Buxton International Festival and Fringe step up preparations for 2021 as arts scene looks to recovery

On November 12, a giant blue head, elaborate costumes and a three-foot replica of the planet Jupiter arrived at the Brassington headquarters of quarry firm Longcliffe.

The shipment had travelled all the way from Austria in preparation for the opera Viva La Diva, which Saltzburg State Theatre has produced in association with Buxton International Festival, due to be staged in July.

Until then, the spectacular set will be stored in three secure containers at the quarry, donated by festival supporters Derek Raphael and Bill and Sue Tyson, on land provided by Longcliffe boss Viv Russell – himself a former stagehand who once made a bed for Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall.

Festival chief executive Michael Williams said: “Longcliffe came to our rescue two years ago and donated the space, before that many useful props were ending up in landfill. We are immensely grateful.

“We now have a growing collection of items that we are looking forward to unpacking and re-purposing for the 2021 festival.”

While the programme for the main opera, musical and book festival comes together, the Fringe is also getting ready to return, July 7-25.

The Fringe staged a limited, largely online, festival this summer but as the call for entries opens on December 1, organisers are planning for all contingencies.

Chairman Stephen Walker said: “Last year's switch to a mainly online Fringe with over 100 entries proved that we will put on a Fringe whatever the circumstances.

“This year we are prepared for every eventuality, and are ready to welcome events in whatever form creative people come up with.”

Venue information on the Fringe website has been updated to include new spaces and performance opportunities, and the entry form allows for both physical and online shows.

A flat entry fee of £50 will extend right up to the final deadline for the printed programme on April 18.

For more information on taking part or supporting the Fringe, go to buxtonfringe.org.uk.

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