news
2/9/2009 - More Venues Needed to Meet the Demand
July 2009 may still seem along way off however Camfringe staff have been working hard to ensure we have sufficient additional venues for the growing number of enquiries from overseas acts looking to participate at this years Cambridge Fringe Festival. To this end we are doing all we can to unearth new and interesting venues in all sectors,"from village halls to concert halls", according to Camfringe's Scott Regan.
2/7/2009 - Fringe Friends at New Record High!
The number of Fringe Friends supporting Camfringe has already hit a new high and we are just into 2009. "Greater 'World of Fringe Festival' awareness has been put down as the main reason for growing number of Fringe Friends now supporting Camfringe", according to Fringe Director Daniel Hannan.
12/30/2008 - Goodbye and Thank You!
Footlights Bar & Restaurant in Cambridge is to close as its home in The Grafton Centre is be extensively refashioned when the builders move in early 2009. A proud and generous sponsor of Camfringe from its beginning Footlights has played host to many of our opening launch parties and has itself provided a stage for some great and varied acts to perform in Cambridge. Goodbye and Thank You Footlights, for you will be sorely misssed.
11/30/2008 - Camfringe 2008 a Great Success
Camfringe 2008 was voted a great success and well worth repeating according data received from those participating in venues throughout the region during this years summer time fringe festival.
7/17/2008 - More Venues Needed..
"Camfridge Fringe Festival needs more university and city council venues to be released to Fringe Events" said Festival Director at a press conference.
"Cambridge has a great opportunity to pick up tourism from all over Europe on the back of a successful Camfringe" said Hannan. "But to do so we need to attract more big acts and successful shows en-route to Edinburgh and to do that we need more input by the big publicy funded organisations that control some very underused facilties."
8/19/2007 - Subvervive Thinking Scoop!
News that Harry Witchel, Ron Laskey and Mark Stevenson are to present their new science comedy show 'Subversive Thinking'at this years Cambridge Fringe Festival has deleighted the city's academics and science lovers alike.
A science comedy cabaret that allows you to look at life sideways, upside down and under a microscope, this really innovative show even has its own singing Professor. Checking it out under Comedy. Thursday 2nd August 2007.
8/14/2007 - BBC Manager Concerns...
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire's Graham Hughes has been accused of attempting to sabotage Cambridge Fringe 2007 with a late demand that all images and comments attributed to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenters must be 'removed immediately' from the Camfringe website or the full weight of the BBC Legal Department would be brought down on the festival organisers.
Mr Hughes, who was apparently going on a month's leave immediately after making his telephone demands, said the reason for his anger was that the BBC Logo used on the website was not the 2007 version and although he admitted it had been supplied by his department the year before he was annoyed that it had not been updated and that he had not given his personal permission for its use in 2007.
"Mr Hughes timed his demand to cause maximum damage to Cambridge Fringe Festival" said Festival Director Daniel Hannan. "His reaction was completely over the top and demonstrates the need for Fringe people worldwide to be continually vigilant of the powers who seek to destroy fringe festivals."
8/8/2007 - 2008 Fringe dates Confirmed...
The 3rd Cambridge Fringe Festival has been confirmed after its main sponsors pledged themselves to another great year of Fringe in Cambridge during the summer of 2008. Opening on 17th July thru 3rd August Camfringe mains it position as the closest thing to Edinburgh Fringe (datewise).
8/6/2007 - Fringe 2nd Year Ends in Success
Venue managers, audience members and performers have sent congratulatory emails and letters in ever increasing numbers this year as testiment to the growing success of Camfridge Fringe Festival 2007.
Camfringe staff reported a huge increase in the email newsletters subscriptions and messages of support from everyone associated with Camfringe "Very encouraging, and just the tonic our young team needed" said press and Publicity Manager Scott Regan.
8/3/2007 - Subversive Thinking a Smash Hit....
Science Comedy Show 'Subversive Thinking' looks to be the real surprise 'Smash Hit' of the 2007 Cambridge Fringe Festival. This rather upside down comedy play/cabaret show, presented by Big Brother TV Reality Show star Ron Lasky played to a packed house at Footlights Restaurant in the Grafton Centre and has already received plenty votes for star performance at this years Camfringe.
