Fringe for Free 2016

All of the shows are listed here.

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 Family Friendly 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 Late Changes. Numbers in brackets refer to venue numbers (see map)

         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

Diary Venue Map

 Dance

Morris Magic (credit Bill Rich)

BUXTON DAY OF DANCE - Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men Family Friendly
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 150 dancers and musicians from 16 different Morris sides hosted by Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men.
Around the Town (47) 23 Jul 10am to 4:30pm Free Review Comments(2)

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 For Families

THE MAGICAL STORYTELLING YURT - High Peak Community Arts Family Friendly
Step inside our magical yurt for storytelling and other fun activities for little Festival-goers and their families.
Pavilion Gardens (33) Google Map 16 Jul 10am to 4pm Free, Ages 2+ Comments

TINY! DRAGONS, WYRMS AND SERPENTS - Stone and Water Family Friendly
Another Tiny! event. Join us to fill the Gardens with dragons, medieval wyrms and wonderful serpents - none of them bigger than your hand (or maybe a wriggle as long as your arm).
Pavilion Gardens - Old Bowling Green (33e) Google Map 17 Jul 11am to 4pm Free, Ages 2+ Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Music

9 NIGHTS OF LIVE MUSIC - The Tap House
Free entertainment at the home of award-winning Buxton Brewery. 12th - Lucy Mae; 13th - Open Mic Night; 14th - Rodina; 15th - Monk & Doom Garden; 19th - Stuart McCallum; 20th - Octofunk; 21st - Zoe Kyoti Trio; 22nd - Sling; 23rd - Scarlet Ridge for Thomas Theyer Charity Evening.
The Buxton Tap House (23) Google Map 12-15 & 19-22 Jul 9pm to midnight, 23 Jul 9:30pm to midnight Free Review Comments

CLOSER TO THE HEART - Hojo and Richard Jurgens - Black Eyed Dog
Hojo returns after ten years with his inimitable brand of beautiful melodic folk. 'Reminiscent of Nick Drake and Roy Harper, his songs stand tall amongst those of these luminaries'. Accompanied by flute player extraordinaire Richard Jurgens who has served his time with the Sheffield Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic.
Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 21 Jul 9pm to 10pm. The Cheshire Cheese (93) Google Map 22 Jul 9pm to 10pm, 23 Jul 7:30pm to 8:30pm Free Review
Further information: madeintheshade@hotmail.co.uk Comments

LOCAL MUSICIANS' SHOWCASE CONCERT - Club Acoustic Family Friendly
Once again Club Acoustic is proud to present a feast of outstanding local musical talent in a showcase of acts from the wide and varied range of our regular performers. A great success in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and probably even better this year. Free entry, no tickets. Come along!
Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 13 Jul 8pm to 11pm Free Review Comments

Sketch Book...and other tales

SKETCH BOOK...AND OTHER TALES - Rebecca De Winter Family Friendly
Acoustic folk-tinged songs and stories. Expect tales of tailors, French pirates, fish suppers, shy brides, campanologists, roots and weeds and the sounds of a French gramophone record... Pop-up performances 11:30 / 13:30 / 15:30 (timings are approximate).
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 23 Jul 11:30am to 4:30pm Free Review
Further information: rebeccadewintermusic@live.com Comments

Stephen Roberts

SPIES, STORIES AND SONGS - Cold War Music Family Friendly
Stephen Roberts sings his songs that tell stories of spies, the Cold War and the books that inspired the songs. He'll be talking about Le Carré, Charles Cumming, Edward Wilson and other authors as well as the Cambridge Spies and the Cultural Cold War. (New Writing)
Scrivener's Bookshop (11) Google Map 10 & 17 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free Review Comments(2)

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Spoken Word

FREE SPEECH! MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH WORDS - TheFED
Here's a chance for writers to strut their stuff (book an afternoon/evening slot); participate in workshops (mornings only) run by experienced facilitators from TheFED. Hosted by TheFED - a network of writing and community publishers, these events will promote and develop the work of individuals and community writing groups.
The Buxton Tap House (23) Google Map 20 Jul 10:30am to 12:30pm, 2:30pm to 4:30pm. The Tea Chest (103) Google Map 20 Jul 7:30pm to 10pm. The Buxton Tap House (23) Google Map 21 Jul 10:30am to 12:30pm, 2:30pm to 4:30pm. The Tea Chest (103) Google Map 21 Jul 7:30pm to 10pm Free, Some of the writing may contain adult themes Review
Further information: 07549 862495 Comments(1)

FRINGE READINGS - Buxton Festival Fringe
Take half an hour out from festival busyness to sit and listen to a reading from... Well we can't tell you what our guest readers will be selecting from their bookshelves. A short story, biography, memoir? Relax in the Old Hall and spend time in good company.
Old Hall Hotel (31) Google Map 10, 15, 16 & 22, 23 Jul 2pm to 2:30pm, 3pm to 3:30pm Free Review Comments(1)

