Buxton venues give thumbs up for the Fringe festival this summer

Belly dancing at the Buxton Fringe event back in 2019.

Buxton Fringe is set to make a splash from July 7 to July 25 as artists gear up to entertain audiences however they can.

Fringe venues co-ordinator Sandra Jowett has been leading a team of volunteers contacting cafes, churches, parish halls, sports facilities and other spaces to update venues details listed on the Fringe website.

She said: “We’ve had a very positive response.

"All established venues are keen to host Fringe events this year, in line with whatever regulations are in place at the time.”

The team has also managed to find new venues, including the spacious Bull i Thorn cafe just outside Buxton, the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium and Eyam Parish Church.

Talks are ongoing to establish other open air venues, with updates expected at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, performers have also been discussing the possibility of using tents or marquees.

Sandra said: “We are keen to put venues and performers in touch with others who may be planning for outdoor space – covered or not. Do please contact [email protected].”

The Fringe recognises that some performers will want to bring virtual shows and has tweaked its entry system to be even easier for artists to create online or hybrid events, with their online links and donation information clearly displayed on the listings.

In recognition of the fact that entrants may need a little longer to decide what they can bring to the Fringe, there will be a flat entry fee of just £50 that will extend right up to the final deadline for the printed programme on April 18.

Fringe chairman Stephen Walker said: “We are seeing entries to the Fringe start to come in and we know lots of artists are working on events.

"It proves that despite the difficulties, people want to be creative and we will be here to provide a platform for them whatever the circumstances."

Full take part information, including publicity tips and updated venue listings, are available at www.buxtonfringe.org.uk.