The Isle of Wight’s largest mixed arts festival Ventnor Fringe has confirmed it will return from 22nd- 31st July 2022 and has now opened registrations for artists looking to take part in this year’s event.
It’s the chance to join creatives and performers from across the UK and beyond at the twelfth instalment of this growing and award-winning festival. After what has been a difficult time for everyone, this year’s event hopes to once again bring back the joy of live events and shared creative experiences.
2021 broke box office records
Against all the odds, Ventnor Fringe had its most successful year yet in 2021, breaking all box office records.
The event featured over 100 different shows spanning the best new comedy, cabaret, music and theatre with highlights including comedy from Flo and Joan, Lou Sanders and Tez Ilyas, families enthralled by The Greatest Showpeople circus and Cbeebie’s Andy Day and music fans heading to gigs from the likes of Genghar, Los Bitchos and Do Nothing.
A real showcase of emerging talent
Creatives working in all disciplines and at any stage in their career are encouraged to take part in the festival, which has become a real showcase of emerging talent.
The Fringe offers support and guidance at every step of the way and anyone interested in performing at Ventnor Fringe 2022 should read the Performers’ Handbook and venue pack where they can also register.
Spirit of the Fringe Award
Ventnor Fringe is also proud to announce the inaugural winner of its new Spirit of the Fringe Award, given in memory of local arts aficionado Ray Durham.
The Spirit of the Fringe Award has been generously sponsored by Plumridges Self Storage of Ventnor where Ray worked for many years , and in its first year has been awarded to King Stammers, the stage name of Tim Martin, for his unwavering dedication, commitment and enthusiasm both directly at the Fringe and throughout each year.
Tim is responsible for inspiring new poets through the Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective, and his boundless energy kept momentum going throughout lockdown, and resulted in the poets’ first ever performance at the fringe.
Martin: Supported me at a time it was desperately needed
On top of that, his stage persona King Stammers was able to step in at the last minute to entertain a sell out crowd with his thoughtful and hilarious poetry after a fellow act missed a ferry!
Tim said,
“Receiving this award from Ventnor Fringe not only restores my confidence in myself as an artist, but also supported me at a time it was desperately needed.”
Created by Ventnor artist Paradox Paul
The Spirit of the Fringe Award trophy was created by Ventnor artist Paradox Paul, and the trophy is given alongside a cash prize to the winner.
It follows Horsebox Theatre’s success in winning the Rouse Ltd Audience Choice Award. Ventnor Fringe would like to thank all of its sponsors for their ongoing and vital support.
Tickets on sale from March
Tickets for the first events at Ventnor Fringe 2022 will go on sale from March. Keep checking the Ventnor Fringe social media channels and join the event’s mailing list to keep up to date.
Registrations for artists are now open, and will close on Monday 18th April.
If you have questions about registering please contact Mhairi [email protected] / 01983 716767
News shared by Mhairi on behalf of Ventnor Fringe Festival. Ed
Image: © Julian Winslow
