Buxton Fringe festival confirms more programme details as organisers eye summer return for live events

Running alongside the prestigious Buxton International Festival, July 7-25, the Fringe could offer some of the first live gatherings following the full relaxation of Covid restrictions – if the situation unfolds in line with the Government’s road map.

The organising committee are working with various contingency plans, but have assembled an all-ages line-up which already includes theatre, music, comedy, spoken word, dance, film, visual arts and more.

Chairman Stephen Walker said: “Entries are starting to come in and we see a quiet confidence that some events will be possible indoors, but there will also be plenty of options outdoor and online.

“Despite continued uncertainty, optimism abounds and lots of artists are working on shows. Whatever happens, the Fringe will continue to be a platform for creativity.”

Already confirmed are Stone and Water’s children’s activities in the Pavilion Gardens, the Buxton Pride Picnic, and acoustic concerts in the Serpentine community garden.

The Green Man Gallery is set to host writers from Buxton Spoken Words, northern comedy with Whine, Women and Thong, comic poet Andy Gilbert, music from award-winning Egriega and Ormrod, and an evening of jazz singing from Annette Gregory.

The United Reformed Church is shaping up to be another busy venue with an evening of wine and song with Chris Milner, and talks on nature and Ted Hughes by Steve Ely.

Following the success of online events at last year’s Fringe, digital dates for the 2021 diary include the Crooked Spire murder mystery musical from Ashgate Heritage Arts, and Writers in the Peak presenting monologues, poetry and music.

New events are being added all the time on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk and the free Buxton Fringe app.

Organisers are still welcoming applications from artists. The fee is £50 and the deadline for inclusion in the printed programme is May 18. For full details, see the website, where there is also information on how to become a Fringe Friend or join the organising committee.

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