Fringe for Free 2014
We have plenty of free stuff to do at the Fringe, and it's all listed here. Look out too for free child tickets and generous concessionary prices for many shows. Fringe Friends also receive 10% (and sometimes more) off full ticket prices.
Events marked 
denote advanced bookings can be made from the Opera House Box Office 0845 127 2190 (or online). Advanced Bookings will be available early June 2014.
Events marked 
have been suggested by the entrant as generally suitable for family viewing. NB Events in the For Families category tend to be specifically aimed at young people.
Please note that details of performances, including times and dates, may be subject to change. Numbers in brackets refer to venue numbers (see map)
Follow these links to jump to a Category:
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
Dance
BUXTON DAY OF DANCE - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men
A feast of traditional dancing from around the country. The streets of Buxton will be filled with the music, colour, passion, energy and humour that the Morris brings. Over 200 dancers and musicians from up to 20 different dancing sides. Hosted by Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men. www.chapelmorris.org/cmm_Bdod.htm
Around the Town (47): 19 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free Review
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
For Families
TINY! WILDNESS - stone & water
Tiny birds and tiny beasties, tiny fairies and tiny trolls! Or the return of tiny pirates? Step into a tiny world and make your own tiny characters and tell your own stories with artists from stone & water.
Pavilion Gardens (33): 13 Jul 10:30am to 12:30pm, 2pm to 4pm Free, Ages 4+ Review
Further information: 07825 177 355
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
Music
AMERICAN BLUEGRASS MUSIC - Aprille and the Shower
The High Peak local bluegrass band, an acoustic five-piece with harmony vocals, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and double bass. Lively, upbeat mixture of instruments and vocals in the tradition of the early bluegrass pioneers of the Fifties.
The Railway (35): 12, 16 & 23 Jul noon to 3pm - lunch time Free Review
CLUB ACOUSTIC FRINGE SHOWCASE CONCERT - Club Acoustic
A fantastic evening of live music from a selection of five acts who regularly perform at Club Acoustic, home for over 15 years to a friendly and diverse host of amazingly talented musicians and music lovers from Buxton and the area. Come, listen and enjoy.
Old Clubhouse (21): 16 Jul 8pm to 11pm Free Review
Further information: http://www.club-acoustic.org.uk
MUSIC ON TAP - The Buxton Tap House
Thursday July 17th - The Gren Bartley Band; Friday July 18th - Tony Maloney & The Lonely Ponies; Monday July 21st - Rob Lanyon; Tuesday July 22nd - Sideways Band; Wednesday July 23rd - Open Mic; Thursday July 24th - Arkham Karvers; Friday July 25th - The Cookin Pots. (New Writing)
Buxton Tap House (23): 17-18 & 21-25 Jul 9:30pm to 11:30pm Free Review
Further information: jade@buxtontaphouse.co.uk or 01298 214085
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
Spoken Word
FRINGE READINGS - Buxton Festival Fringe
A series of readings on any topic under the sun, depending on the choice of the reader. Enjoy a relaxing 30 minutes or so listening to something amusing, something surprising, something intriguing - it all depends.
Old Hall Hotel (31): 13, 19-20 & 25-26 Jul 2pm to 2:30pm, 3pm to 3:30pm Free
MY UNCLE DONALD AND OTHER ISLAND RAMBLES - Stratford Festival of Salon Arts
Well-loved touring performer Jim MacCool reads from his new e-book, My Uncle Donald and Other Island Rambles. 'A series of mysterious Hebridean Tales, mixtures of fact and folklore, that had Jim's audience hanging on his every word.' The Buteman
Scrivener's Bookshop (11): 9 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free Review
Further information: stratfordfestsalonarts@yahoo.co.uk or 0208 688 6951
WORD WIZARDS' FREE FRINGE - Word Wizards Community Writers
Poetry Extravaganza: 16 Unique Events - 32 Amazing Performers! The very best in spoken word. Laureates and locals, yokels with vocals. Fabulous, funny and fought provoking. Admission by (free) ticket only - available at Buckingham Hotel (venue 70) from 6pm. Never experienced performance poetry? Now's your chance. (New Writing)
Buckingham Hotel (70): 19-22 & 24-27 Jul 7pm to 7:45pm, 8:15pm to 9pm Free
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
Street Theatre
BUXTON CARNIVAL FLOAT - Buxton Festival Fringe
The Buxton Wells Dressing committee organises this annual carnival with dozens of floats and bands and hundreds of marchers parading through the town. The Fringe Float - orange-bedecked - will be part of it. Fringe supporters will be handing out programmes. Check out all the events at: http://www.buxtonwelldressing.co.uk/
Around the Town (47): 12 Jul 2pm to 4pm Free
Further information: http://www.buxtonwelldressing.co.uk/
FRINGE AT FIVE - Buxton Festival Fringe
New this year! Fringe performers will be on hand for up to 30 minutes of free entertainment: it could be a song (or two), a tune, some dance or drama. Check at the Fringe Desk for what is planned each day - or go to the Bandstand and be surprised.
