatre, including large-scale theatre, as well as family shows. 2026 also saw Den of Laughs running a popular comedy hub the Lee Wood Hotel with some 40 shows over two weekends, several nominated for Fringe Awards. Organiser Denzil Ede described it as “a strong start” adding that it was “a wonderful Fringe” and they were looking forward to returning in 2027.
Enthusiastic audience comments included: “It’s been brilliant. Yet again!”, “Great to see entrants around town spending money”, “It’s the best two weeks of the year in Buxton and I love it”, “A great year - a lovely sunny atmosphere throughout the town!” and “Saw some great shows this year! Thanks to all the volunteers who make it possible”.
51% of respondents were also attending Buxton International Festival events indicating a healthy crossover. 65% of respondents had SK postcodes with the rest coming from all over the UK.
Among the entrants, 35% were from the local area with the rest hailing from all over the UK as well as Ireland, the United States, Canada and Australia. Entrants were canvassed for their opinions and lavished praise including: “Another superb experience - thanks for your incredible help and support!” and “It was a pure joy, loved being on the carnival float”. There was also praise for Underground’s “excellent and helpful” communications.
In the month of July, the busy Fringe website received a new high of 1.8 million hits with the Fringe App also growing in popularity. The Fringe was busy on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky with a single photo on Facebook of Fringe and TV star Kate Butch with a Fringe team member at the High Peak Pride Picnic receiving 18,000 views. This year also saw a popular new Buxton Fringe Weekly podcast produced by Maria Passingham in association with the Fringe. With over 30 performers featured, it was appreciated by entrants and audiences alike finding listeners in 39 countries including the USA and Japan!
Fringe Chair Ian Bowns comments: “It’s great to hear how much Fringe audiences enjoy their experiences - thanks to the Fringe’s amazing performers. We now intend to bring the same emotions to new groups of people as we develop the Fringe towards our 50th birthday in three years’ time.”
The Fringe committee is grateful to anyone who filled in a survey, and plans to build on audience and entrants’ suggestions for the future including clarifying information regarding ticketing on the door, continuing to add to the entrants’ accommodation list and looking for ways to promote the Fringe in Spring Gardens. Previous ideas that have been acted upon include extra publicity to direct people to the Fringe Information Desk and the establishment of networking events (Sunday Socials) for performers during the Fringe.
Next year’s Fringe is already being planned. Dates have been set as July 7th-25th 2027 with the Fringe website https://buxtonfringe.org.uk/entrants.html opening for entries on December 1.
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