Fun in the Sun at Buxton Fringe!

Fringe Sunday 2013 (credit: Donald Judge)

OK so I pinched that headline from our flyer (currently doing the rounds) but all this sunshine has got me thinking about happy days in the heat at last year's Fringe and whether we are in for something similar this year. It's probably just as well that we don't seem to get long range weather forecasts any more and are required just to just enjoy sun while we have it (or 'mek most of it' in Derbyshire-speak). Certainly yesterday's Spring Fair in the town was blessed with some very favourable weather and the crowds were out in full to see our Fringe stand (and a few others) and remind themselves about all the good things going on in Buxton.

Good weather during the Fringe can be weirdly controversial in any case. Too hot and it can drive audiences away from shows though too rainy can have the same effect or worse. Going to the Fringe certainly doesn't mean you have to miss out on being outdoors. For starters there is our entire Street Theatre section to entertain you. In addition to regular attractions the Fringe Carnival Float, the multi-award winning Shakespeare's Jukebox and that feast of delights Fringe Sunday in the Pavilion Gardens, there is also a new initiative this year, Fringe at Five at the Bandstand in the Pavilion Gardens. Entirely free, it will offer a chance to hear Fringe performers delivering up to 30 minutes of music, dance or drama at 5pm.

Look out too for Buxton Day of Dance from Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men hosting over 200 dancers and musicians from up to 20 different dancing sides, all popping up at different places around the town. For children who like to enjoy some fresh air with their Fringe fun, try Tiny! Wildness - make some teeny tiny characters and tell your own stories in the Pavilion Gardens with the help of the experienced artists from stone & water.

I'm also intrigued by the Grinlow Art and Storytelling Trail - an enchanting transformation of Buxton's local woods by Poole's Cavern. Discover artworks and a magic garden before enjoying some story telling up at the top.

If it's seriously hot you could do worse than head for Poole's Cavern - a cool 7 degrees C whatever the weather outside and this year a venue for Butterfly's Dracula's Women Underground (they are the people who have done Hamlet and Macbeth to great acclaim there in the past). And if it pours with rain, well you are very welcome to huddle into the Fringe information desk next to the Opera House and perhaps buy one of our limited edition Fringe umbrellas. I just hope we are not talking tropical downpour here as we've had flooding in there in the past!

But hey, Nick Robinson says Buxton is the Tuscany of the North so let's go with that thought for now as we look forward to another summer of 'sizzling entertainment' (yes, that's from the flyer too...)






Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
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Twitter: @buxtonfringe