The Basics:
- What The biggest open access, mixed arts event in England
- Where In venues and public spaces, parks, tents, clubs and church halls all over Brighton
- When Three weeks in May (in 2009, May 2 to 25),running alongside the Brighton Festival
- Admission Prices vary but average less than £15. Most artist just try to cover their costs. And there is plenty of street theatre that is free.
- Visit their website to:
- See what's on and buy tickets
- Find how to put on an event at the Brighton Festival Fringe.
A Bit of Background:
Unlike the Edinburgh and Adelaide fringe festivals, which arose as separate entities from their main international festivals, the Brighton Festival Fringe was, originally part of the Brighton Festival and began at the same time, in 1967. In the 1980s and 1990s, moves were begun to separate the Fringe organization and in 2003 it launched its own independent brochure. In 2006, the Brighton Festival Fringe became a completely separate legal entity with its own, independent, board of directors.
What's the Difference Between the Brighton Festival and the Festival Fringe?:
The main difference is that the Brighton Festival is curated. Festival programmers seek out work in specialist genres from around the world or commission events. They pay the expenses of the artists and productions and keep ticket sales revenue.
The Fringe Festival is a completely open-access festival. Nobody subjects the participants to any artistic or qualitative judgement. Companies find their own venues, pay for their own productions and events and, apart from a fee they pay to the fringe festival organisation, they keep their own box office or ticket sales takings.
Who Performs?:
Anybody who wants to. Like the Edinburgh Fringe, the Brighton Festival Fringe is an open festival. Pay the fee and you can be in the Festival Guide and take advantage of booking through the Festival Box Office.
What Kinds of Performances to Expect:
Any kind of art form can be part of the Brighton Fringe. In addition to theatre, dance and stand up comedy, you might find circus, exhibitions, classical concerts, club nights, street theatre and tours. Venues range from underground nightclubs, Brighton Pier, public parks and churches to art galleries and beachfront arches. You might, if you live locally, host a show in your own living room. The Dial-a-Comedy Show will bring a performance to your own house.
Is it Family-Friendly?:
Yes, much more than the Brighton Festival itself. The Brighton Fringe Festival has a big selection of events for children and families. There's also a lot going on free in the streets - performances, parades, open-air artwork, for kids to enjoy, photograph and gape at.
So, England's Oldest and Largest Fringe Festival?:
Compared to the UK (and the world's) biggest Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, the Brighton Fringe Festival has a way to go. But it's been growing at a pretty fast clip.
In 2008, there were:
- More than 600 events in the brochure
- 200 different venues
- 101,091 tickets sold with a total value of more than £1.1 million
- Average ticket price was £11.37
