Past Events

2020 – 2021

Fringe Festivals respond to the Covid-19 Pandemic

As the world is in the midst of mass separation, the global fringe movement has joined forces to share their vision of a new way of being and a future back together.
“As a united family of international Fringe Festivals, we maintain hope for the future. Sustaining a cohesive creative community is at the forefront of our Fringe Festivals ethos. We aim to mitigate risks for artists and support the creative ecology, during this time, by using our access to local communities.
As the period of adjustment moves to recovery, Fringe Festivals will utilise skills and connections to rebuild economic growth and access to presenting work. Fringe Festivals will continue to offer artists and all those involved, access to stabilising conversation and an open door to innovation.
The Fringe Festivals worldwide pledge is to be generous of spirit by giving time and energy, and a platform of support to re-aggregate and rebuild our creative society”.


World Fringe Congress

Image result for world fringe congressFebruary 14 to 17 February (Fringe continues to 15 March) 2020 Adelaide, Australia

Global Fringe meet of Fringe Festival producers and decision-makers. Hosted by Adelaide Fringe

News bulletin

World Fringe Day
Saturday 11 July 2020 – World Wide

Follow the global phenomenon and celebrate the importance of Fringe Festivals. Changing and developing culture everywhere, every day #WorldFringeDay


2019


World Fringe Day
Thursday 11 July 2019 – World Wide

Follow the global phenomenon and celebrate the importance of Fringe Festivals. Changing and developing culture everywhere, every day #WorldFringeDay

Fringe Festivals Around the World
12.30am – 2pm Friday 16 August 2019
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Meet & hear from Fringe Directors & Producers from around the world. Join the discussion, gain insights & find out how to tour this rich circuit of over 250 international Fringe Festivals.
Since 2006 World Fringe has introduced hundreds of Fringes who’ve enabled endless tours & opportunities! Past panellists include Directors from San Diego, Orlando, Taipei, Brighton, Prague, Hollywood, Grahamstown, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Montreal Fringes and more! A great networking opportunity.

Edfringe – Ticket

What Fringe Next?
11.30 – 1pm Saturday 17 August 2019
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Having a great experience? Where can you go next? What touring opportunities are out there? This is a fascinating insight into a world of 250 Fringe Festivals from performers first-hand experience! Meet and hear from artists who’ve recently experienced & performed at other Fringes. The ups & downs, challenges & triumphs. What’s it all about? What do they offer? How was it for them? And should you go too?


2018


World Fringe Day
11 July 2018 – World WideRelated image

Follow the global phenomenon and celebrate the importance of Fringe Festivals. Changing and developing culture everywhere, every day #WorldFringeDay

Fringes Around the World: What Fringe Next?
2pm – 4pm Monday 20 August 2018
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer/producer? Want to tour the world? What touring opportunities are out there? A once-a-year chance to meet and hear from fringe festival directors from around the world; alongside a fascinating insight from performers who have been there and done it! Join the discussion and get the insights, hear and share how to take part and how they differ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Come and get the answers you need to tour internationally on the fringe circuit. Come to listen or come to share. Everyone welcome!

World Fringe Congress
16 – 21 August 2018, Edinburgh

Global Fringe meet of Fringe Festival producers and decision-makers. Hosted by the Edinburgh Fringe. 


2017


Street Arts – Where To Go Next?
Friday 18 August 2017 10 – 11.30am (just after the Edfringe street draw)
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

What opportunities are out there in the Street Art sector? Join the discussion on current trends, overcoming issues and hear about new opportunities.
A chance for programmers of outdoor work to meet the performers and share ideas. Hear from a panel of industry professionals about career development opportunities, touring destinations and how to progress and reach new audiences.
A great networking opportunity with like-minded people – Street Artists and programmers welcome!

