Think nothing ever happens on the Isle of Wight?
From Friday 17th to Sunday 26th July, Ventnor is completely transformed by Ventnor Fringe. We’re talking gigs, secret shows, comedy, theatre, and pop-up venues taking over the town. Started by local young people and now in its 17th year, it still has that homegrown vibe.
Ventnor Fringe is a major festival alternative, you can choose your own experience without the huge ticket prices. You might not have heard many of the names before, but it’s your chance to try something new and gain bragging rights for discovering artists early. Did you know The Maccabees once did a DJ set at the Fringe?
We know a 10 day festival across a whole town can be a lot to wrap your head around, so we’ve broken down exactly how to navigate the Fringe for a low-cost, low-stress experience.
Where to hang out:
You don’t need to spend out to enjoy the Fringe. If you just want to meet up with friends and soak up the atmosphere without buying a ticket, head to these spots:
The Fringe Village (Ventnor Park): This is the main hub. It has bars, incredible street food, and free music all day. It feels like a mini-festival ground during the Fringe.
Ventnor Exchange: The headquarters of Brave Island and Ventnor Fringe. It’s a cafe/bar and record store, and the best place to ask for recommendations if you do want to buy some tickets.
What to watch:
There’s over 130 different shows, but we’ve chosen a few for you. If you only buy one or two tickets, make it these.
Club Lunar: The new beating heart of the festival. Discover secret circus, a cocktail bar, bands, DJs and a late night cabaret every night. Each evening you’ll find special guest headliners and an eclectic music policy spanning psych, reggae, swing, jazz, African, Latin and cumbia. Tickets from just £12, you can check out the full line up here.
Pick of the Fringe: Fan of comedy but not sure who to watch? Join us for a packed night of stand up comedy from some of the funniest acts at this year’s Fringe, curated and hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Ahir Shah.
Police Cops: If theatre’s more your thing, don’t miss this globally-acclaimed comedy blockbuster. Expect adrenaline-fuelled physical comedy, 80s bangers, and uncompromising facial hair.
Our Pro-Tips:
A lot of shows offer under-25 ticket discounts, and there are loads of totally free outdoor performances. Don’t let your bank account stop you from exploring.
Aged 14-25? Don’t forget to check out the Brave Island opportunities at Ventnor Fringe. We’ve got lots of ways to get involved, including placements, trips, and joining the media team.
Parking in Ventnor during the Fringe can be tricky, so use the bus or share a lift with friends. The Number 3 bus runs until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, just put ‘Ventnor Fringe’ into the Southern Vectis app to plan your journey. This year there are e-bikes to hire so you can get around the town, but if you need to drive then we recommend parking for the day and walking around to explore.
