A brand new arts festival inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe is coming to Lancaster next year.
The Lancaster Fringe Festival will run from June 24 to 27 2027, bringing four days filled with a diverse programme of live arts and entertainment.
Organisers said the event will take inspiration from long-established fringe festivals, including Edinburgh, and aim to showcase a wide range of performers and genres across multiple venues throughout the city,
The organising team are inviting venues and operators across Lancaster to find out more about the festival at an information session on Thursday July 16 at The Storey in the city, from 11am to 1pm.
The festival has been developed by a stakeholder group including Lancaster City Council, The Dukes, Lancaster BID and Lancaster Comedy Festival.
They said the free-to-attend session will "provide key details on how the festival will operate, how venues can take part, and what support will be available to those getting involved".
“Lancaster has a fantastic network of venues and creative spaces and this operator session is an important first step in bringing people together, sharing how the festival will work, and exploring how venues can play their part," said Councillor Martin Bottoms, cabinet member with responsibility for arts, culture and festivals on Lancaster City Council.
"We’re keen to hear from operators, understand what they need, and work collaboratively to create a festival that reflects the character and creativity of our city.”
Chris Lawson, chief executive at The Dukes, said: “The launch of Lancaster Fringe Festival is a hugely exciting development for the city and its creative community.
"Fringe festivals are renowned for providing a platform where emerging talent can sit alongside established performers, creating a vibrant and accessible programme that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
“Lancaster already has a strong cultural offer and a wealth of creative talent, and this festival will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase that on an even larger scale. We look forward to working with partners, venues and artists to create an event that celebrates the creativity, ambition and unique character of our city.”
Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID Manager, added: “Lancaster BID is excited to be involved in delivering this new festival, which will build on the success of events like Love Lancaster Live while expanding to incorporate all types of performing arts.
"It’s a great opportunity to drive footfall into the city centre and support our fantastic range of businesses.”
Further details about the festival programme and opportunities to get involved will be announced as plans develop, said the organisers.
A separate fringe festival runs in Morecambe and Carnforth, as the brainchild of local poet, performer and radio presenter Matt Panesh.
The Morecambe Bay Fringe is now in its 10th year, and will run from July 20 to August 9, with 40 shows across pubs, theatres, libraries and cinemas, along with an expanded Carnforth fringe of 30+ shows.
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