Buxton Fringe organisers say show must go on

Some key changes have been introduced, including an extension of the entries deadline to June 1, at which point the Fringe will take stock as to how to proceed.

Performances will always act according to government guidelines and organisers are stressing that performers should not risk their health or that of the wider community by unsafe practices either during the Fringe or before it.

Up unto this point, if performers decide to withdraw from the Fringe they can ask for and will receive a full entry fee refund.

The normally staggered entry fee will be a flat £50 across the board with refunds offered to anyone who has paid the £70 March fee.The full printed programme is unfortunately unlikely to go ahead but entrants have been asked to offer links to further pictures and add online content. Currently there are well over 100 events.Fringe chairman Stephen Walker said: “We are entirely independent of the Buxton International Festival and fortunately don’t have the same financial risks and pressures they do, so we can be more nimble.

“The town will definitely need something to look forward to over the coming weeks, and while it may be a very different Fringe we are hopeful it will still be a Fringe.”Entries co-ordinator Ian Bowns added: “We will not put people at risk. We hope that actions taken recently and over coming weeks will have the intended impact and by July live performances can again be judged safe by experts. If not, or certain types of performance are still felt to be too risky, we have a number of innovative performances which could constitute a more limited Fringe. Circumstances may change and we will keep our plans under continuous consideration to respond responsibly to emerging risks.”Further information on this fast-moving situation is available on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk or by contacting [email protected].