Hats off to the Fringe!
Press Release April 12th 2026 - For immediate release
A lively selection of Fringe performers entertained a busy audience at Buxton’s Pump Room opposite the Crescent on Saturday April 11th.
With the venue decorated with bunting and flowers, the Fringe’s Springboard party offered a flavour of what is to come at the Fringe in July as well as celebrating the changing season with opportunities to wear the Fringe’s brand new caps and bucket hats from Buxton company Promotional Fings.
Fringe Chair Ian Bowns welcomed the audience and paid tribute to supportive host the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, before handing over to compere Rob Harrison who introduced sets from Gilbert and Sullivan songsters Utopia Unlimited, poet/musicians The Clarkes & Co, comedy lecturer Andy Mycock, soon to be on Radio 4, and 2025 Spirit of the Fringe winners Darren Poyzer and Trish Plant.
In between acts, there were also updates from Tom Crawshaw of managed venue Underground, which is bringing 75 shows this year, and the Fringe’s Jeanette Hamilton who thanked Fringe Friends for their valuable support which has helped keep Fringe entry prices low.
Fringe Marketing Officer Stephanie Billen commented afterwards: “There was a fantastic atmosphere at Springboard with our performers really giving their all to keep everyone thoroughly entertained!”
The Fringe currently has nearly 200 entries, significantly up on this time last year, with more expected by the closing date for the printed programme, April 19th. Anyone still looking to perform at the Fringe should see Take Part on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk for full details.
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PRESS: For further information and more pictures please Send message to Press Picture shows back row: Utopia Unlimited, front row (l-r): Darren Poyzer and Trish Plant, The Clarkes & Co and Andy Mycock (credit: Moira Kean)
