Buxton Festival Fringe extended to a full three weeks for 40th year

The Fringe traditionally begins on a Wednesday and finishes two and a half weeks’ later on a Sunday, but in a bid to celebrate Fringe40 the committee has decided to extend the 2019 summer festival by three days.

Running the event from Wednesday July 3 to Wednesday July 24 will also allow more time for family events after the schools break up.

Chairman Keith Savage said: “As the town will be in the public eye more than ever, the Fringe is excited to have the chance to give visitors and performers the richest possible experience.”

The Buxton Fringe began in 1980 with 28 music entries, six dance entries, five drama entries and 17 “miscellaneous”. It has grown ever since with 2018’s Fringe featuring over 180 entrants.

Buxton International Festival started one year earlier in 1979 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019.

“We are already working with a number of partners to make the 2019 July festivals special and memorable,” Keith added.

The Fringe will open for entries on December 1. Anyone wanting to become involved either as a performer or behind the scenes can find more information on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk or meet the team at the AGM on Wednesday November 14, 7pm, at the Green Man Gallery, on Hardwick Square South.

A competition is currently running to produce artwork for the Fringe40 programme cover with a £100 prize on offer. See the website for details.