The Fringe isn't just for Summer!

Screenshot from 2020 Zoom AGM featuring Top row left to right: Gaye Chorlton, Stephen Walker and Sandra Jowett, Bottom row: Viv Marriott and illustration of Entries co-ordinator Ian Bowns.

Buxton Fringe have announced the dates for next year's Fringe; the 7th to 25th July. "So what?", I hear you say ,"That's eight months away." 

Last week was the Fringe AGM and planning has already started for next year's event; there are an amazing amount of things to do and organise before July.

Like every meeting I've ever attended it was the most unassuming item on the committee  agenda that stimulated the hottest debate. Last year's artwork for the programme was much loved but never got to be fully appreciated as although it was used on flyers, we weren't able to print the programme. So we wanted to reuse the design for 2021 but with new colours to make it a bit different.

Crucial question, which colours should we use for 2021's programme and flyers?

Of the 10 shortlisted contenders, each one had a champion and each one a detractor. Some of the colour combinations were described as "too pale", others "too bright" or most dangerous of all "Marmite".  The debate raged on, clearly there was not going to be unanimous agreement - time to put it to the vote.

Want to know which colour scheme won? Check out the website when entries open on 1st December.

Last summer I wrote about being a new volunteer and not having found "my niche" with the team. I now feel like an old  hand and I've been ringing community groups, schools and care homes who without exception have been positive about being involved in 2020. I've also joined the committee as an honorary member and been signed up to help with communications. Luckily I dodged the role of treasurer which looks like a hot potato (just as well my grasp of Excel is basic to say the least).

As we all know, 2020 was a year like no other with theatres, arts venues and cinemas all forced to close. In response the Fringe moved on line.  At the meeting Chair Stephen Walker thanked the 100 plus performers who responded to this challenge with creative and innovative works. 

At this point in time we don't know what life will be like next July, the arts and entertainment sector are continuing to face difficult times with venues still closed.

We are all hoping for live events but the committee are making plans for a mix of live and online shows. One positive thing to come out of 2020 was our ability to reach new and more diverse audiences and performers, and that's a good platform to build on.

So the Fringe isn't just for summer, it's year round! If you'd like to get involved our next (Zoom) meeting is on 10th December.

Carole Garner

Buxton Fringe

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