With less than ten weeks to go until Ventnor Fringe returns, bringing the Island’s southernmost town to life with gigs, comedy and performances, a wave of new shows and events have been added to the programme.
Returning for its 12th edition from 22nd – 31st July, Ventnor Fringe takes its inspiration from the famous Edinburgh Fringe, a giant melting pot of cultural activity, including previews of new material from artists at all stages of their career.
Performances take place in venues which are created across the town.
‘Fringe Fridays’ for music fans
For music fans ‘Fringe Fridays’ will present a new opportunity to see a whole roster of new bands over the course of a single day with headliners The Big Moon and Goat Girl leading a line up that also includes Island favourites CHAMPS, the ‘Wonky Folk’ sounds of Blood Wizard, which has drawn similarities to the narrative led by murmurings of Kurt Vile, and American psychedelic noise rock duo Tonstartssbandht, formed of Edwin and Andy White, long time guitarist in Mac Demarco’s band.
The Big Moon
The Big Moon were nominated for the 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.
Goat Girl
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’.
House of Burlesque
Elsewhere the UK’s top satirical showgirls House of Burlesque will be ruffling some feathers with an evening of fierce and fabulous entertainment.
UK Burlesque royalty Tempest Rose, Lolo Brow and guests promise a night of the risqué, raucous and rhinestoned going right back to the subversive roots of British Burlesque. Unapologetically innovative, HOB has redefined burlesque for the 21st Century, with over 10 years of sell out shows and numerous tv appearances.
Victoria Scone from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Other highlights added today include Victoria Scone, best known for competing on the third series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK where she was the first cisgender female contestant on any series of the Drag Race franchise.
Alongside a much anticipated solo show she’ll be hosting proceedings at the Big Fringe Variety Show which will showcase some of the best cabaret from across the festival, following it’s sell out popularity last year when the event was hosted by fellow RuPau’ls contestant Joe Black.
Programme bursting with events
From circus to comedy, theatre to poetry new additions to the programme are now being added to the Website regularly with some events already close to selling out.
Audience members looking for advice or recommendations can also visit the festival box office at Ventnor Exchange (open seven days a week from 11am) or by calling (01983) 716767.
News shared by Jack on behalf of Ventnor Fringe Festival. Ed
Image: CHAMPS © Holly Fernando
