Poets, patchwork and pubs at Buxton Fringe!

PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release May/June 2008

Drama, music and comedy may grab the limelight but there are some wonderful

gems to be discovered within the Fringe's many other sections including Spoken

Word, Dance and the catch all Other Events.

Spoken Word has flourished in recent years and this year's Fringe (July 9-27) is exceptionally rich in poetry and talks with highlights including the return of Fringe Award-winning American performer Bern Budd with two shows in which he transforms himself into Mark Twain; fiery poetry and music from popular Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread and winners of the Fringe 2007 Spoken Word section, Poetry Trio with The Way We Live. Poetry favourites F. Philip Holland and Wyn Hobson are also back as are the Packhorse Poets performing in the convivial setting of the Packhorse Inn at Crowdecote. New writing is being especially highlighted at Fringe 2008 and you can hear some exciting new verse courtesy of Philip Carnall and Word Wizards, the latter offering a Three Minute Poetry Slam where you get to vote for your favourite poets! The literary theme continues with free Fringe Readings from local actors at the Old Hall Hotel.

The huge variety of events at the Fringe is what makes it so exciting. Spiltmilk Dance is presenting five short dances inspired by the artist Andy Warhol whilst Sensational Salsa is putting on another party, this time a more informal one in Buxton's Railway Hotel.

Some of the Fringe's most intriguing events end up in Other Events. Fringe regular, Johnny Dagger - the longest running performer on the Fringe - is back with his atmospheric King Sterndale Slides with Music, as is another Fringe institution Jennie Ainsworth offering her authoritative Vera Brittain guided walks. But there are also new ventures such as the History of Water and Well Dressing guided walk round Buxton and the Patchwork of Many Hands Studio Session where you can help to sew a fantastically colourful patchwork.

Don't forget you can enjoy a flavour of the Fringe for free at the Fringe Launch Party courtesy of Underground Venues at the Old Hall Hotel on July 9th from 7pm and at the al fresco Fringe Sunday at the Pavilion Gardens on Sunday July 13 from 2pm. Please give the Fringe a wave at the Carnival when it takes to the streets in a dinky orange and white float complete with Fringe fairies and if you are a performer or Friend of the Fringe (you can join at the Fringe Desk at any time), come to the prestigious Awards Ceremony at the Dome in the Fine Dining Room on July 27 at 2pm.

For further information on the many weird and wonderful events at the Fringe, see the new-look Fringe programme available in June or check out the website http://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk

FURTHER INFO: PRESS OFFICER STEPHANIE BILLEN (01298 79351) or Send message to Press