Watford Fringe Festival 2026

Marking ten years of outstanding creativity, the Watford Fringe Festival returns this July with an exciting month-long programme of live performance. Bringing together theatre, music, comedy, dance, family entertainment and more, the festival continues to showcase a vibrant mix of award-winning local talent, award-winning acts and internationally recognised performers to the heart of Watford.

This year’s programme features more than 70 performances ranging from pre-Edinburgh previews and renowned stand-up comedians to premieres of new work, returning audience favourites, live music performances and emerging local artists. Highlights include comedy offerings such as Mitch Benn: Asking Elvis (11th & 15th July), which sees the acclaimed comedian and songwriter blend music and sharp satire. Jody Kamali: This Is My Dad (3rd July) offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of family, identity and growing up between cultures, while Crowd Work with President Obonjo (4th July) brings an audience-led comedy style that has made the self-proclaimed African dictator a firm Fringe favourite. Completing the comedy line-up is Alice Keys: Rocket Fan (4th July), a quirky new show packed with stellar storytelling and eccentric humour. 

Music fans can look forward to Southern Beauty featuring Alison Wheeler (23rd July), with the former The Beautiful South vocalist performing much-loved songs and soulful classics. Local musical theatre ensemble In Good Company present Heart & Music (3rd - 4th July), featuring West End performer Ashleigh Fleming (Phantom of the Opera) in a celebration of musical theatre favourites and contemporary hits. Audiences can experience the passion and artistry of Flamenco from Spain (5th July), while the high-energy Wrestling World Cup (12th July) brings the action as international WWE wrestlers go head-to-head. 

Chair of the Watford Pump House Lee Farman comments, When we first floated the idea of staging a performing arts Fringe festival here in Watford, we had no idea that 10 years on it would have grown into the success it is today. We’re really excited about the range and quality of performing arts we’re able to bring audiences in Watford this year. Some of these shows are going to sell out fast so we highly recommend booking your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Participating venues include Watford Pump House, Watford Colosseum, Watford Palace Theatre, West Herts College, Lanchester School, and St Mary’s and St John’s Churches, all transforming the town into a hub of creativity and live entertainment. 

When: Wednesday 1st July – Friday 31st July 2026

Further Information: Watford Fringe 2026