A programme packed with live music and featuring poetry, film, theatre, crafts and workshops has been unveiled for the second annual Wigtown Fringe Festival.
Running alongside the Wigtown Book Festival, from Friday 27 September to Sunday 6 October, it’s an open access event, meaning that anyone can take part.
Small and friendly, with an intimate venue and a welcoming atmosphere it’s a platform for performers to try out new work, broaden their audience and grow their following.
Matt Kitson, festival director, said: “Last year’s first Fringe was a real success, so this year it’s grown.
“Our aim is to offer alternative entertainment and arts-based experiences for the local community and visitors alike, running alongside the Wigtown Book Festival.
“We’re delighted to be able to unveil the programme for 2024 – there’s loads of live music and other entertainment to enjoy, so we hope that people will come along to enjoy the shows and other events.”
The team behind the event wanted to create a true fringe event that was open to any artist or performer while not relying on the ever-decreasing grant funding available to the arts.
They looked at the models for the Edinburgh and the Brighton Fringe and created one that would work for Wigtown.
It runs at a time where thousands of people are visiting Dumfries & Galloway in South-West Scotland, so is ideal to enhance performers’ reputations and gain valuable exposure.
It also provides an opportunity for performers and artists to meet and build relationships with other arts professionals and have a lot of fun.
Programme at a glance
FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER
14:00 – 15:00 LIVE MUSIC – WITH NORMAN PATERSON
16:00 – 17:00 WORKSHOP – HOW TO WRITE A PLAY
20:00 – 21:00 PLAY – I BELIEVE IN ONE BACH
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
12:00 – 12:30 VISUAL POETRY – KROOVAN WINGS
14:00 – 15:00 PERFORMANCE – DRAGON TALE
16:00 – 16:30 VISUAL POETRY – KROOVAN WINGS
19:00 – 20:00 PERFORMANCE – FIRE FROM THE WOODS
SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
11:00 – 12:30 ACTIVITY – POPPY WANTS TO BAKE A CAKE AND CRAFTS
14:00 – 15:00 SOCIAL & LIVE MUSIC – JAZZ AFTERNOON TEA
19:00 – 21:00 FILM – FROM THE DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT
TUESDAY 1ST OCTOBER
14:00 – 15:00 SOCIAL & LIVE MUSIC – JAZZ AFTERNOON TEA
WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER
19:00 – 21:00 FILM – TIM STEAD: MAGICIAN WITH WOOD
THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER
19:00 – 21:30 LIVE MUSIC – STACEY JOY
SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER
16:00 – 17:30 ACTIVITY – POPPY IS LOST IN THE GARDEN & CRAFTS
19:00 – 21:00 LIVE MUSIC – THE CLIFFORD MOVEMENT
