How does Fringe work?
- The Fringe Team do not book acts directly, we act as ‘facilitators’ between you and the venues. We publish a list of available venues on our website, with hopefully enough information for you to narrow down suitable venues for your performance(s).
- We are here to offer any help or advice in choosing a suitable venue, or to answer any questions you may have.
- Once your performances are booked, return to this site to register them with us. This will ensure that your details are included in our printed programme, in the Shaftesbury Fringe app and on this website. We also publicise your shows to the best of our ability using our social media channels and by putting up publicity material you send to us around the town. More details about this will be sent to you once you have registered.
- There is a limit of six showings of the same performance. With more and more performers looking to come to Shaftesbury Fringe and a limited number of venues, it is important to give as many different shows space as possible. We have also found that repeated shows lead to lower audience numbers.
How long should my show be?
Fringe shows normally run for 30 minutes to 1 hour – but there is no ‘normal’ in Fringe! The length of your show depends on your type of performance and any time restrictions that may exist at your chosen venue. You should check this with them directly.
Can I sell tickets to my show?
Our experience is that the most popular shows are free of charge to enter, with a ‘Pass the Hat’ collection at the end to an appreciative audience!
If you do decide to charge an entrance fee, please note that this is your responsibility and you need to organise the sale of tickets yourself, and have someone to check tickets on the door. This is not the responsibility of your chosen venue (unless you have arranged ticket sales through them) or the Fringe Team.
Is there a registration fee?
There is a small registration fee per show (£15 for the 2025 Fringe). This allows us to provide all the benefits listed below. It also supports the practical elements of putting the weekend together. This is payable per performance when filling in the registration form.
For more information see Why Do I Have To Pay A Registration Fee
Please also check with your chosen venue whether they are charging a fee for using their performance space.
The Shaftesbury Fringe team will offer as much promotion, marketing and support services as we can. This will include:
– Listing of your event in our printed programme.
– Inclusion of your event in our Shaftesbury Fringe app.
– Listing of your event on shaftesburyfringe.co.uk
– Promotion on social media.
– Support from our Fringe Team during the Fringe weekend.
– Assistance and support with all aspects of your Shaftesbury Fringe visit.
When does registration open?
Performer registration for Shaftesbury Fringe 2025 opened on Monday 3 February 2025.
The deadline for inclusion in the printed programme was Monday 26 May 2025.
Registrations after this date will still be included in the app and on the website.