World Fringe Street Cafe
1 – 4pm Friday 18  August 2017
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Breakout sessions aimed at Street and Outdoor Arts. Concentrating on career development and touring opportunities. The event will focus on topics such as where to go next, show reels, legal issues, funding for artistic development, partnership working and where/how to develop your craft. Network with some of the UK’s leading Outdoor and Street Arts development platforms, bookers and support networks.

Fringe Festivals Around the World
10.30am – 12noon Saturday 19 August 2017
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Now in it’s 11th year – this is a chance to meet and hear from Fringe Festival directors & producers from around the world. Join the discussion and get the insights, hear how to take part and how they differ to Edinburgh Fringe. Come and get the answers you need to touring international on the Fringe circuit.
Past panellists have represented Fringes include San Diego, Brighton, Hollywood, Grahamstown, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Montreal and more!
A great networking opportunity.

What Fringe Next?
1 – 2.30pm Saturday 19 August 2017
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Where can you go next? What touring opportunities are out there? A fascinating insight into other Fringe Festivals from a performer’s point of view! Meet and hear from performers who have recently experienced other Fringes. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? What do they offer? How was it for them? And should you go too?

World Fringe Day
Tuesday 11 July 2017
WORLD-WIDE

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was the world’s first Fringe back in 1947. Fast forward 70 years there are now more than 200 Fringes worldwide. 2017 marks 70 years since the birth of the Fringe concept.

See the 20 interviews we conducted throughout the day and hear from 41 Fringe Directors WORLD FRINGE ON YOUTUBE

World Fringe Cafe
Sunday 7 May 2017, 11am – 5pm
Brighton Fringe

We invite Fringe Festival Managers and producers of festivals to discuss and share the topics that affect them the most. Make connections and collaborations and work towards strengthening your festival and the world Fringe Sector

Facebook Event

WF cafe bton 17


2016


World Fringe Congress
16 – 18 November 2016, Montreal Canada

Hosted by the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) & Montréal Fringe

Fringe Festivals Around the World
Saturday 20 August 2016 10.30am
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Now in it’s 10th year – this is a chance to meet and hear from Fringe Festival directors & producers from around the world. Join the discussion and get the insights, hear how to take part and how they differ to Edinburgh Fringe. Come and get the answers you need to touring international on the Fringe circuit.
Past panellists have represented Fringes include San Diego, Brighton, Hollywood, Grahamstown, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Montreal and more!
A great networking opportunity.

PANELLISTS
Kevin Charles-Patterson – San Diego Fringe
Hannah J Clarke – New Zealand Fringe
Anita Bigsby – Ludlow Fringe
Xela Batchelder – Pittsburgh Fringe
Julian Caddy – Brighton Fringe
Lilja Kopka – FRiNGE Festival Recklinghausen
Carin Waterson – Adelaide Fringe
Catalin Grigoras – Sibiu Fringe
Samuel Speaight – East London Fringe

Free Ticketed
https://www.facebook.com/events/456440461219582/


Street Arts – Where To Go Next?
Sunday 21 August 2016 1.00pm
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

What opportunities are out there in the Street Art sector? Join the discussion on current trends, overcoming issues and hear about new opportunities.
A chance for programmers of outdoor work to meet the performers and share ideas. Hear from a panel of industry professionals about career development opportunities, touring destinations and how to progress and reach new audiences.
A great networking opportunity with like-minded people – Street Artists and programmers welcome!

PANELISTS
Kate Jones, Programme Director – Busk in London
Kevin Charles-Paterson, Executive Director – San Diego Fringe
Andy Meldrum, Street Events Manager – Edinburgh Fringe & Dolphin Creative, Dubai

Free Ticketed
https://www.facebook.com/events/491311984391798/


What Fringe Next?
Monday 22 August 2016 12.00noon
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Where can you go next? What touring opportunities are out there? A fascinating insight into other Fringe Festivals from a performer’s point of view! Meet and hear from performers who have recently experienced other Fringes. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? What do they offer? How was it for them? And should you go too?