8/1/2007 - Fringe Spoilers Repelled...
Cambridge Fringe Festival has undergone another year of attacks by spoilers jealous of its growing success and eager to see Fringe activities in Cambridge fail, says fringe director Daniel Hannan.
"Not everyone loves the fringe. It is a fact known to us since its conception many years ago and its something fringe supporters and performers have been forced to deal with all over the world; and not just in Cambridge. Fringe in Cambridge has numerous people who see it as a threat and would enjoy its demise" says Hannan. "But the good news is we have a growing number of supporters and well wishers; and fringe membership and sponsorship is on the up too. The future is bright."
6/21/2007 - Fringe Director hopes of a new beginning
Daniel Hannan, the 2007 Cambridge Fringe Festival Director has labelled Cambridge City Council Environmental Services head Roger Coey "a dinosaur" when speaking at a recent fringe fundraising event. "Roger Coey has done little to help Cambridge bars and restaurants promote the arts in his time at the helm of Environmental Services. He is little short of a dinosaur unable to look into the future and the city and its people can now hope to herald a new beginning with the wonderful news that he is to retire at long last" said Hannan.
6/7/2007 - Imelda May - Garden Party
Dublin-born Imelda May is fast becoming regarded by fans and critics alike as one of the finest vocalists currently emerging out of the UK roots music scene. She is a rocking little minx; tough, sassy, sexy, classy. A big voice on a fine tiny frame. She has performed for royal families, huge festivals for all types of music, pubs and clubs, national radio stations, and has performed all over the world. Imelda has carved out an extensive repertoire of cool covers and amazing self-penned songs. For a young woman she has all the musical experience of a veteran Rockabilly warrior and is sure to provide a great finale at this years Fringe Garden Party. To listen to Imelda May vist www.myspace.com/imeldamay1
6/3/2007 - Fringe Launch Party Date Announced...
The 2007 Camfringe launch party is set fot Thursday 19th July at Footlights Bar & Restaurant in Cambridge. This glittering party night will feature some great cabaret acts apprearing at this years fringe. Tickets available by email only for what is always a sold out event. NO tickets are available on the door.
6/1/2007 - Ian Kendall performing magic...
Fringe stalwart and close up magic master technician Ian Kendall is set to bewilder and thrill his audiences once again when he brings his famous Edinburgh fringe magic show to Cambridge this summer. To see Ian Kendall perform his magic visit www.cambridgefootlights.com and visit the whats on section of the website.
5/16/2007 - Entertainment Licence Helpdesk
Camfringe venue manager Scott Regan has set up a special Entertainment Licence Helpdesk in a bid to help the increasing number of venue managers and budding promoters looking for advice as to how to go about obtaining an entertainment licence. Regan said,"While I long for the day when Cambridge City Council allows all promoters and artistes the right to promote the arts anywhere within the city during the 18 days of the fringe festival its still a long way off and we aim to help people understand the licensing system and how to get the best out of it, fringe wise". To get your free guide to special entertaiment licence applications email info@camfringe.com
5/2/2007 - Fringe Jazz Hotspots
Cambridge is fast becoming a real hotspot for top quality jazz clubs and pubs and the Cambridge Fringe Festival is already attracting some of the best jazz talent in the country and our jazz hotspots become even better known once yo have all tapped your toes to Blue Harlem. Be sure to join the email list for the full jazz and blues programme and a full list of the jazz and blues line up.
4/10/2007 - Sara Mitra sings.....
Cambridge Fringe favourite Sara Mitra has uploaded some brand new recordings of original songs to www.myspace.com/saramitra Why not check out her amazing talent before coming along to one of her Cambridge Fringe gigs this summer.
3/3/2007 - Jo Caulfield in Fundraiser
Britain´s No.1 female comic Jo Caulfield is to headline a star studded line-up of top comedians at this years comedy fund raising night at Footlights Comedy Club in Cambridge. The date for the show is Thursday 29th March and tickets are already on sale online via www.cambridgefootlights.com
2/19/2007 - City Council Acting Too Slow....
