Press Release April 3rd 2026 - For immediate release
Performers wanting to be listed in the 2026 Festival Fringe printed programme need to act now!
The Fringe programme is a key tool for audiences as they decide which shows to see. Nearly 200 events are already in the mix with more expected by the printed programme deadline of Sunday April 19th. Events are also listed on the Fringe website - www.buxtonfringe.org.uk – and via the free Buxton Fringe App, available from Google Play or Apple's App store. Would-be participants will find full information on the Fringe website under Take Part.
Comedy is already the Fringe’s biggest ever category with over 80 entries so far, 20 more than this time last year. While Den of Laughs is bringing packed comedy weekends to the Lee Wood Hotel this July, Underground, now in its 21st year, offers still more laughs with plenty of new acts plus starry names including Drag Race’s Kate Butch and Radio 4 regulars Rob Rouse and Tom Wrigglesworth. Meanwhile other venues are also hosting comedians with Laugh for Life bringing new stand ups to The Conservative Club, Dr Andy Mycock (soon to be featured on Radio 4) dissecting his name at The Palace and Dreamshed Theatre presenting bittersweet comic play Dancing with Auntie at St Anne’s Community Centre.
Theatre and Music are also bulging categories at Fringe 2026. Fringe goers can enjoy theatrical events around the town including A Punk Opera at St Mary’s Church courtesy of Australian company Nuworks, Titanic: The Last Hero and the Last Coward from Searchlight Theatre Company at the United Reformed Church, and Pocket Pirates, a Gilbert and Sullivan treat at St Anne’s Community Centre from Utopia Unlimited, not to mention a busy theatre line up at Underground.
Music brings every conceivable genre including swinging jazz from violinist Ben Holder, percussion and wind instruments with a Peruvian flavour from Orugoru, folk-inspired music from Songbird Anna and her autoharp and vocal harmonies from Buxton Community Choir. Manchester Recorder Orchestra celebrates its 25th anniversary while Peak District Music Centres invites local musicians of all ages to join in its Orchestra Day at Buxton Community School.
Visual arts and spoken word are also well represented with many performers completely new to the Fringe. A huge choice of entertainment is on offer generally with events now in every category and plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
The printed programme will be distributed from the beginning of June and celebrated at the open-to-all Programme Party at Buxton Working Men’s Club on Lightwood Road, Saturday June 6th, 7-9pm. During the Fringe there will be a chance to attend free promotional events including Fringe Saturday at the Pavilion Gardens’ Bandstand on July 18th.
The Fringe is a charity run by volunteers. Opportunities to get involved include distributing Fringe programmes, helping out at the Fringe Information Desk, becoming a Fringe Friend or making a one-off donation. The Fringe is also actively recruiting new reviewers. particularly comedy fans! For further information see Support Us on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk.
Fringe Marketing Officer Stephanie Billen says: “It’s great to see how many venues are being used in Buxton and beyond this year and we are truly excited by our diverse line-up of entertainment. Now performers need audiences to really support them by spreading the word and coming to as many shows as possible. Fringe events are hugely affordable and sometimes free so there is no excuse not to have a good time in July!”
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