Free Ticketed
https://www.facebook.com/events/190365818010172/

We apologize about the quality of this video. It was filmed sideways for a couple of minutes then the internet kept dropping out.


Session continued 1)

https://www.facebook.com/WorldFringe/videos/1162116320497835/

Session Continued 2)

https://www.facebook.com/WorldFringe/videos/1162118530497614/


2015


World Fringe Assembly, London 
October 2015
Theatre Trust
London Fringe ASSEMBLY is a networking event of Fringe Festival producers and managers. Hosted by World Fringe it includes discussion led workshops for local, national and international Fringe festival leaders. The invited gathering of industry professionals will share knowledge, learn about best practice, address current issues and strengthen their organisations. Professional development and cultural connection will be at the heart of the ASSEMBLY, and encouraging the generation of quality performance as the goal.


What Fringe Next?
Friday 21 August 2015 11am
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performers where should you go next? What touring opportunities are out there?
A fascinating insight to other Fringe Festivals from a performer’s point of view. Meet and hear from performing companies and venues who have recently experienced other Fringes. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about and what do they offer? How was it for them and should you go too?


Street Arts – Where To Go Next?
Friday, 21 August 2015 12:45pm
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performers join a discussion set up specifically for Street and Outdoor Artists, to hear from a panel of industry professionals about career development opportunities, touring destinations, how to progress and reach new audiences. This talk is a chance for programmers and festivals who book outdoor work to meet the artists and hear the issues. A great networking opportunity with like-minded people – Street Artists and programmers welcome!


Fringe Festivals Around the World
Friday 21 August 2015 2:30pm
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

A chance to meet and hear from Fringe Festival directors around the world. Join the discussion and get the insights, hear why they’re important and how they differ. Ask a question on how you could take part and tour to more destinations. Past Fringes include San Diego, Brighton, Hollywood, Grahamstown, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Montreal and more! Come meet the Fringe producers – a great networking opportunity.
Amber Hasler – Perth Fringe
Xela Batchelor – Pitsburgh Fringe
Lydia Zanetti – Auckland Fringe
Anita Bigsby – Ludlow Fringe
Natalia Barrett – Somerset Fringe
Adam PotryKus – Stockholm Fringe
Amy Blackmore – Montreal Fringe


Irish Fringe Assembly
June 2015
Galway Fringe
A networking event of Fringe Festival producers and managers. Hosted by World Fringe it includes discussion led workshops for local, national and international Fringe festival leaders. The invited gathering of industry professionals will share knowledge, learn about best practice, address current issues and strengthen their organisations. Professional development and cultural connection will be at the heart of the ASSEMBLY, and encouraging the generation of quality performance as the goal.
Attendees: Galway Fringe, Dublin Frigne, Ludlow Fringe, Wandsworth Fringe


Fringe Assembly in Italy
June 2015
Rome
A networking event of Fringe Festival producers and managers. Hosted by World Fringe it includes discussion led workshops for local, national and international Fringe festival leaders. The invited gathering of industry professionals will share knowledge, learn about best practice, address current issues and strengthen their organisations. Professional development and cultural connection will be at the heart of the ASSEMBLY, and encouraging the generation of quality performance as the goal.


World Fringe Assembly
May 2015
Spiegletent, Brighton
A networking event of Fringe Festival producers and managers. Hosted by World Fringe it includes discussion led workshops for local, national and international Fringe festival leaders. The invited gathering of industry professionals will share knowledge, learn about best practice, address current issues and strengthen their organisations. Professional development and cultural connection will be at the heart of the ASSEMBLY, and encouraging the generation of quality performance as the goal.



2014


What Fringe Next?
Friday, 15 August 2014 at 11:00
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Where should you go next? What Touring opportunities are out there? A fascinating insight to other Fringe Festivals from a performer’s point of view! Hear from, and meet, performing companies and venues who have recently experienced other Fringes. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? What do they offer? How was it for them? And should you go too?