Cambridge City Council have been accused of acting much too slow in supporting Camfringe says festival director Daniel Hannan. "The big wigs of Cambridge City Council are much too slow to embrace the fantastic opportunity that a vibrant, successful fringe can bring to Cambridge." Speaking at a recent sponsors lunch, festival director Daniel Hannan claimed that despite promises made last year "Cambridge City Council officers seemed much too tied up in internal polictics and self preservation to embrace outside iniatives like the fringe; and unless council big wigs started to seek a better understanding of the fringe ideal and potential, Cambridge City Council could be accused of serious neglect to both the business community and city residents".
2/14/2007 - Valentines Lunch for Sponsors
A highly successful Valentines Day Lunch was held with Sponsors of 2007 Cambridge Fringe Festival. The lunch held at Footlight Restaurant in Cambridge focused on the many real benefits sponsors achieve from supporting an Open Arts Festival in Cambridge. Festival Director,Daniel Hannan thanked those who had sponsored the 2006 Festival and said he was proud to say all those involved in sponsorship last year had signed up once again and was pleased to announce another three Cambridge businesses had committed to signing sponsorship deals for this year already.
2/3/2007 - Spoiling Threat to Fringe Continues...
Festival Director Daniel Hannan has reported an increased threat of spoiling tactics aimed at undermining the Fringe in Cambridge. "Reports that venues and sponsors have been approached by people keen to see the death of Fringe in Cambridge are on the increase", says Daniel Hannan. "But like Fringe all around the world we will fight our corner and with the help of our loyal (and ever increasing)band of friends, supporters and sponsors we will continue to develop and grow. Fringe is hear to stay in Cambridge of that you can be certain".
1/19/2007 - Graphic Designers Wanted
Offering a wonderful opportunity to promote your talent this job requires a forward thinking, very talented Graphic Designer. As always with Camfringe you´ll never get rich on the work you do, but you will get the exposure and maybe the big break you seek. To apply for this part-time (work from home) position drop us an email with your CV and telephone number.
1/14/2007 - Birmingham Loves a Night at The Fringe
Artistes both professional and amatuer from across the Midlands turned out on 12/01 to learn more about Camfringe and the stage it offers them this summer. Particulary well received by art students was the camfringe presentation on poster and flyer design with its offer of a £100 prize for the best Poster design to promote this years Camfringe 2007 launch.
1/12/2007 - Leicester Roadshow A Great Success!
Last nights Camfringe 2007 Roadshow proved a great success in Leicester. Over 80 acts and entertainers turned out to here Camfringe Festival Director Daniel Hannan speak about the benefits and opportunities that Fringe festival brings to live theatre and the whole world of entertainment. Discussions groups then focused on how to get the best out of Camfringe 2007 and all were voted a great success.
1/9/2007 - Camfringe Membership Hits a New High!
Success brings success and so it seems with us. Our mailing list membership goes from strength to strength and hopes are high at Camfringe HQ that we can very soon top the 10,000 mailing list membership figure.
1/2/2007 - Camfringe 2007 Hits the Road
Camfringe hits the road promoting the 2007 Camfridge Fringe Festival this month. The first stop is Leicester on January the 11th, followed by Birmingham on January 12th. To find out more about our "2007 Roadshows" join our mailing list today.
8/31/2006 - Buy Your Favourite Images Online.
We are pleased to announce that you can now purchase your favourite images online direct from the website of our official photographer Jason Skelton. To view Jason´s picture gallery visit www.jasonskeltonphotography.com
8/20/2006 - Cambridge Winter Fringe - 2006 Dates
Christmas will be something extra special this year with the coming of the "Winter Fringe" to Cambridge. Opening on Thursday 14th December 2006 the Winter Fringe Prgramme will bring added shows and entertainment to the city. The Winter Fringe run ends on Monday 1st January 2007.
8/10/2006 - Fringe 2007 Dates Confirmed
Cambridge Fringe Festival will run for 17days and nights from Friday 20th July to Sunday 5th August 2007. Plans are afoot to increase the number of participating venues and spaces where actors and musicians can perform in what promises to be an even bigger and better festival next year.
