Bath Fringe Festival unveils 2024 programme

Bath Fringe Festival is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated 2024 programme. The festival is back in full swing, ready to reignite the city with creativity and culture.

With an impressive lineup boasting over 100 events, featuring a diverse array of performances from local and international artists, this year's Bath Fringe Festival promises to captivate audiences from all walks of life. The festival is scheduled to take place from Friday 24 May to Sunday 9 June.

Landmark Bath venues such as The Bell, Burdall’s Yard, Chapel Arts Centre, The Grapes, Komedia, The Mission Theatre, The Museum of Bath at Work, The Rondo Theatre, and a scattering of others will once again welcome festival-goers with a rich and varied program spanning music, theatre, comedy, and more. The Bell pub on Walcot Street promises casual pub gigs featuring an eclectic mix of bands and artists throughout the festival.

In partnership with the Fringe, Fringe Arts Bath (FAB) will return with a dynamic program of visual art exhibitions and participation events. Expect innovative and surprising offerings alongside established favourites like The Bath Photo Marathon.

Fringe Director, Steve Henwood comments: “Every year's Fringe Festival is a bit of a health check for the emerging and grassroots arts, locally and nationally. From the looks of this programme, it's all pretty vigorous, especially in the Fringe's core strengths of Music and Theatre.

Funding for the arts and the economics of small venues are both major issues for a lot of us right now, the Fringe is a pretty cheap and cost-effective way of promoting both of those. Take a look at the programme and see who you can help out by going to see them!”

Selected Highlights (for full listings please visit our website - www.bathfringe.co.uk)

Latin Fusion Extravaganza at Komedia Bath

Step into the vibrant world of Latin music with fringe veteran Robert Pla & his Latin Ensemble (Tues 4 June). After three decades of captivating audiences, this twenty-piece big band returns to Komedia Bath for a night of Latin infusion, promising an electrifying performance that will leave you dancing all night long.

Songwriting Masterclass and Celtic Delights

Renowned local songwriter Jennifer Crook invites you to delve into the art of songwriting at her masterclass in the enchanting surroundings of the Raven Library (Thurs 6 June), and the opportunity to catch her acoustic duo at The Royal Oak (Sun 9 June). But the musical magic doesn't end there. Join Wiltshire-based musicians Tamsin Quin and Oliver Lavery as they weave mystical Celtic tales with original compositions at Burdall’s Yard, promising an enchanting evening of Celtic Tides (Thurs 6 June).

Psychedelic Journeys and Jazz-Rock Disruptors at Komedia Bath

We are pleased to further our ongoing relationship with Komedia Bath at this years’ Fringe Festival. Venture into the realm of psychedelia with the legendary Ozric Tentacles at Komedia Bath (Fri 31 May). Emerging from the UK's festival scene in the '80s, Ozric Tentacles promises a mesmerising sonic journey filled with psychedelic landscapes and cosmic vibrations. Join John Martin and The Brackish for an unforgettable musical journey spanning experimental compositions, and soul-stirring saxophone melodies. Meanwhile, jazz-rock disruptors Get The Blessing, formed by Portishead's rhythm section, will unveil their seventh studio album, showcasing their signature blend of innovation and virtuosity.(Sun 2 June).

Theatrical Delights and Comedy Capers at Various Venues

Prepare to be captivated by a plethora of theatrical delights across Bath's iconic venues. From the hilarious antics of teenage goths in Let’s Unpack That by Black Dog Productions who return once more to the Rondo Theatre (Fri 7 June) to the enchanting world of dot dot dot theatre's, Dot, the Faun and the Elfin Child, also at the Rondo Theatre (Weds 5 June), there's something for every theatre lover to enjoy.

Meanwhile, Succulent Theatre invites audiences to explore the hidden side of womanhood in the autobiographical piece NASTY at Burdall’s Yard, challenging traditional notions of femininity with raw honesty and unapologetic flair.(Sun 26 & Mon 27 May). And don't miss The Demeter by Boogie Nachts Theatre at The Mission Theatre, offering a hilariously macabre comedy taken from between the pages of Bram Stoker's Dracula. (Sun 26 & Mon 27 May).

Comedy Extravaganza and Cinematic Classics

Indulge in a riotous evening of comedy with Mik Artistic and his Ego Trip at Nowhere, guaranteed to leave you in stitches with their unclassifiably funny and danceable performances. (Thurs 30 May). Meanwhile, Edinburgh Fringe previews at the Rondo Theatre offer a sneak peek into the comedic genius of Pierre Novellie & Nic Sampson. (Weds 29 May).

The Museum of Bath at Work is presenting a whole host of events including a number of classic film showings including The Day The Earth Caught Fire (1961), (Sat 25 May), Culloden (1964) (Sat 1 June), and The Time Machine (1960) (Sat 15 June). Along with a weekend featuring a special exhibition of Meccano (Sat 8 & Sun 9 June).

Family Fun and Outdoor Arts

For family-friendly entertainment, look no further than the Children’s Fringe Festival at the New Oriel Hall, offering a packed programme of entertainment for the young and young at heart. (Thurs 30 & Fri 31 May). And don't miss the Radstock Fayre presented by the fabulous Natural Theatre Company at St Nicholas Church Field in Radstock, a free outdoor arts event brimming with live music, street theatre, visual arts activities, and fun for all ages. (Sun 2 June).

Musical Marvels and Intimate Performances at The Grapes & The Back Bar at the Bell

Experience the eclectic sounds of local bands and musicians at The Grapes, with Irish Sessions, Jazz Sessions, Songwriting Circle, and a host of brilliant performances throughout the festival. And in the intimate confines of the Back Bar at The Bell, be enchanted by the soulful melodies of Katuš & The Gift Horses, (Sat 25 May), the spirited compositions of Zephyrian Clarinets, (Fri 24 May) and the side-splitting comedy of Walcot Comedy Club (Fri 2 June).

Unique Audio Tour Of Bath

Running throughout the festival step into the enchanting world of Wonder, an audio walk led by poet Janey McLeod-White. Through rhythmic poetry and ethereal music, Janey guides listeners to rediscover the beauty of life. Accessible via the Echoes app or Positive Poetry website, explore Bath's green spaces with Janey's uplifting words. Praised for her passion and inspirational performances, Janey's poetry offers solace and clarity. Don't miss this immersive experience where art and science combine to create magic.

Experience the magic of Bath Fringe Festival from Friday 24 May to Sunday 9 June, as the city comes alive with creativity, community, and celebration. Pick up a copy of the festival brochure from various locations around Bath or visit the festival website to discover what's on across our participating venues. The website is now live and printed brochures will be available to collect from Monday 15 April from a variety of local venues.

For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow Bath Fringe Festival on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and visit www.bathfringe.co.uk.