Fringe Festivals Around the World
Friday, 15 August 2014 at 1.30pm
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

A once-a-year chance to meet and hear from Fringe Festival directors around the world. Join the discussion and get the insights, hear why they’re important and how they differ. Ask a question on how you could take part and tour to more destinations.

Past Fringes include San Diego, Brighton, Hollywood, Grahamstown, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Montreal and more! Come meet the Fringe producers – A great networking opportunity.


2013


Street Arts – Where To Go Next?
Friday, 16 August 2013 at 11:00
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

A useful initiative set up specifically to enable Street Artists to hear from a panel of programmers and festivals who book and tour Street Artists.

Come and hear about career development opportunities, touring destinations and how to progress and reach new audiences.

Format: Panel discussion followed by Q&A. A great networking opportunity with like minded people – Street Artists and programmers welcome!

Fringe Festivals Around the World
Saturday, 17 August 2013 at 12:00
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

A once-a-year chance to meet and hear from fringe festival directors around the world. Join the discussion and get the global insights, hear why they’re important and how they differ. A great networking opportunity.

What Fringe Next?
Sunday, 18 August 2013 at 12:00
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Where should you go next?

Fascinating insight to a Fringe festival from a performers point of view!

Hear from, and meet, performing companies and venues who have recently experienced other Fringe festivals. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? How was it for them?


2012


What Fringe Next?
Monday, 20 August 2012 at 16:00
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

>Where should you go next? A fascinating insight to a Fringe festival from a performers point of view!

Hear from, and meet, performing companies and venues who have recently experienced other Fringe festivals. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? How was it for them?

Fringe Festivals Around the World
Monday, 20 August 2012 at 12:00
Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Starting in 2006 this is a once-a-year chance to meet and hear from fringe festival directors around the world. Join the discussion and get the global insights, hear why they’re important and how they differ. A great networking opportunity. This panel discussion is now going into its 4th year. It’s hosted by the World Festival Network, who invites a panel of Fringe managers from around the world to discuss their festival. Though out the talk we discover the differences between the Fringes, what the trends are, what works and what doesn’t.

In 2010 nearly 200 people attended the event from performers to producers and agents. The festivals on the panel have created a network between them and synergies have begun. A lot of positive feedback was given by the festival staff, performers, agents and media who attended.

Past panel members: Ben Hill – Hollywood Fringe, Steve Gove – Prague Fringe, Barry Church Woods – Edinburgh Fringe, Anneke Jansen– Amsterdam Fringe, Tony Lankaster & Ismail Mahomed – Grahamstown Fringe, Greg Clarke and Christy Anthony – Adelaide Fringe, Stuart Every – Dubai Fringe, Patrick Goddard – Montreal Fringe, Wolfgang Hoffman – Dublin Fringe.

World Fringe Congress
Thursday, 16 August 2012 at 09:30
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

ALL FRINGE STAFF FROM AROUND THE WORLD YOU ARE INVITED TO… WORLD FRINGE CONGRESS

The inaugural World Fringe Congress will bring together Fringe directors and organisers from around the globe, during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With generous support from the City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland, the World Fringe Congress is an important part of the cultural and sporting celebrations taking place in the UK in 2012 [and is an official event of the Cultural Olympiad].

The Congress aims to inspire the Fringe community and foster international collaboration through a mix of discussion and networking events. There will be a chance for Fringes to meet Edinburgh participants and wider cultural leaders to raise awareness of the scale and importance of Fringe activity on the world stage.

The mission of the Congress is to create a lasting network and a real sense of how Fringes can work together to achieve all our aims. We welcome delegates from across the globe to join us on this exciting new journey. The Congress takes will be free for Fringe staff and representatives to attend and some bursaries will be available to support delegates travelling to the event.