8/7/2006 - Cambridge Fringe 2006 A Big Success
Cambridge Fringe has enjoyed a hugely successful 2006 with thousands of new subscribers. Very happy sponsors and venue managers reported increased trade as a result in being part of the Fringe and participants stated "a warm welcome" and "excellent organisation" as the main reasons why they want to return again in 2007. The Fringe office is now busy laying out the basics of what promises to be an even bigger and better Cambridge Fringe Festival in 2007 and anyone are encouraging anyone with an intererst in getting involved to get in touch by emailing: info@camfringe.com
8/7/2006 - Jason Skelton - Photographic Exhibition
Official Fringe Photographer Jason Skelton has received much praise for his work during this years Cambridge Fringe. With credits coming in from far and wide and interest in his work growing daily, Jason has been asked to exhibit his work in Cambridge City Centre this Christmas.
8/5/2006 - Supports Pours in for Fringe 2007
As Cambridge Fringe 2006 draws to a close tomorrow night, support has been pouring in with hundreds of emails giving ideas and suggestions on how to make things bigger and better in 2007. E-mails from as far afield as Australia and Canada have been received and some of the ideas sent will ensure a pretty wonderful 2007, Camfringe wise at least.
8/4/2006 - Ruby´s Still A Gem
Ruby Turner´s Cambridge Fringe Show at Madamae JoJo´s Marquee went down a real storm last night with Ruby belting out her songs in her typical gutsy style. Her performance delighted her many fans and she endeared herself even more by staying to meet fans and sign copies of her new album after the show.
8/2/2006 - Nick Page - Back by Demand
Comedian Nick Page has been chosen to compere the Best of Fringe Party at The Fringe Festival Gardens Marquee on 3rd August. Nick won many fans after his first Camfringe appearance in "The Thursday Night Live Show" on July 27th and received the majority of votes cast by audiences for the popular comedy club show, during its highly successful fringe festival run.
8/1/2006 - Sara Mitra - Fringe Gigs
Sara Mitra is an enchanting jazz vocalist with a focus on early jazz standards. Renowned for her passionate delivery and entrancing stage presence Sara is influenced by the great female jazz vocalists Sheila Jordan, Anita O´Day and Ella Fitzgerald Classically trained, Sara Mitra studied music at Cambridge University, then worked Assistant Director of Music at Hills Rd 6th Form College Cambridge. Now writing and performing across the UK Sara is definitely one to watch for the future. To discover more about this rising new talent visit: www.saramitra.com Footnote: Sara is also appearing at this years Edinburgh Fringe see: www.edfringe.com
7/31/2006 - Paddy Milner supports the Fringe
Paddy Milner: Virtuoso pianist and singer/songwriter, signed to Bronze Records and winner of the Best Newcomer Award at the Marlborough Jazz Festival 2006 is appearing on the bill of The Ruby Turner Show at this years Cambridge Fringe Festival (Thursday 3rd August) Now on his 3rd album (to be released Autumn 2006) Paddy has all it takes to make it big and certainly is a worthy support act on a top class bill. visit: www.paddymilner.com for more information.
7/31/2006 - Fringe Sound Engineers in Demand
Local businessman Terry Jones has received a glowing recommendation from rock n´soul superstar Solomon Burke for the work he did on the sound and light effects for the American legends gig at Cambridge Fringe Festival on the 21st July. Burke´s management today contacted the Fringe organisers office to discover whether Terry and his crew would be available to provide sound and light facilities for the stars next UK tour. Describing Terry Jones and his crew as among the best Solomon has worked with, the spokesman went on to say, "It was a pleasure for the whole band to meet and work with people so capable and yet so polite."
7/30/2006 - BBC Radio - Cambridge Fringe Interviews
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire continued to tell the world about Cambridge Fringe today with a 1 hour show dedicated to talking about Cambridge Fringe Festival with interviews and discussion about how Cambridge benefits from the Fringe Festival. Prominent city publican Ronan McLister of the Fort St. George joined Fringe Festival Director Daniel Hannan and two members of Chilean Band Voces del Sur (who made their Cambridge debut at the weekend) to discuss Cambridge Fringe 2006 with the show presenter/
7/30/2006 - Andi Neate Sells Out!
