While Britain may be burdened by cost-cutting and financial belt-tightening, the Buxton Festival Fringe has released figures showing that it is actively flourishing.
Over the run of the Fringe, 9837 tickets were sold - 12.6% up on last year, with an 8.8% rise in the number of people buying tickets. Some 800 of these tickets were to the highly successful Buxton Military Tattoo at the Dome, but audiences this year also attended more performances per person. Best of all, a stunning 93% of audience members who responded to the survey scored 4 or 5 out of 5 for overall enjoyment, an increase from 91% last year and 86% the previous year.
38% of audience respondents were attending Fringe for the first time - similar to 2008, but lower than 2009. However, the Fringe saw an increase in those attending for a second year, suggesting that more of the new audiences are returning. 48% of those attending Fringe events also attended events as part of the main Festival (a similar figure to the last two years).
Proving that the Fringe is immensely popular with performers too, this year's event was the biggest ever with some 151 entrants and a huge variety of arts on offer. At least 1550 people were involved in performing or putting on events and the Fringe received many kind comments from satisfied artists.
Taking into account both visitor spend and performers putting on events, there was an estimated expenditure associated with the Fringe of nearly £364,500, about 4% up on last year. Over 90 per cent of this was spent locally.
The Fringe remains a huge local draw with some 33% of the audience coming from SK17 postcodes and nearly half from the SK postcode area. 46% of this year's entrants also had SK postcodes.
Fringe chair Stephanie Billen sums up: 'Everyone has noticed that the Fringe has been getting bigger over the past few years but we are just as delighted to see that it is becoming even more enjoyable, both for audiences and performers. We are getting interest now from all over the country and from abroad, but we couldn't do what we do without the support we receive from our local community including main sponsor, the University of Derby Buxton, plus Trevor Osborne of the Crescent Spa Hotel Project; the Old Hall Hotel; the Opera House; the Borough Council and all our superb volunteers and venues.'
Anyone keen to become involved behind the scenes or who has an interest in the Fringe is invited to contact Stephanie via Send message to Info or attend the AGM on Wednesday November 10 at the Old Hall Hotel, Buxton at 7.30pm.
Amongst the feedback received for 2010 were the following quotes from Fringe goers:
'A great Festival throughout the town'
'Fills every day with good choices'
'It keeps getting bigger and better. Much better programme presentation and layout in recent years'
'Great shows! Nice People Good Fun! Keeps us young!'
And from performers:
'Thanks so much for a fantastic experience and the hard work of everyone. I hope to see you all next year! I'll be brandishing my Buxton Fringe umbrella round Edinburgh in a week with pride.' Hayden Cohen
'I would like to say thanks for the outstanding support I received from
the Fringe team right from the first contact when I first considered
attending.' Phil Mountford, Fordante
'Well done for another successful Fringe.' Rebecca Little, Little Pixie Productions
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