Today we are speaking to Nick and Charlotte, the organisers of Guildford Fringe which enters it’s 13th year in 2025. This year the festival runs between the 5th and 20th September and I wanted to talk to the team to find out what they have in store for audiences this year.
Hello Nick and Charlotte nice to meet you – how did the idea of the Guildford Fringe Festival come about?
Guildford Fringe Festival was founded in 2013 by Nick, who aimed to create an inclusive, open-access platform for diverse performing arts in Guildford. It began as a vision to make the arts accessible to everyone, whether as creators or audience members, by welcoming acts across all disciplines without restrictions.
Tell us about the Guildford fringe festival?
Guildford Fringe is Guildford’s largest independent arts festival. An open-access, multi-arts festival featuring everything from comedy, theatre, live music, poetry, visual arts, cabaret, and children’s shows to workshops, talks, exhibitions, and lots of free events. This year we have eight venues, from pubs and churches to libraries and even Clandon Wood Natural Burial Reserve – bringing arts to unexpected and beautiful corners of Guildford.
The festival is going into its 13th year – what makes this year’s festival different from the rest?
This year we have decided to hold the festival in September. We have always traditionally been in July but we felt that September would work better – let’s give it a go!
Can you remember the first year? How far has the festival come since then?
The festival’s first year in 2013 had 28 events and one venue. It has grown impressively to become Guildford’s largest independent arts festival. Today, it attracts around 9,000 audience members and offers extensive support for participating artists including marketing, technical assistance, promotion, box office support, printed materials, and social media exposure.
What are some of the show highlights that you have in store?
Some of our great free events this year are Opera on The Balcony on 7th September where we close the High Street and people can come and enjoy an evening of Opera. Also Drag Story Time on 6th September at Guildford Library, where a fabulous drag queen reads fun and inclusive stories. And The Bubble Show at Clandon Wood on Saturday 20th September. We also have a shedload of comedy and theatre at The Back Room of The Star Inn which is always wonderful.
What is the best thing about the festival?
What makes the Guildford Fringe truly special is its commitment to accessibility and diversity, with open access, free events, and a rich mix of art forms, the festival reflects the creative pulse of the town. It invites everyone from emerging artists to families and seasoned performers to come together, share stories, and celebrate creativity in places you might least expect. We generally don’t use traditional theatre spaces and prefer the atmosphere that comes from using pub function rooms, libraries and the High Street.
What are the challenges of running the festival?
Logistics, always logistics. Also supporting artists effectively, including marketing, technical support, box office, etc, while keeping entry fees accessible – only £50. The boring worry of money is always present!
Finally why should people come to Guildford for the festival?
It’s an eclectic, inclusive festival where you can explore a wide range of arts: comedy, theatre, drag, music, spoken word – all in one town. The festival brings fresh, exciting talent to alternative venues throughout Guildford, enhancing the town’s cultural appeal. You’ll experience the joy of live performance in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, while supporting creatives and discovering something new around every corner. Also tickets are affordable and some are free, that’s what we are about!
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