Ventnor Fringe

About

Ventnor Fringe, the Island’s multi award winning arts festival, which features gigs, comedy and performances in unusual spaces around Ventnor, is set to return from the 18th - 27th July 2025.

Discover the best new music, comedy, theatre, cabaret, circus and children's shows at the Isle of Wight's largest arts festival, Ventnor Fringe. Taking place over 10 days the festival transforms the Island's southernmost town with a whole world of pop-up venues and bars in every conceivable space, hosting over 150 different shows offering something for everyone.

From cutting-edge cabaret to spectacular circus, events take place in a 'Festival Village' in the beautiful Ventnor Park where there are a number of Big Tops and tented venues, but venture beyond this main site and you may discover events in ancient churches, underground bunkers, locals front rooms and even a 1930s Parisian bus!

Shows at Ventnor Fringe 2025

• Audiences will be fully immersed in ARCADE, a unique experience inspired by the aesthetic of 1980s’ video games. Taking place in a completely dark shipping container, the show uses 360 degree binaural sound and sensory effects. The show has been developed by Darkfield who create innovative experiences at the forefront of technology and theatre.
• A delicious cocktail of classics by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi and more in Opera Up Close’s new production of Opera Cocktail. Performing sparkling English translations with a contemporary twist, performed by the UK’s brightest and best.
• Answer the call and become a hero in It’s Your Role as a troupe of professional actors brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life!
• Early comedy highlights include the return of Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Ahir Shah’s Pick of the Fringe, top comedy podcast Drunk Women Solving Crime as well as new material from Josie Long, Jessica Fostekew and local favourites Quivers and Jack’s Comedy Club.
• Quentin Blake’s classic tale Mrs Armitage on Wheels recreated on stage by Scoot Theatre in their interactive, energetic show, celebrating the joy of getting outdoors.

More shows to be announced soon...

Press Reviews

'One hell of a homegrown festival....an authentic, bohemian festival experience" The Independent

"..rapidly becoming the country's most surprising and inspirational multidisciplinary arts festival" The Sunday Times

“Head to the hilly streets of Ventnor… for alt festivities – with a side order of beachy vibes. Art lovers will discover a whole creative world.” Time Out

With a variety of shows taking part in 2025, new additions to the programme will be added regularly at vfringe.co.uk and audience members looking for advice or recommendations can also visit the festival box office at Ventnor Exchange (open 7 days a week from 10am) or by calling (01983) 716767.