Durham Fringe Festival is back and bigger than ever with its fifth annual celebration of performing arts set to take over Durham City Centre from 23rd to 27th July 2025. With over 110 acts delivering more than 270 performances across nine diverse venues, this year's lineup promises to be its most exciting yet.
It’s never been more important to support your local cultural venue and take a chance on new creative experiences
Among the standout acts is Durham-based magician Tom Bolton, a returning favourite whose 2024 sell-out show made him a local sensation. Meanwhile, 18-year-old singer-songwriter Isabel Maria, named BBC Introducing’s 'One to Watch for 2025' and last year’s North East Culture Award winner, will also grace the stage.
Comedy is in no short supply with 19 stand-up acts, including BBC New Comedy Award Finalist Jake Donaldson and Phil Green, after back-to-back sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe. Fans of sketch comedy can catch Cal Halbert of The Mimic Men - known for his appearances on Britain’s Got Talent and Good Morning Britain - performing across all five days of the festival.
For theatre enthusiasts, there are 26 productions ranging from adaptations of classics to contemporary works. Highlights include a modern-verse take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew on Palace Green and a stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Bodysnatcher at The City Theatre. Original works are also in focus, with productions like Queen of the Quack by Night-Light Theatre CIC, VANILLA by Fur Coat No Knickers Theatre, and The Rubbish Puppets by 92 Beats.
Families are well catered for with 42 family-friendly acts and 14 children’s shows, with a family ticket deal offering four tickets for just £24. Individual tickets remain accessible at £10 or less, with further discounts available through the festival’s 'discover offer' - three shows for £24.
Dr Stephen Cronin, Director of Durham Fringe CIC, emphasises the festival’s vital role in supporting the arts amid funding challenges: "It’s never been more important to support your local cultural venue and take a chance on new creative experiences. As audiences, we get so much from performing arts – wellbeing, education, and time to switch off."
Durham Fringe Festival is run by the not-for-profit Durham Fringe CIC, which channels 70% of ticket sales directly to performers while keeping ticket prices low to ensure accessibility. For the full programme and to book tickets, visit durhamfringe.co.uk/events.
