Ventnor Fringe is back this year, bigger and better than ever, and with the return of the very popular Free Fringe.
Free Fringe spreads throughout the ten days of Ventnor Fringe, 22nd-31st July, offering an opportunity for artists to perform and an audience to watch for free.
Performances at Free Fringe
Throughout the ten days of Ventnor Fringe over 100 artists will be performing at Free Fringe alone.
These range from live music and spoken word to comedy and cabaret, many of the artists coming down from the mainland, all to have fun and enjoy the atmosphere of Ventnor Fringe. It offers exposure for the performers whilst also providing entertainment for those watching.
Whitewood: The unexpected is quite exciting
When talking to Jack Whitewood, co-founder of Ventnor Fringe, he told News OnTheWight,
“It’s all about the atmosphere, just explore the town, discover, have fun and you’ll find the unexpected – not knowing who to see – is quite exciting.”
Look out for the pop-up shows
You can see these performers at many of the pop-up shows, where artists perform in local businesses, busk, the Free Fringe stages and the arts trail. You don’t need tickets to access these spaces, all are free and available to explore.
The pop up shows are scattered throughout the local businesses of the town, the venues include: Blue Labelle, Lesley’s Nutshell, Luchelle and many more, check the Ventnor Fringe Website for more details. These venues provide a unique quirk to Ventnor Fringe, displaying the originality of the event and the variety of performances.
Try your hand at something new
The Free Fringe also offers a chance to try your hand at something new.
Whether that be learning at the Ukulele workshop, or printmaking with the Isle of Wight branch of Extinction Rebellion. There’s a macrame workshop with the New Carnival Company, who are also offering headress and Mexico paper bunting workshops.
Check the Free Fringe section of the Website to find out more.
Organising Ventnor Fringe
As you might imagine, the event takes the whole year to organise and in that time, things can change a lot.
Many people wanting to take part in Free Fringe may just turn up and decide to perform, whether this is busking or at the Ventnor Exchange where there is a blackboard that people write their names, the time they want to perform and the event organisers will find a venue for them.
Whitewood: It’s a big jigsaw puzzle
Many people are willing to let the Fringe take over their businesses, however it can sometimes be difficult to find the correct performer for the correct venue.
Jack Whitewood stated,
“It’s a big jigsaw puzzle, finding the right act for the right place”
Fringe venues: what to look out for
There are many areas to Ventnor Fringe, including The Fringe Village that spreads from Flowers Brook to Ventnor Park and the putting green.
New this year is The Big Top, the largest venue and not only where acts such as Plastic Mermaids and CHAMPS will be performing, but it will double up as a seated theatre for comedy and cabaret from acts such as Lost In Translation Circus.
Don’t miss the Book Bus
A Fringe favourite is The Book Bus, a 1930’s bus turned into a bookshop, a more relaxing area if you want a moment away from the vibrant atmosphere of Ventnor Fringe.
Set in the grounds of St Catherine’s church, you can watch a variety of literary and acoustic acts or just browse through the fantastic range of books for sale, carefully curated by Jen and Tom, the Book Bus hosts.
It’s all encompassing
During Ventnor Fringe many performers take to the streets to busk, usually around the esplanade and downtown.
Because some acts are unpredictable, you won’t know what you’re going to find, however make sure to be on the lookout for some giant seagulls…
For more information on ticket prices, performances, venues etc visit the Ventnor Fringe Website.
This article was researched and written by Year 10 student, Ellie Chambers, who is currently doing work experience at the News OnTheWight offices. Ed
Image: © Julian Winslow