Pavilion Gardens - Bandstand (33a): 14-26 Jul 5pm to 5:30pm Free
FRINGE SUNDAY - Buxton Festival Fringe
All the fun of the Fringe - and it's free. Music and song from the bandstand. Magic and mayhem on the promenade. Bring a picnic and enjoy a smattering of Fringe acts on a sunny afternoon in the Pavilion Gardens.
Pavilion Gardens - Bandstand (33a): 13 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free
Further information: 01298 70705
THE SHAKESPEARE JUKEBOX - Buxton Drama League
The Jukebox is back! Buxton's ever-popular, multi-award-winning open air Shakespeare troupe returns to the Opera House forecourt for more early-evening anarchy - all proceeds to charity. Just pick your favourite scene from the Jukebox menu and marvel as the action unfolds - this year featuring the return of 'Tag Nurse'!
Buxton Opera House Forecourt (08): 13-14, 17-19, 22 & 24-26 Jul 6pm to 7pm Free Review
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
Visual Arts
2014 ART EXHIBITION - Burbage Art Group
A fixture of the Fringe, the Burbage Art Group's friendly exhibition features everything from watercolours to oils and collage to pastels. Free cakes, refreshments and children's quiz make this a family occasion and the high standard of work has led to several Burbage artists being commended in the Fringe Awards.
Burbage Institute, Nursery Lane, Buxton, SK17 6UL (53): 19 Jul 11am to 3pm Free Review
Further information: 01538 266220
ACRYLIC PAINTINGS - AN EXHIBITION OF ORIGINAL WORK - Paula Hobdey
Visit Paula at her home to see her exhibition of original acrylic paintings. A range of subjects and sizes. Have a cup of tea while you browse. Workshop for children. Go down the lane parallel to Wye Head close and look out for balloons.
9 Wye Head, Buxton, SK17 9AG (95): 10-11, 13, 19-20 & 26-27 Jul 11am to 4pm Free Review
Further information: Open at other times by arrangement 01298 71035
DERBYSHIRE OPEN 2014 - Buxton Museum & Art Gallery
This exhibition is an annual Buxton highlight. Works on a Derbyshire theme by professional and amateur artists of all ages have been selected for display by a panel of independent judges. The overall winning artwork amongst the fabulous variety of pieces is usually acquired for the museum collections.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07): 9-11 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 12 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 13 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 15-18 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 19 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 20 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 22-25 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 26 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 27 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free Review
THE GREAT DOME ART FAIR - Peak District Artisans
The Peak District Artisans return with their prestigious annual award-winning event, gathering over 55 members under one roof in a visually stunning show of outstanding quality and variety. A programme of free talks and demonstrations will run through the weekend. Preview night 7pm to 9pm, Friday July 18th. www.peakdistrictartisans.co.uk
University of Derby Buxton - Dome (04c): 19-20 Jul 10am to 4:30pm Free Review
GRINLOW ART AND STORYTELLING TRAIL 2014 - Local Artists, Makers and Creators
Follow the waymarked trail through our Woodland Gallery. Discover artworks, rest a while in Emily Jane's Magical Garden and stop at the top for a spot of storytelling. Free event, donations welcome to fund Project Greenhands, a reforestation scheme.