BAFA Festival Forum: FRINGE FESTIVALS
Thursday, 3 May 2012 at 13:00
Theatres Trust 22 London

Continuing BAFA’s successful single interest series of seminars, Holly Payton and Cath Mattos from World Festival Network will lead an afternoon forum designed especially for Fringe Festivals. Whether you already are involved with a Fringe, are just in the planning stages – or anywhere in between – then join us for a lively afternoon with colleagues who face the same challenges as you do – every day.

Email BAFA to register your interest – info@artsfestivals.co.uk
The programme will be adapted to focus on the key issues the delegates want to discuss, but will include the following:

Overview about ‘World Fringe’
The numbers, the different structures, the trends and the networks that exist already.

Financial structures, difference between a programmed and Fringe Festival

Breakout A: I’m new to Fringe
Analysis of what the main points are of running a Fringe.
The Fringe year and time tabling
Staffing
Budgets
Sustainable finance: funding and sponsorship
How to involve your local community including businesses, venues and local authorities
Breakout B: Expanding your Fringe
International collaboration
Attracting international and touring companies
Attracting a better quality/calibre of registering companies
Legal issues – Risk assessments, Insurance
Marketing and ticketing systems

Open Forum
Questions from previous topics Lessons learned – problems and obstacles Round up and discuss ‘what’s next?’


2011


Fringe Festivals Around the World
August 2011, Fringe Central, Edinburgh

A once-a-year chance to meet and hear from fringe festival directors around the world. Join the discussion and get the global insights, hear why they’re important and how they differ. A great networking opportunity.

What Fringe Next?
August 2011, Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Where should you go next?

Fascinating insight to a Fringe festival from a performers point of view!

Hear from, and meet, performing companies and venues who have recently experienced other Fringe festivals. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? How was it for them?


2010


Fringe Festivals Around the World
August 2010, Fringe Central, Edinburgh

A once-a-year chance to meet and hear from fringe festival directors around the world. Join the discussion and get the global insights, hear why they’re important and how they differ. A great networking opportunity.

What Fringe Next?
August 2010, Fringe Central, Edinburgh

Performer? Where should you go next?

Fascinating insight to a Fringe festival from a performers point of view!

Hear from, and meet, performing companies and venues who have recently experienced other Fringe festivals. The ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. What’s it all about? How was it for them?


2009


Edinburgh & World Fringe Road show 
March 2009, South Korea
1 to 1 Advice Service
March 2009, South Korea
Sessions with performance companies
Edinburgh & World Fringe Road show
March 2009, Adelaide
1 to 1 Advice Service
March 2009, Adelaide
Sessions with performance companies
World Fringe Lecture
February 2009, Napia University
Planning lecture for Festivals and Events BA Hons
Edinburgh & World Fringe Road show
January 2009, New York

2008


BAFA Conference (British Arts Festival Association)

October 2008, Liverpool

What is a Fringe & why is it important for a City?

Fringes Around the World 

August 2008, Roman Eagle Lodge, Edinburgh

Panel Discussion

The importance of Fringe

 August 2008, Roman Eagle Lodge, Edinburgh Panel Discussion


2007


BAFA Conference (British Arts Festival Association)

October 2007, Buxton

What is a fringe & why is it important for a City?

How to Fringe?

August 2007, Roman Eagle Lodge, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Fringe Society Road Show

World Fringe Panel

August 2007, Roman Eagle Lodge, Edinburgh

With Fringe Managers from around the world

New Writing Discussion

August 2007, C Venues Edinburgh

With writers, directors and Programmers

World Fringe Panel Talk

June 2007

Prague Fringe,  organised by the Czech Centre


2006


CAFF conference (Canadian Association of Fringe festival)

November 2006

World Fringe Panel 
August 2006, Roman Eagle Lodge, Edinburgh
With Fringe managers from around the world

2005


Dublin Theatre Shop Conference

Sept 2005

Liaising with Irish Theatre companies