On the eve of the UK’s second oldest Fringe Festival’s opening, the excitement spreading through the local art, music, dance and comedy scenes is reaching a boiling point. Beginning Friday 20th September through to Sunday 6th October the event has plenty to offer from award-winning musicians to acclaimed artists and awesome dance performances, there’s sure to be plenty of fun for all the family.
Set up by Nicola Brooker 48 years ago, when she thought the Windsor Festival, which centred on Classical music, was both too stiff and too expensive. The fringe continues to this day, continuing to provide cheaper (but no less fantastic) artistic experiences, celebrate the diverse range of artistic talent and provide a platform for local, young artists to promote themselves.
The fringe kicks off with its Launch party in the Loading Bay Café (Kardleton House, Vansittart Estate, Windsor SL4 1SE). The evening begins with live performances by the 4Motion Dance Studio and Ronnie & Patrick Johnson. Then at 8 the night switches to an extended party with DJ Steve Nash where he will show off his extensive vinyl collection. The evening is fuelled by drinks donated by Windsor and Eton Brewery and Darvilles of Windsor Teas, and gourmet chips from The Chipysmith.
Saturday sees the Lucky Dog theatre Company performing Red Balloon; An endearing story of a young boy who lives in Paris and his “friendship” with the titular inanimate object. Based on the award-winning short film of the same name, this is sure to be a fan favourite, as all Lucky Dog productions have been since there first fringe in 2013. In the evening at the same festival, Award winning jazz singers Claire Martin and Ian Shaw will be performing their “a century of song” performing fan favourite songs, from old war songs to modern classics and everything in between. To book tickets to these please see https://www.oldcourt.org/sales
Walking tours seem to be the theme of Sunday with one from the Windsor guild hall, detailing the day to day trivialities of living in historical, Victorian Windsor. If this doesn’t take your fancy, try picking up a free map from Brewhouse Yard and take a tour through Eton College’s collectors trail. See the history of one of England’s most prestigious schools. For the Younger children there’s Wander Tales, the imaginary adventure through best loved stories. Kids are actively encouraged to express themselves through movement, sound and play during the performance.
If you’re not a wanderer you can settle in at the Loading Bay Café for Vegan & Vinyl, a feast of vegan treats provided by Livity Kitchen and sound tracked by the DJ’s Reggae, Afrobeat and Jazz. Harry house refills will also be there to offer solutions to single use plastic.
