Fringe Festival is an ever-growing annual event which took place in Colchester during the October half term from Wednesday 18th to Sunday 21st In Colchester City Centre. This festival was very accessible for a majority of audiences including children, as there were lots of events within the programme for the whole family to enjoy and performances promoting underrepresented voices, including LGBTQ+.  

What is Fringe? 

We have all heard of the Edinburgh Fringe but what is the “Fringe”? The Fringe began its story with eight uninvited theatre companies arriving at the Edinburgh Festival who were rejected. Not being discouraged by this failed attempt, they decided to come together and begin their own diverse festival which introduced the notorious ‘fringe’.  

What was the Colchester Fringe 2023 like? 

3,000 people walked into the doors of Colchester Venues during the 2023 Fringe, eager to indulge in a inclusive programme and watch a diverse range of performances from comedians to children's shows, Drag queens to poets. This year was a “Fringe” festival like no other including showstopping performances such as “Are you lovin’ it?” which was a wacky romp that takes a Japanese Game show, mix in anime, Krazy Kitty and a businessman. Acts like these were applauded by audiences due to the show being uniquely original and innovative. By involving acts like these and combining the outstanding and exceptional talent of local artists including acts like Zhooshy Cabaret which featured top talent from Colchester's LGBTQ+ and ally's communities which was crammed full of Drag, music, comedy and spoken word performances. 

What has the Co-Director of Colchester Fringe Festival had to say? 

Cameron Abbott-Betts has been the director of this festival since its beginnings has commented on this ever-growing festival and what it has to offer “Fringe is a celebration. From the moment it begins we are all taken to a different place. It's joyful, accepting and a true festivity for all those that perform or attend. It's a place where the 'weird and wonderful' are celebrated, where artists feel safe trying out new work, but also a place where Colchester audiences can see some of the best talent from all over the world right on their doorstep.” But what is to come for Colchester Fringe? Cameron allows a sneak peak of the new and upcoming year for Fringe “Next year's event will take place from late October 2024.It's going to be much longer in its duration that’s for sure”.