Rosalita - The Tale of Rosa Luxemburg

ROSALITA - THE TALE OF ROSA LUXEMBURG - Performance Poetry Society
Poet and lyricist Jim MacCool returns to Buxton with his tale of Rosa Luxemburg, Marxism-Leninism's martyr and saint. A tale told in verse, Rosalita features contemporary Berlin music hall songs with fresh, hard-hitting words by Jim. Rosalita is set to tour in October 2016 to publicise National Poetry Month.
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 6 Jul 1pm to 2pm Free, Adult themes, sex and violence
***CANCELLED***Comments

STORYTELLING - Beneath The Stars Family Friendly
Traditional storytelling for a family audience. Folk tales and contemporary tales, songs and maybe even a little magic told with the help of puppetry and, of course, the audience.
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 9, 10 Jul noon to 1pm, 2pm to 3pm, 4pm to 5pm Free, Ages 5+
***CANCELLED***Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Street Theatre

Float close-up (credit Ian J Parkes)

BUXTON CARNIVAL PROCESSION - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
The biggest event in the town's calendar when thousands take to the streets to watch and cheer on the bands and floats, all done up in their finest. The Fringe float could be orange and covered in balloons. Thanks to the Wells Dressing and Carnival committee for making this happen.
Around the Town (47) 9 Jul 1pm to 4pm Free Comments

Around the World in 80 Days (credit: Lily Brown)

FRINGE AT FIVE - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
People said they loved Fringe At Five - so we're bringing it back. A pot-luck of free Fringe entertainment in front of the Bandstand. Get a coffee or an ice cream, take a seat and see what happens. Probably some songs; maybe a dance, a poem, and some magic.
Pavilion Gardens - Bandstand (33a) Google Map 11-23 Jul 5pm to 5:30pm Free Comments(1)

Jacques Brel (credit: Lily Brown)

FRINGE SUNDAY - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
A free taster of all the Fringe has to offer - music, drama, comedy, dance, magic and surprises set in the beautiful Pavilion Gardens. Bring a picnic and a rug and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment provided by Fringe 2016 performers.
Pavilion Gardens - Bandstand (33a) Google Map 10 Jul 2pm to 4:30pm Free Comments

THE SHAKESPEARE JUKEBOX - Buxton Drama League Family Friendly
It's the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, so the Jukebox will be on hand again to entertain you with his greatest hits for a small donation to charity. Comedy, tragedy, general silliness? You decide! Don't miss this Buxton phenomenon!
Buxton Opera House Forecourt (08) Google Map 10, 12, 14-16, 19 & 21-23 Jul 6pm to 7pm Free Review Comments(4)

WHO THE F**K IS PAOLO FERRARI?!... AL FRESCO - Paolo Ferrari
From the ancient cobbles of Covent Garden Piazza to the fabulously charming Spring Gardens promenade, fun frolics and urban fooleries from the master of surreal storytelling. Expect the unexpected, embrace the unpredictable. NB Weather permitting! (New Writing)
Spring Gardens (38a) Google Map 14 Jul 3:30pm to 4pm, 15, 16 Jul 1pm to 1:30pm Free Review Comments(1)

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Visual Arts

Red Admiral by Rachel Slaney

2016 ART EXHIBITION - Burbage Art Group Family Friendly
With its artists regularly nominated in the Fringe Awards, this popular exhibition boasts a high standard of accessible work including watercolours, oils, printing, textiles and more. Free cakes, refreshments and children's quiz make this a family-friendly occasion. The group meets weekly at Burbage Institute and welcomes newcomers including beginners.
Burbage Institute, Nursery Lane, Buxton SK17 6UL (53) Google Map 16 Jul 11am to 3pm Free Review
Further information: 01538 266220 Comments

Derbyshire Moors by Harry McArdle, winner of the 2016 Derbyshire Open

THE DERBYSHIRE OPEN 2016 - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery Family Friendly
For 34 years the Derbyshire Open has attracted amateur and professional artists of all ages competing for a range of prizes and a place in the museum collection. The resulting exhibition is the highlight of the museum's summer programme, and a fixture at the Fringe.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 6-8 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 9 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 10 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 12-15 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 16 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 17 Jul 10:30am to 5pm, 19-22 Jul 9:30am to 5:30pm, 23 Jul 9:30am to 5pm, 24 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free Review
Further information: 01629 533540 Comments

New Hilton St

EXPECTATIONS - Louise Jannetta Fine Art Family Friendly
Louise Jannetta is opening her gallery and studio for the Buxton Festival Fringe 2016. Louise is an established artist represented by some of the most prestigious galleries in the North West of England. She will be exhibiting a collection of new work especially created for the Fringe.
Louise Jannetta Art Studio (rear of 24 Dale Rd) (14) Google Map 8-10, 15-17 & 22-24 Jul 10:30am to 4:30pm Free Review Comments