Scots singer songwriter Andi Neate has been amazed at the enthusiasm of audiences during her two day, four gig visit to Cambridge for the 2006 Cambridge Fringe Festival. Andi said, "I´m thrilled and amazed at how warm and appreciative the street audiences have been and I was given the most fabulously warm welcome. I´m so looking forward to coming back next year". Andi sold out her entire stock of CD´s after enormous interest from crowds at her afternoon perfomances on the city centre Fringe Sound Stages. "Friday night´s sales at The Fringe Festival Gardens gig were excellent", said Andi before saying "But I must admit I was totally swept away by the interest at my town centre gigs. The crowds were much bigger that I expected and they were so very, wery warm and appreciative. It was Great stuff." Andi Neate completed her 4 gig mini tour of Cambridge with a highly acclaimed performance before a packed house at the Fort St. George specially erected open-air Fringe sound stage on Saturday night.
7/29/2006 - Cambridge Shakepeare Festival
The Cambridge Fringe Festival wish to make it clear that events produced by Cambridge Shakespeare Festival and listed in our What´s On Guide are produced entirely by David Crilly and Jan Burns of Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, and are NOT produced by Cambridge Fringe Festival as some people seem to have understood. We regret that some people may have mis-understood the Fringe´s desire to promote all local arts events during the 21st July - 6th August period and we can only apologise for any misunderstandings, if that was the case. Cambridge Fringe acknowledge the excellent contribution David Crilly and his team make to arts in Cambridge and wish to acknowledge that fact to all concerned. Further Information on all Cambridge Shakespeare Festival events can be found via: www.cambridgeshakespeare.com
7/25/2006 - Fund Raising Heaven @ Fringe
Local fundraiser Athena Wu was delighted with the turnout at last night´s charity fundraising ball at Madame JoJo´s Marquee and even more delighted to have raised over £4000 for Luekemia Research as a result of the efforts of her Raise1000 group. Further details on an amazing night can be found on the Raise100.org website
7/23/2006 - Jo Caulfield Show - Top Notch!
Still among the very best female stand-up comics, Edinburgh Fringe favourite Jo Caulfield received a great reception at the end of her show last night at Madamae JoJo´s Marquee in Little Abington. Described by one audience member as "Top notch comedy, make no mistake", Jo´s classic bitchy one liners had everyone in roars of laughter throughtout the one hour show. 5*****
7/22/2006 - Solomon Burke Show - Review
American Superstar Solomon Burke enjoyed roars of approval and a fabulous standing ovation after what was described as "a simply awesome show" at the end of his concert at the Cambridge Fringe Festival last night. Burke and his band made what was their first ever appearance in Cambridge and vowed to do all they can to come back next year after receiving what they described as "a truly loving welcome , from a great audience".
7/1/2006 - Extra Comedy In Demand
Fringe comedy shows are very much in demand and Footlights Bar Restaurant in the Grafton Centre has booked extra shows to fill the need for more top class comedy at this years Fringe in Cambridge. To find out more about stand-up comedy at Footlights "Thursday Night Live Show" visit www.cambridgefootlights.com
6/29/2006 - Chilean Band confirm Fringe dates
Chilean band Voces del Sur have confirmed dates for this years Fringe festival in Cambridge with appearances at The Fringe Festival Gardens on the 28th July and the following evening at The Fort St. George on Midsummer Common on Saturday the 29th July. Daytime gigs around the city and on the sound stages at The Grafton Centre Plaza (outside Footlights Restaurant) and the City Hall in Market Square will introduce a whole new audience to this very talented and entertaining group.
6/25/2006 - Best of the Fringe Show - Thurs 3rd Aug
This years ´Best of the Fringe´ Show is at The Fringe Festival Gardens on Thursday 3rd August and tickets promise to be among the most sought after in the whole 17 days and nights of Cambridge Fringe 2006. For the line up of acts in this great cabaret show .... watch this space.
