As reported by News OnTheWight last week, the team at Ventnor Fringe Festival have been working hard to ensure this year’s Fringe Festival can go ahead.
Covid restrictions are now to be lifted on 19th July, just in time for the Festival, which takes place from Friday 23rd July to Sunday 1st August.
Co-directors, Mhairi and Jack, say,
“We’re optimistic that this will be the case, but as we’ve all learnt over the past 18 months nothing is certain and we need to make sure we’re prepared for any eventuality.
“With that in mind we’re made a few changes to this year’s event.”
The changes are set out below and all seem very sensible decisions given the changing situation.
Standby Tickets
Once a performance has sold more than its socially distanced capacity, ‘standby tickets’ will become available. There are tickets that will be valid if Government restrictions are eased before the festival.
However, if restrictions are extended and social distancing has to be kept at the current recommended levels, these tickets will be fully refunded.
Digital Programme
We’ve made the difficult decision not to produce a printed brochure this year. Rules on restrictions are not likely to be confirmed until 12th July and we don’t want to produce a programme with inaccurate information.
Instead, we’ll be producing ‘Venue Timetables’ which you’ll be able to download from our Website and print at home, or pick up copies from Ventnor Exchange.
Event Alterations
To accommodate the possibility of social distancing we’ve had to make alterations to a small number of events already on sale. This has included moving some acts to larger venues, or adding additional performances.
All ticket holders affected will be contacted directly by our team.
Free Fringe
Although some events will be announced sooner, we’ll be revealing the full line up for the Free Fringe after the Government announcement on 12th July.
Mhairi and Jack finished by saying,
“Thank you to everyone for all of your patience and support in these challenging times, we’re going to do everything we can to bring live performance back to the Isle of Wight and can’t wait to see you this summer!”
We can’t wait to see the town come alive again!
Image: © Julian Winslow