THE GREAT DOME ART FAIR - Peak District Artisans Family Friendly
Art buying made accessible, enjoyable and inspiring in the light-filled setting of The Dome in Buxton. Discover, browse and buy from over 50 of the region's best artists and designer makers at our ninth annual event. Includes original art postcard raffle, free talks and demos and cafe. Full information: www.greatdomeartfair.com
University of Derby Buxton - Dome (04c) Google Map 16, 17 Jul 10am to 5pm Free Review Comments

THE GREEN MAN GOES RAMBLING - The Green Man Gallery Family Friendly
The artist members of The Green Man Gallery take their feet and their imaginations on a ramble: round the corner, down the road, up the garden path, over the hills and far away. An intriguing group exhibition which includes paintings, drawings, photography, print-making, mixed media and textiles.
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 6 Jul 6pm to 8pm, 7-24 Jul 10:30am to 5:30pm Free Review Comments

TEA, BROWSE, PAINT - Paula Hobdey Family Friendly
Have a drink while you look around the paintings in Paula's studio just off Macclesfield Road (look for the balloons). Variety of subjects, mainly realistic but also abstract and experiments in mixed media. Try your hand at decorating glass. Range of pots and glass paints available. Children welcome.
9 Wye Head, Buxton (95) Google Map 9, 10, 16, 17 & 23, 24 Jul 11am to 4pm Free Review
Further information: 01298 71035 for more information. Comments

L: Adrienne Brown  R: Langley Brown

AN UNTITLED EXHIBITION - Adrienne Brown and Langley Brown Family Friendly
Previous Fringe Award winners for Visual Artist and Exhibition. This year's exhibition will include new work from both artists. Adrienne will be showing paintings, embroidered photomontages, textiles and prints; see www.adriennebrown.co.uk. Langley will be showing collages, paintings, drawings and prints. Refreshments provided.
18 White Knowle Road, Buxton (20) Google Map 6-8 & 10-13 Jul 10am to 5pm Free Review Comments

Winnat's Pass/David Hoodith

THE WILD PEAK - High Peak Artists Family Friendly
Away from the pretty villages, rolling hills and dales, discover another side to the Peak District - the Dark Peak. Mysterious, wild and wonderful with desolate, heather-clad moorlands, peat bogs, waterfalls, gritstone outcrops and rocky tors, offering amazing views, many of which are depicted in this eclectic art exhibition.
Pavilion Gardens - The Art Cafe (33f) Google Map 6-24 Jul 9:30am to 4:30pm Free Review Comments

section of womans banner

THE WRITING ON THE WALL - Ilsa Elford
If you want to see art that makes you feel and think then this exhibition is for you. The Writing On The Wall is an aesthetically beautiful pictorial history of social evolution. Three by seven metres long, hand-painted banners illustrate how the protest movement has permanently shifted our morality.
Green Man Gallery (86) Google Map 16 Jul 6pm to 8:30pm, 17-20 & 22 Jul 10:30am to 5pm Free Review Comments

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         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events

 Other Events

CHELMORTON VILLAGE FESTIVAL - Chellyfest Family Friendly
A week of events including exhibitions, scarecrows, treasure trail, film, quiz, concert, writers' panel, local history walk, and so much more. Various venues include the church and the Church Inn as well as the Institute. Full details on www.chelmortonvillage.org.uk
Chelmorton Institute, Chelmorton SK17 9SH (80) Google Map 11 Jul 10:30am to 10:30pm, 12, 13 Jul 10:30am to 9pm, 14 Jul 10:30am to 9:30pm, 15 Jul 10:30am to 6pm, 16 Jul 10:30am to midnight, 17 Jul 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Prices vary. Bookings via www.chelmortonvillage.org.uk Review Comments(1)

credit: Ian J Parkes

FRINGE 2016 AWARDS - Buxton Festival Fringe Family Friendly
Join us at The Old Clubhouse at an event which does its best to recognise and celebrate the most creative and enjoyable shows on the Fringe. Mingle and drink with performers from 1.30pm and settle down to cheer and clap the winners from 2pm.
Old Clubhouse (21) Google Map 24 Jul 1:30pm to 3pm Free, Open to entrants, Fringe Friends and by invitation Comments

FRINGE LAUNCH PARTY - Underground Venues Family Friendly
Join us for the official launch on the eve of Fringe 2016, 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 37th Festival Fringe! No booking required - just come along!
Underground Venues (10) Google Map 5 Jul 8pm to 11:30pm Free Comments

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

MEET THE MUSEUM EXPERTS - Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Find out more about the museum's collection in our daily lunchtime lecture - from Buxton Diamonds to Kinder Scout's Mermaids, with Hindlow Lions roaring alongside. To see the programme, go to www.collectionsinthelandscape.wordpress.com.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (07) Google Map 8, 10, 12-17 & 19-24 Jul 1pm to 1:45pm Free Review
Further information: 01629 533540 Comments

back to top Diary Venue Map Follow these links to jump to a Category:

         Dance          For Families          Music          Spoken Word          Street Theatre          Visual Arts          Other Events