Shaftesbury Fringe Festival: A Grassroots Celebration of Music and Performance
The Shaftesbury Fringe Festival has been lighting up the picturesque streets of Shaftesbury since 2016. Each summer it transforms the charming Dorset town into a lively hub of music, comedy, theatre, and poetry. With no formal funding, this open-access festival has grown from a small gathering to one of the most anticipated events in the area, drawing visitors from near and far.
Image: Encrypted Love perform at the Mitre pub
How It Began
Founded by Andy, Samantha Tebbutt-Russell and a small team, the festival initially began as a side attraction to the Goldhill Fair, sharing a booklet with the fair’s program. It quickly gained momentum, driven by a team of dedicated volunteers who saw its potential to enrich Shaftesbury’s cultural landscape.
Mark Thistlewood, now an integral part of the festival team, recalls performing at his first Shaftesbury Fringe in the founder’s garage-turned-pop-up-venue. This practical and do-it-yourself attitude has built a thriving festival with passion and creativity at its core.
Supporting Emerging Talent
The festival operates on an open-access model and welcomes performers, musicians, artists, comedians, and writers at any stage of their career, including those who are brand new to performing.
After performing at Shaftesbury Fringe for the first time, James Bamford shot to success with the support of the festival. Through Mark Thistlewood’s network, James’ dance initiative ‘Project Dance’ secured funding for a summer residency in Shaftesbury with the English National Ballet youth project.
A Diverse Program in Unconventional Venues
One of the highlights of Shaftesbury Fringe is its creative use of venues. From pop-ups in local cafes and pubs to the comedy room and theatre in the arts centre, the town itself becomes an integral part of the festival.
In 2023, the festival transformed 37 venues, including Masons Hall and a refill shop featuring a singing mermaid in a bathtub. This innovative use of space creates a lively atmosphere, showcasing both the town’s character and its commitment to supporting local businesses.
Images top to bottom: Music at the Potting Shed, and Encrypted Love perform at the Mitre pub.
Record Breaking Numbers
In 2024, the festival reached a new milestone with its largest program and audience to date. The weekend drew in an impressive 7,000 to 8,000 visitors to 240 performances over three days.
Prioritising Local Businesses
The festival is equally committed to supporting local businesses. They only bring in a few street food eateries, to encourage visitors to explore the town’s restaurants and cafes, boosting the local economy. During the 2024 festival, the local Abbey Gardens boasted over 4,000 visitors and made £2,000 in donations.
Advice and Aspirations: Building a Community-Driven Festival
For those looking to create their own festival, Shaftesbury Fringe offers simple yet valuable advice: “Go for it.” The festival’s grassroots origins are proof that ambitious ideas, community support, and a willingness to experiment can lead to something remarkable.