Countdown begins to Brighton Fringe opening as events hit 1,000

With two days until opening, Brighton Fringe has hit 1,000 events for the first time in the festival’s history.

When Brighton Fringe announced its programme in March, 970 events had registered to take part, but additional artists registering online means Brighton Fringe 2017 now includes 1,000 events.

There will be more than 300 world premieres and over 100 international shows covering comedy, world-class theatre, dance, cabaret and circus, music, spoken word, visual art, events and film.

England’s largest arts festival kicks things off with a fireworks display on Thursday, May 4.

Free tickets are now available for up to 2,000 people to view the display from the South Side of St Peter’s Church and enjoy entertainment courtesy of Fringe City.

Fringe City, Brighton Fringe’s free outdoor creative showcase, returns to New Road to bring the North Laine alive every weekend during the Fringe.

On Saturday, May 6 Fringe City will consist of two stages packed with taster performances all afternoon. Highlights include comedy from Zach and Viggo, winners of last year’s Best Comedy Award, music, acrobatics and cheerleading from Brighton’s all-male cabaret Der Wunderlich Revue and a taster performance from the HIP Trip of Brighton, a psychedelic celebration of 1970s Brighton.

On Sunday, May 7, Fringe City audiences can dust off their dancing shoes for the Big Brighton Fringe Festival Ceilidh, try their hand at a free pottery workshop and enjoy a wealth of comedy, cabaret, music and theatre. Look out for performers from WINDOW, Brighton Fringe’s showcase for exceptional new work, including Cabaret From The Shadows and Behind The Lines.

Also happening on May 6 is the first of two Brighton Fringe Family Picnics in the Pavilion Gardens, the second of which takes place on the first Saturday of half term (May 27).

For the first time this year Fringe City will also take place on Thursdays and Fridays at Bartholomew Square from May 11, in association with Sweet Venues and on the evening of June 2 there will be a Late Night Fringe City on New Road as part of The Fringe’s Final Fling.

Also new for 2017 is the Fringe City Charity Day on May 8, which will host the finish of the Mayor’s Paris-to-Brighton Charity Cycle Ride, plus community stalls and live Fringe performances.

Julian Caddy, Brighton Fringe’s managing director, said: “I’m delighted to see the record growth of Brighton Fringe. It is a massive celebration of local, national and international creativity, all thanks to the tireless work of thousands of people, to create an arts festival like no other. I look forward to joining you to explore and open my mind to the wonders that await.”

Brighton Fringe 2017 runs May 5 to June 4.

To book tickets, click here:

Or telephone: 01273 917272.