Ventnor Fringe Festival organisers have launched a new Guarantee Fund to help ensure the festival continues into 2026 and beyond.
The announcement follows what they describe as an “incredible year” for the event.
Record-breaking year
This summer marked the 15th edition of Ventnor Fringe, which achieved record-breaking attendance.
Nearly 13,000 tickets were sold, up 7.5 per cent on 2024, across more than 130 shows. In addition, audiences attended over 100 free events during the week.
Organisers estimate the festival generated over £500,000 for the local economy through audience and artist spending on accommodation, restaurants, suppliers and festival activity. Including the wider activities of Ventnor Exchange, they put the annual economic impact closer to £1 million.
The challenge
Staging the festival requires more than £300,000 annually.
Around 90 per cent comes from ticket sales and food and bar income. The remainder has to be raised separately, as the festival receives no funding from the council.
Powered by volunteers
A team of over 100 people, mostly volunteers, delivered this year’s programme.
The organisers wrote,
“No rock fall is going to stop Ventnor!”
The festival has also gained attention from national media, including The Sunday Times, Independent, Metro and Daily Express, helping to raise awareness of the town.
Rising stars from across the creative industries now make the annual trip to the Island, inspired by Ventnor’s setting and welcome.
Rooted in the community
Ventnor Fringe began in 2010, started by local teenagers, and is run by Ventnor Exchange as a not-for-profit project.
Beyond the festival, the organisation supports over 600 young people each year with free training and opportunities through Brave Island. It also provides space for community groups and clubs at its Church Street base. Organisers describe it as “a unique project for the Island” and a counter to the “negative narrative of seaside decline”.
The Guarantee Fund
The new Ventnor Fringe Guarantee Fund aims to secure this gap. Organisers have set a target of £35,000 by the end of 2025 to ensure next year’s event goes ahead.
They explained,
“With your support we can ensure the festival continues to play a major role in contributing to the cultural life of the Island and continue making the improvements needed to ensure it thrives for the future.”
How to help
Donations of any size are invited to the Guarantee Fund.
Organisers have also put together options for individuals and businesses with special perks and gifts to thank supporters.
See the Ventnor Exchange website for more details of the options.
