What is a Fringe?

"Fringe" comes from a 'Fringe of another festival' or 'Fringe Arts'. 'Fringes' administer shared risk: it is not one large pot of money coming from one place to produce a programmed event. Instead it's about support, development, accessibility and everyone involved - including artists, venues, audiences and funders - investing together in a creative platform and delivering a unique & organic occasion. Fringe Festivals come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are open access - which means anyone can be involved - but others include events that have been invited, from a lottery, are part-programmed or a mix of them all.  They are born from passion and hard work; a passion for development, for creating a platform and for seeing and realising new ideas and initiatives. Fringes are where exciting sparks and stars are made;  they are the 'excellence' of the future. 

 

What is Weston Fringe?

Weston Fringe is built from the hard work and passion of the artists and performers in Weston-super-Mare and beyond. Together we are the future of art. Our unique Fringe creates a platform for truly shared risk between the venues and the artists and the audiences. This allows artists and venues to take risks they would not normally be able to. That’s why we are an exciting Fringe! We are not just a Fringe - we are the tassles on the edge of the Fringe.

 

History of Weston Fringe

Starting in the Gallery at Digital Photo Studio in August 2011, the first Festival was arranged over a 5-week period and included 15 shows across 5 days all held in the Gallery. The 2012 Fringe was held at the request of the community: we were asked how we had increased footfall and whether we could do that for the town. We created the 2012 Fringe in 8 weeks and expanded from one venue to 10 and from 15 events to 63. It lasted for 10 days and was so successful that we were asked to join the world Fringe organisation. This year, as part of the World Fringe, we want to capitalise on this success and strive to grow again by involving more venues and more acts (from the World stage).

 

With better planning and more time we will be able to maximise our creative team’s involvement and grow the event year after year. Phew!