Ventnor Fringe
Ventnor Fringe returns this Summer showcasing award-winning comedy, theatre, music and circus.
From secret shows in caves and late-night parties on the cliff tops to Edinburgh previews of the best emerging comedians, circus, and immersive theatre, Ventnor Fringe is the Isle of Wight's unique arts festival. Set within a National Landscape and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Ventnor offers a stunning backdrop for a unique summer escape. Taking place from 17th -26th July 2026, the festival features over 130 shows spanning theatre, comedy, cabaret, circus, music and children’s shows.
Highlights
Explore Ventnor's famous Botanic Garden after hours with The Circus Trail as an international cast of acrobats and dancers transform these beautiful tropical gardens into a unique promenade performance. It's the perfect festival adventure for adults and children of all ages, where you'll be guided on a trail through the gardens and discover all sorts of acts along the way!
The new Ventnor Exchange Arena, a striking pink Big Top built especially for the festival in 2025 makes a return with smash hits including POLICE COPS, direct from London's Soho Theatre, vaudevillian duo Norvil and Josephine's magic comedy Rabbits Out of the Hat and chart tipping podcasts like The Guilty Feminist and Drunk Women Solving Crime.
Ventnor is a popular destination with comedians hosting previews. This year those making the ferry crossing include previous Edinburgh Comedy Award winners liker Ahir Shah, Joe-Kent Walters as Frankie Monroe and Sam Nicoresti as well as international acts like Felicity Ward and Tom Ballard.
After a busy day watching shows, audiences gather each evening on the clifftops as the sun goes down. The new Club Lunar features a packed line up packed with special guests including international musical collective The Turbans, Cumbia/Tropicana project Malphino, sitar led indo-jazz from Jawari, Latin/reggae from The Soulfire Project and Brooklyn psych group Evolfo. Along with tastemakers like Tina Edwards on the decks and pop-up circus and cabaret performers.
Where: Ventnor Exchange, 11 Church Street, Ventnor, IW, PO38 1SW)
When: Friday 17th July – Sunday 26th July 2026
Venue details
- Address:
- Ventnor Exchange
- 11 Church Street
- Isle of White
- PO38 1SW
- Contact:
- https://vfringe.co.uk/