The Island’s largest arts festival truly has something for everyone. From 17th-26th July, Ventnor will play host to hundreds of artists from around the world for 10 days of comedy, theatre, circus, music, cabaret and family entertainment.
Whether you are an avid theatre-goer, a live music fanatic, or just looking for a family day out, here is everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s Ventnor Fringe
Shows in Unusual and Unexpected Places
One of the most magical elements of Ventnor Fringe is how it completely reinvents the town. The whole atmosphere feels different with events taking place in all sorts of spaces including circus tents, churches but also a warehouse, a 1930’s bus, a phonebox and a laundrette! Don’t miss out on The Circus Trail which takes audiences on an adventure through Ventnor Botanic Garden after hours to discover an international cast of acrobats and dancers between the exotic plants, or get silly and take part in the Silent Disco Strut, a giant dance through the town!
Amazing Street Food and the ‘Fringe Village’
At the centre of everything is the free to enter “Fringe Village” in Ventnor Park. This is the main focal point of the festival, and the place most people end up in between shows. Buzzing with buskers, street theatre and circus shows there is also a mouthwatering street food market featuring Mexican, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Persian, Italian and American kitchens along with great coffee and bars. It’s easy just to spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere.
Dance the Night Away at Club Lunar
Located in the beautiful clifftop setting of Flowersbrook, a few minutes walk from Steephill Cove, Club Lunar takes over from the Fringe Village as the beating heart of the festival after dark. Featuring a cocktail bar, DJ’s, cabaret and a music line up that will get you dancing with the global rhythms of The Turbans, latin cumbia from The Soulfi re Project, brass party band Tuba Libres and Bristol’s folk rave collective Ushti Baba among many others taking to the stage.
Get unlimited 10 day-access with a £50 wristband or buy tickets for single nights.
The Island’s Biggest Comedy Lineup
Prepare for non-stop laughs as the festival brings together an exceptional mix of the circuit’s most exciting rising stars trying out brand-new material. Edinburgh Comedy Award Winners including Ahir Shah, Frankie Monroe and Sam Nicoresti are joined by Live At The Apollo guests like Glenn Moore and Felicity Ward.
You can also catch live recordings of hit podcasts like The Guilty Feminist and Drunk Women Solving Crime.
Catch Top Edinburgh Fringe Transfers
Over the past 17 years, Ventnor Fringe has quietly built a reputation as a vital launchpad for new shows, meaning you can often catch some of the most popular Edinburgh Festival stars previewing their work in an intimate setting before they hit the world’s largest festival (Yes, much bigger than Glastonbury!) in Scotland.
Ones to look out for this year include the high-octane, smash hit Police Cops, magical extravaganza Rabbits Out of the Hat and hilarious The Mr Thing Show.
Whatever your budget and interest, Ventnor Fringe offers an opportunity to see something new, enjoy some beautiful locations and soak up an atmosphere that’s quite apart from anything else on the Island.
You can explore everything that’s happening and book tickets at www.vfringe.co.uk.
The festival’s box office Ventnor Exchange, located on Church Street, is also open every day from 09:30 to book tickets in person or by calling 01983 716767.
