Could you design next year’s Buxton Fringe programme cover and win £100?
“The winning entry will be bold and eye-catching, showcasing the distinctive style of the artist whilst conveying the spirit of the Fringe”
Following this summer’s biggest ever Fringe, organisers are already planning for next July’s event and have announced an open-to-all programme cover competition with a prize of £100.
The Fringe has a reputation for spectacular artwork on its covers with 2026’s programme featuring a design by Andrea Joseph of High Peak Artists.
Entries are welcome in any medium and this new contest is open to amateur and professional artists of all ages. The winning design will be featured on thousands of Fringe programmes, the flyer, posters, marketing and in the press with the work of runners up also set to be featured on the Fringe website.
The choice of subject matter is being left up to the entrants, but the Fringe is offering a few hints and guidelines on its website. Marketing officer Stephanie Billen says: “We’ve put together a few handy dos and don’ts. The winning entry will be bold and eye-catching, showcasing the distinctive style of the artist whilst conveying the spirit of the Fringe”
She adds: “For 2027 the Fringe is also an active participant in Buxton Our Street’s year-long Buxton Water Festival so, whilst the Fringe should be the star of the show, we also encourage artists to think about including a visual reference to water. Further information on Buxton Water Festival can be found on https://www.buxtonourstreet.co.uk/about-1-1 .”
The closing date for the competition is January 8 2027. Participants should submit their entry online via https://buxtonfringe.org.uk/artcompetition.html where they can find full instructions and tips. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Fringe is also welcome to attend its Fringe Annual Review on Thursday November 26th at the Pump Room SK17 6BH, opposite Buxton’s Crescent, 7 for 7.30-9pm.