November 24th 2011 For immediate release
If you thought that the London Olympics were the biggest event happening next year, then think again. Buxton Festival Fringe is back from 4 to 22 July 2012 and entries open on Thursday 1st December 2011.
The good news is that for the fourth year running entry fees have been frozen - from December 1st 2011 until February 29th 2012 you only pay £45. From March 1st to 31st the entry fee is £65 and from April 1st to 22nd (the strict and final deadline for the printed programme) it is £80.
The Fringe remains grateful to its main sponsor, the University of Derby Buxton as well as supporters including Trevor Osborne of the Crescent Spa Hotel Project, the Cavendish Arcade, the Old Hall and High Peak Borough Council, for enabling it to keep entry fees low at this time of economic recession.
Fringe entrants can make their application online and Fringe chair Stephanie Billen says 'This year we have revamped our information for entrants on our website http://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk to be a bit clearer and more informative. So even if people have entered the Fringe before I'd strongly advise you take the time to read it through. We know how important it is for performers to find a good audience so we have included some special marketing tips too as well as our traditional information on publicity and how to write a press release.' The website also features a regularly updated venues page and a handy interactive map.
Further welcome news is the return of Underground Venues, manager Tom Crawshaw says 'After a spectacular 2011 Fringe, we are very pleased to be returning for 2012, running the Old Hall and Pavilion Arts Centre spaces once more. When Underground Venues started in 2006, with a bunch of shows and a skeleton staff, we never thought it would go this far - but the Buxton Fringe has proven to be the perfect setting to promote both household names and local talent under the same roof. We look forward to another fantastic July'. If entrants wish to perform at the Underground Venues, they may need to work to earlier deadlines - please consult their website for further details.
The Fringe does not select or censor and entries traditionally come from a wide variety of the arts including music, drama, visual arts, dance, film, comedy as well as workshops, walks and talks. Anyone can enter the Fringe, from professional theatre companies and comedians trying out material for Edinburgh, to new performers and amateur groups.
Those wanting to support the Fringe behind the scenes should consider becoming a Fringe Friend. Annual Fringe Friend membership runs from June 1 so when the Fringe is over, half price membership of £5 (£7.50 for joint membership) is offered. Anyone who signs up now will receive invitations to Friends events during the year plus discounts for Buxton Film, special offers from the University of Derby Buxton and other discounts around the town. Further details are on the Fringe website Friends' page at http://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk. There will be a film night with free entry for Fringe Friends at the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton on 15 Dec at 7:30pm featuring the French comedy 'Potiche' starring Catherine Deneuve and Gérard Depardieu. Adds Stephanie: 'We now have around 165 Friends and the number is growing all the time. It's a great way to keep in touch with us. I'd also recommend keeping a close eye on the website as we will be listing performances as soon as they start to come in!'
For further information or interviews about the Fringe Send message to Press or tel: 07974 385767.