Buxton Fringe festival asks residents, businesses and community groups to help 'paint the town orange'

The Buxton Fringe arts festival is hoping to paint the town orange with ‘hotspots’ of flowers, bunting and decorations this summer.
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Preparations are under way for a packed programme of events, July 7-25, and organisers hope to engage the whole community by asking shops, schools, care homes and members of the public to help create their own hotspots.

Festival vice-chairman Viv Marriott said: “Whatever people can do to cheer up the town would be welcome. A flowerpot person with orange flowers in their hair, sitting in a tub of orange flowers would be super, or a hanging basket or planter of orange flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums outside your business or home or just a bunch of orange paper flowers – all would be equally appreciated.”

Lots of local organisations have already promised to add a dash of colour where they work, including Pooles Cavern, the opera house, Pavilion Gardens, the Pump Room, Morrisons, and the Friends of Buxton Station.

Could you help turn Buxton orange this summer by decorating your garden or place of work?Could you help turn Buxton orange this summer by decorating your garden or place of work?
Could you help turn Buxton orange this summer by decorating your garden or place of work?

Festival partners Buxton Wild Weeks, Funny Wonders and the Flowerpot Trail will also be doing their bit.

As well as dazzling displays of orange, the festival is looking for venues which can host promotional posters for the various performances taking place.

Viv said: “Both the Fringe and Buxton International Festival are also looking for locations to display their performers’ posters this year.

“If anyone would like us to provide a colourful montage to brighten up a shop window or other public area, please do get in touch. It could also be a way of bringing new life to empty premises.”

Anyone able to help with hotspots or poster displays should contact [email protected]

The Fringe is currently building its programme of events with participants being asked to submit details of their project or performance by Tuesday, May 18.

One new development has already been announced, with the Fringe information desk moving to a different location this year.

During the festival fortnight, audiences will be able bring any queries to the bar area inside the Pavilion Gardens conservatory.

Full details of all events are being added to the programme as they come in. See buxtonfringe.org.uk or the free Buxton Fringe App.

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