6/23/2006 - Pure Indulgence @ The Fringe Festival
Raise 1000 the Cambridge based charity fundraising group has been chosen as this years winner of The Cambridge Fringe Festival - Best Charity Idea Award. Raise 1000 intend to use the prize to promote a spectacular evening called "Pure Indulgence" at The Fringe Festival Gardens on Monday 24th July. Catch listings for more info.
6/16/2006 - Jo Caulfield @ Cambridge Fringe on 22/07
Wonderfully sharp and bitchy. Expect a lot from this one woman show. Jo Caulfield is coming to Cambridge Fringe (not Edinburgh) this year with her snappy asides, observational humour and rants on life´s irrations. She is, quite simply, a damn funny lady.
6/15/2006 - Going To Edinburgh?
If your looking to take a show to Edinburgh this summer and you are still looking for a venue we have a great soloution. Have a look at www.romaneaglelodge.co.uk It´s great venue, brilliantly situated at the top of the Royal Mile, near the Castle, and they still have a few spaces left. Go for it!
6/12/2006 - Solomon Burke - The King of Rock & Soul
Soul music superstar, Soloman Burke has been confirmed as top of the bill on the opening night of this years Cambridge Fringe "Jazz & Soul Festival" on Friday 21st July 2006. Billed as The King of Rock & Soul, Solomon Burke´s reign has been remarkable. Since being inducted into the Rock ´n Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 Solomon has received a Grammy (2003) and two WC Handy awards. He has performed before both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI with the Vatican Symphonic Orchestra and has collaborated in the studio or onstage with Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Jools Holland, Eric Clapton, the Rollings Stones, BB King and many others. Tickets on sale: 19th June 2006
6/2/2006 - Bike Fest Party Weekend 5th/6th August
Cambridge International Bike Fest fans are set to party the night away with a huge Saturday Night "Bikers Barbecue & Blues Party" scheduled for a 9pm start on Saturday 5th August. With some great live bands scheduled to appear, be sure to get in first for what should be a really fabulous party. Tickets go on sale 21st June 2006.
5/25/2006 - Promoters For Festival Gardens
Local promoters are being given priorty over booking gig dates for The 2006 Fringe in Cambridge. Promoter interest in the Festival Gardens has been very good, but the Fringe Festival Society organising the site became concerned that local promoters were being edged out by the offers from the bigger, more experienced, festival promoters and so have held back some key dates to allow local people the chance to benefit from this great summer club of clubs. Promoter applications at The Festival Gardens site are being accepted up until the 15th June 2006.
5/19/2006 - Cambridge Fringe Opens New Office
The 2006 Fringe Festival Office will be at Fourwentways Little Abington after agreement was reached to build the Fringe Festival Gardens on the site for the 2006 summer fringe festival. Contact details available on the website.
5/17/2006 - Bike Fest - Joins The Fringe Festival
Cambridge International Bike Fest, the family orientated week-end motorbike rally has aligned itself to the 2006 Cambridge Fringe Festival and will see its annual motorbike rally close the proceedings at the Fringe Festival Gardens with a two day rally.
5/2/2006 - Cambridge Fringe Festival Gardens......
Cambridge Fringe Festival is to have its own Festival Gardens this summer. Plans have been laid to turn grounds at Fourwentways Services, Little Abington on the southern fringe of the city into a summer "Club of Clubs, providing entertainment venues that change by the time of day from Childrens Theatre pre-lunch to music and comedy venues later in the evening.
4/6/2006 - Cambridge Fringe LOVES Mother Edinburgh
Cambridge Fringe Festival organisers are looking to learn all they can from the mother of all Fringes, the internationally renowned Edinburgh Fringe. Festival Director Daniel Hannan, himself a child of Edinburgh said, "Looking up to a benevolent, successful mother is entirely natural and Edinburgh being the mother of all Fringes gives us the perfect role model". He then went on to say, " While not seeking to simply copy Edinburgh, as a model it fits perfectly into our plans for Cambridge and we see many lessons to be learned from being a child of Mother Edinburgh".
3/4/2006 - Cambridge Fringe Festival - 2006 Dates.
Cambridge Fringe Festival organisers have today announced the planned dates for the 2006 Cambridge Fringe Festival. This years Cambridge Fringe begins Friday 21st July 2006 and ends on Sunday 6th August.