Buxton Fringe 2025 Boosts Local Economy by Nearly £300,000

Buxton Festival Fringe has announced that combined performer and audience spending during this summer’s event generated an estimated £291,853 for the local economy — reflecting the festival’s continued importance to the town’s cultural and economic life.

Running alongside the Buxton International Festival in July, the 2025 Fringe presented a vibrant programme of 186 events and 444 individual performances, attracting performers from across the UK, Ireland, and the US.

Audience enthusiasm reached record levels, with surveys showing an average satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5 — the highest ever recorded.

Record Audiences and New Venues

The Fringe marked 20 years of the popular Underground venues, which were again based at The Springs and also debuted a new space at Buxton Working Men’s Club. Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, describing the new venue as having “the perfect atmosphere”.

Despite the closure of the Green Man Gallery, Underground reported selling over 1,000 more tickets than in 2024 and recorded an increase in average audience size. Across the wider Fringe, 40 venues hosted performances, with healthy attendance across all categories.

Economic and Community Impact

Fringe organisers calculated the £291,853 boost by factoring in spending from both performers and audiences, including accommodation, dining, and ticket sales for local shows. The total is a conservative estimate, not including the Fringe’s own local spending on printing, design, merchandise, and staff.

Now in its 46th year, the Fringe continues to be a firm favourite, with audience feedback describing it as:

“Fantastic as always”,

“The Fringe goes from strength to strength”, and

“A wonderfully warm, welcoming and lovely festival.”

The audience survey also showed strong crossover with Buxton International Festival, with 58% attending both events. 60% of Fringe-goers were from SK postcodes, while others travelled from across the UK and as far as Virginia, USA.

Loyal and New Audiences

The data revealed a healthy mix of new and returning visitors:

• 26% were attending for the first time.

• 36% have been coming for over ten years.

• 46% saw 2–5 events, and 18% attended 11 or more.

Performer Praise

Entrants were equally positive about their experience, describing Buxton Fringe as:

“The easiest festival process that we do.”
“Every volunteer is amazing.”
“I felt supported at all points – thanks to all.”

Those using the Underground venue called the process “pretty seamless”.

Digital Reach

Online engagement was also at an all-time high, with the Fringe website receiving 1.6 million hits during July. Social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and the new Bluesky account, also saw significant growth, with over 150,000 Facebook views recorded.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Fringe Chair Ian Bowns comments:

It’s a tribute to all involved with the Fringe that we get such positive feedback. We’re conscious that those who attend enjoy the Fringe, but we’ll be looking to do more to increase participation, attendance, and to broaden the range of both performers and audiences for the future.

Organisers plan to build on audience and performer feedback by enhancing publicity in Spring Gardens, improving guidance for entrants, and expanding engagement with young people in Buxton.

The 2026 Buxton Festival Fringe will run from 8–26 July, with entries opening on 1 December 2025 at www.buxtonfringe.org.uk/entrants.html

Entry fees remain frozen for the fourth consecutive year to support performers.

Performers, audiences, and supporters are invited to the Fringe Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12 November, 7–9pm at The Pump Room, Buxton. The evening will include a complimentary drink, Fringe presentation, and announcement of key appointments.

It’s a great chance to find out how you can be part of Buxton Fringe 2026

added Ian.