Fringe benefits: Durham to stage over 100 shows

A County Durham arts festival is preparing to take over the city centre with a jam-packed line-up of theatre, music, magic and more.

Now in its fifth year, Durham Fringe Festival returns from 23 - 27 July, with more than 270 performances from over 110 acts across nine venues.

Audiences can expect everything from stand-up comedy and circus to classical music and family shows — all for £10 or less per ticket.

Highlights include Kane & Abel Magicians: Twin Feats, Shakespeare-inspired chaos in Bottom’s Midsummer Dream, and the genre-defying cello showcase Delusions and Grandeur.

A bumper music programme features 23 acts, and three themed showcases will offer bite-sized tasters of select performances.

This year’s festival kicks off with a fifth birthday party on Palace Green, complete with cake, party hats and a family showcase that sold out in advance.

Durham Fringe is run by a not-for-profit, volunteer-led team, with 70 per cent of ticket sales going directly to performers, with remaining costs covered through grants, sponsorships and donations — not passed on to the audience.

Tickets cost £10 (£7 concession) for all shows. To make the festival even more accessible, a special ‘discover offer’ lets attendees book any three shows for £24.

Some shows are already sold out and others are close behind, so organisers are urging audiences to book ahead.

The full programme is available now at durhamfringe.co.uk/events

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