What began as a small showcase for local performers has grown into one of Dorset’s biggest arts festivals, as Shaftesbury Fringe celebrates its tenth anniversary this July.
The volunteer-run festival returns from 17th to 19th July with its largest programme to date, featuring almost 350 performances by 189 acts across 41 venues throughout the town.
Founded in 2016 by a small group of local volunteers, the Fringe has retained its open-access approach, welcoming performers of every kind while expanding far beyond its original ambitions.
This year, 86 acts will be appearing at the festival for the first time.
Visitors can choose from live music, theatre, comedy, spoken word and children’s entertainment, alongside an expanding programme of street performances. As in previous years, Shaftesbury’s High Street will be closed to traffic over the weekend to create space for outdoor acts, while the popular Snail Trail, Art Village and Art Trail also return.
Performances will take place everywhere from pubs, cafés and churches to hotel function rooms and even a funeral parlour, reflecting the festival’s tradition of turning the entire town into a stage.
With the venues spread across Shaftesbury and food and drink available throughout the weekend, organisers hope the 10th anniversary festival will be the biggest yet – while remaining true to the community spirit on which it was founded.
The full programme and festival app are available at shaftesburyfringe.co.uk.
