Music fans are in for a treat this Ventnor Fringe Festival with the introduction of ‘Fringe Fridays’ – a perfect opportunity to see a whole roster of bands play live over the course of a single day .
Two separate events are taking place in the new Big Top venue with acts playing throughout the day and into the evening, carefully curated by Ventnor Exchange.
You can buy tickets to either Fringe Friday (22nd or 29th July) or get a discount by going to both! Think of this as a mini music festival within the festival.
Friday 22nd July Line Up
Headlining the first Fringe Friday event will be none other than The Big Moon.
Nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for their 2017 debut ‘Love in the 4th Dimension’ before returning in early 2020 with the massive ‘Walking Like We Do’ in which band members Juliette Jackson, Soph Nathan, Celia Archer and Fern Ford provided an even more assured follow up. Lead single ‘Your Light’, about finding solace in relationships during chaotic times, has amassed over 15million streams on Spotify alone.
Tonstartssbandht
Joining them on the roster will be American psychedelic noise rock duo, Tonstartssbandht, formed of Edwin and Andy White (long time guitarist in Mac Demarco’s band).
We’ve been listening to Tonstartssbandht since they were first announced and can’t wait to see them perform live.
Blood Wizard
An artist who straddles genres to create a sound uniquely their own, Blood Wizard’s brand of ‘Wonky Folk’ blends components of classic folk with avant-garde to create an environment to which his distinctive character can wander freely.
Friday 29th July lineup
Headlining the second Fringe Friday event will be the excellent Goat Girl.
One of the most exciting and energetic new bands around, London based quartet Goat Girl released their second album ‘On All Fours’ in 2021, firmly establishing them as a force to be reckoned with, with their post-punk sounds recognised alongside peers like Fontaines D.C.
They share the barbed ferocity of Fat White Family, but also explore interesting electronic elements. The melancholy dance-punk of Sad Cowboy has a synth breakdown that recalls Caribou’s ‘Can’t Do Without You’.
CHAMPS
One of the Island’s most successful music exports and long time favourites of the Ventnor Fringe CHAMPS (pictured at top) have been busy working on their much anticipated fourth album, slated for a release later in the year, and will be previewing new songs at the festival.
Greg Foat and Co
Greg Foat is one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists, composers and music producers.
Greg’s worked with a diverse selection of musicians including Bob Lind, Moses Boyd, Curtis Lundy, Rita Ora, Wendy James, Questlove and The Kooks.
There are many more bands to be confirmed. Check Ventnor Fringe Website nearer the time.
Where and when
Fringe Fridays take place in The Big Top, Ventnor Park on Friday 22nd and Friday 29th from 2pm until late each night.
Tickets are priced at:
- £35 for each Friday or
- £60 for a Full Day Pass on both Fridays
- Free: Under 10s
Suitable for all ages (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).
Book your tickets online via the Ventnor Fringe Box Office.
Find out more
Ventnor Fringe Festival takes place between 22nd – 31st July 2022.
Check to Ventnor Fringe Website for full programme details. You can book tickets online or by calling into Ventnor Exchange, 11 Church Street, Ventnor PO38 1SW.
Image: © Holly Fernando
