Fringe announces team changes
PRESS RELEASE November 14th 2025 - For immediate release
Buxton Fringe’s new-look AGM at the Pump Room on November 12th offered a chance to welcome new volunteers and to announce some key trustee appointments.
Ian Bowns, now in his second year as Fringe Chair, announced that former Fringe Secretary Carole Garner was to become Vice Chair with committee member Julie Alexander becoming the new Secretary and Sandra Jowett continuing in her role as Treasurer. Former Vice Chair Jeanette Hamilton remains a key member of the team as Friends Co-ordinator.
This year’s AGM had a new informality about it with Ian explaining that as the Fringe is a charity governed by its trustees, there were no formal decisions or votes to be cast at the meeting. Instead the gathering offered a chance for him to update supporters on how this summer’s Fringe had gone and to outline plans and ambitions for the future.
Despite the sad loss of The Green Man Gallery, Ian was able to look back on a healthy Fringe with “plenty of entrants and good ticket sales” plus its biggest ever comedy section with 61 entries. Celebrating its 20th year on the Fringe, Underground had managed to run two very busy venues, achieved with support from Sandra and High Peak Borough Council. Ian also shared the Fringe’s gratitude to Parkwood Leisure for use of the Pavilion Gardens’ Octagon Lounge as the new location for the Fringe Information Desk.
After a report from Sandra showing the Fringe in good financial shape - enabling it to keep entry fees once again low - attendees had the chance to mingle and enjoy a drink against a backdrop of music recordings from recent Fringe performers. Ian thanked all the Fringe’s supporters including committee members, Fringe Friends, and venues, and encouraged people to chat to “anyone in an orange T shirt” to sign up as a volunteer with year-round opportunities to help the Fringe.
He gave a special thanks to his predecessor, former Chair Stephen Walker, calling him a “hard act to follow” and shared that they had had conversations about both sustainability and development including the need to build audiences and increase accessibility for entrants and Fringe goers alike. Ian concluded: “Success is not in standing still, nor in change for its own sake. We need to make judicious changes, small and potentially large, when we see an opportunity to improve what or how we do things, and sustain our Friendly Fringe”.
The Fringe opens for entries to its 2026 event this December 1st. Participants enter online and details are on Take Part on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk. Next year’s Fringe runs from July 8th to 26th. Further information is available on buxtonfringe.org.uk.
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NOTE TO PRESS: Attached picture shows from l-r: Julie Alexander, Ian Bowns and Sandra Jowett at the AGM. For further information, pictures or interviews, please Send message to Press
