Aerial view of the Big Top © Gianpaolo Mario Photography
This summer sees the return of the Ventnor Fringe Festival. Ten days of glorious creativity is unleashed in the town, with theatre, live music, comedy, cabaret, art, history, workshops and more.
There are more than 100 ticketed events taking place in venues across the town, extending to the Festival village in Ventnor Park and Flowersbrook, in addition to 150 free Fringe events.
Big Top Bonanza
This year’s Big Top is a cracker of a venue, coming all the way from Belgium (which is where it’s pictured below) and it’s jam-packed with an array of fabulous shows perfectly suited to this larger venue.
What to expect
On the opening night (21st Jul), the Flamingods will perform live music, and you can choose to pay either £5, £10, £15, £20, or £25 for your ticket.
Isle of Wight promoter, Ears Peeled, returns with a Big Top takeover on Saturday 22nd Jul, with bands coming from all over the UK to perform for your aural pleasure.
There’s a party every day of the festival (except Monday) so the VFringe team have planned a very special knees up, the Sunday Shindig hosted by barn-stomping Bristolians Ushti Baba.
Tuesday brings two performances of International award-winning smash hit BROMANCE – a five star circus about camaraderie and affection.
There are several chances to close your eyes and dream of Kate Bush in An Evening Without Kate Bush.
Later in the week sees the return of Gengahr – They’re back with a career-best fourth album and a new lease of life.
Don’t miss
On the second weekend make sure you don’t miss out on Darryl J Carrington as he’s set to shine with his show, ‘Out of the Box’. Labelled as an event with ever-raising stakes, ‘Out of the Box’ promises an immersive experience, rich in excitement and unpredictability.
‘Out of the Box’ is a special fusion of world-class juggling, skillful manipulation and creative TikTok trick shots.
Saturday 29th July sees maverick songsmith Brian Christinzio, aka BC Camplight, take to the stage.
The Philadelphian is considered one of indie music’s most forward-thinking artists with a discography which acts as a soundtrack to a life rife with bad fortune, mental illness, running afoul of the law, and ultimately absolute redemption
Homecoming gig for Jay Eatwell
Support comes from Jay Eatwell pianist and rapper. This will be Jay’s homecoming to Ventnor after his success on Channel 4’s The Piano and performing at the Royal Festival Hall.
The last Saturday and Sunday also bring a chance to The Aretha Franklin Story.
Book now
Tickets are selling well, so make sure you don’t miss out the chance to see any of the acts above.
You can book through the Ventnor Fringe Box Office Website (scroll down for Fringe events), call (01983) 716767, or pop into Ventnor Exchange at 11 Church Street, Ventnor PO38 1SW.