Grinlow Woods at Poole's Cavern car park (94): 11 Jul 6pm to 10pm, 12 Jul 10am to 10pm, 13 Jul 10am to 6pm Free Review
Further information: 07970 868 018
HARRY OUSEY POPS IN AT THE FRINGE - Sue Astles
Exhibition of atmospheric landscape paintings by Manchester-born Harry Ousey inspired by Kinder Scout where he lived in the 1940s, his ideas developing further in Cornwall and France where he died in 1985. A glimpse into his nomadic and inspiring life will be given by his niece.
Spring Bank Arts Centre, New Mills, SK22 4BH (62): 18 Jul 2pm to 8pm, 19 Jul 10am to 6pm, 20 Jul 10am to 5pm Free Review
Further information: sue.astles@ctaweb.co.uk
LANDSCAPES FOR DAD - Michaela Wrigley
Michaela has worked as a ceramic artist for the last nine years. She uses locally-mined brick clay to create sculptural, decorative pieces. She experiments with smoke-firing using organic material from nectarine stones to seaweed. The inspiration for this exhibition is her dad and the beautiful Derbyshire landscapes he loved.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07): 19 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 20 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 22-25 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 26 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 27 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free Review
SEA FEVER - High Peak Artists
Spectacular seas, stormy skies, soft sand, slippery stones, surf, shells, shingle, seaweed, seagulls, so many ways to visually interpret this subject. A stunning exhibition of paint, print, textiles, jewellery and ceramics by 30 artists and makers set in a mezzanine gallery overlooking the Pavilion Gardens, with good coffee too!
Pavilion Gardens - The Art Cafe (33f): 12-27 Jul 9:30am to 5pm Free Review
SQUARE ROOTS - The Green Man Gallery
Group exhibition by the artist members of The Green Man Gallery. Each artist has explored a one kilometre square from the White Peak or Dark Peak Ordnance Survey map and found inspiration for new art works. Paintings, drawings, photography, print-making, textiles and mixed-media. Refreshments available. Meet the artists: July 19-20th.
The Green Man Gallery (86): 9-24 Jul 10:30am to 5:30pm, 25-27 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free Review
Further information: hello@thegreenmangallery.com
TAKEN FROM THE LANDSCAPE - Kate Pheasey
Kate uses mosaic, an ancient artform, but works in a more contemporary way, experimenting with techniques and materials such as rust, feathers and found objects. Inspiration or materials come from the landscape and the pieces are her response to the memory of place and to feelings aroused by the terrain.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07): 9-11 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 12 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 13 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 15-18 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 19 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 20 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 22-25 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 26 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 27 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free Review
WITHIN THE FRINGE - Buxton & High Peak Artists
Up to 40 artists displaying a variety of work using different media. Opportunity to meet some of the artists on Mondays July 14th and July 21st between 1pm and 4pm. The group of amateur and professional artists includes previous Derbyshire Open exhibitors and past Fringe solo entrants.
The Green Man Gallery (86): 9-27 Jul 10:30am to 5:30pm Free Review
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events
Other Events
FRINGE 2014 AWARDS - Buxton Festival Fringe
Join us at The Old Clubhouse - yards from the Fringe Information desk - at the event which recognises the most exciting and creative performances the Fringe judges have seen this year. Mingle and drink with the stars from 1.30pm and settle down for the tension and joy at 2pm.
Old Clubhouse (21): 27 Jul 1:30pm to 3pm Free, Open to entrants, Fringe Friends and by invitation
FRINGE LAUNCH PARTY - Underground Venues
Join us for the official launch on the eve of the 2014 Fringe, down in the atmospheric vaults of the Old Hall Hotel. Catch preview performances from across the Fringe, mingle with the stars and help us toast the 35th Festival Fringe! No booking required - just come along!
Underground Venues (10): 8 Jul 8pm to midnight Free
Further information: undergroundvenues.co.uk. Bookings (noon-3pm) & info: 02081 440 070. Other prices/discounts available.
Dance For Families Music Spoken Word Street Theatre Visual Arts Other Events